suburb.guide

VIC · Bass Coast Council

Cape Woolamai, 3925

Est. population · Jun 2025

2,448

Growth (1 yr)

+2.0%

Growth (5 yr)

+13.2%

Median age

43

Median income

$1,471/wk

Employment rate

57.1%

Languages at home

5.5%non-English

Most common: Italian, Greek, French

2021 Census · usual residence

Desirability score

28.9/100
Below average

1102nd in VIC

Verified 70% confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Coastal
  • Excellent transport
  • Heritage area
  • High desirability
What Cape Woolamai is known for: Coastal, Excellent transport, Heritage area, High desirability

Suburb profile

Life in Cape Woolamai revolves around the coast at a genuine remove from Melbourne. Neighbouring centres cover more of the weekly rhythm than the distant capital does. Long-term locals and family households define much of the community, with plenty of young families in the mix.

Local green pockets are modest, with bigger outdoor outings usually found in neighbouring areas. Day-to-day life is more car-oriented here, with buses covering longer trips across the wider area. Housing sits in the middle of the local market: neither cheap nor premium.

Reported crime has been falling recently. Infill and new builds are slowly updating the area without overwhelming its existing character.

The overall desirability read is below average, pulled by softer local dining and lifestyle amenities, plus parks and green space compared with similar coastal suburbs, though growth momentum remain brighter spots. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.

At a glance

Cape Woolamai snapshot

A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk

Median house price

—

No data available

Median rent

—

No data available

Population (ERP)

2,448

+2.0% annual growth

Dwelling vacancy

52.3%

Census unoccupied dwellings

Livability profile

Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)

How it compares

Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles

Desirability

#13

among Coastal & beach · Emerging

Safety

28th

percentile in state (higher = safer)

Pop. growth

87th

percentile in VIC

Advantage (IRSAD)

6/10

national SEIFA decile

Population growth

Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years

Housing mix

Dwelling types from the 2021 Census

Risks & flags

Quick scan — open a section below for full context

Living here

Desirability

Ranks & confidence
Desirability score
28.9/100 — Below average
National rank
5749th in Australia
State rank
1102nd in VIC
Peer rank
#13 among Coastal & beach · Emerging suburbs
Cohort rank
#118 among Coastal & beach suburbs
Data confidence
70%

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated

Population

Estimated resident population

2,448(June 2025)

+2.0% annual · +13.2% over 5 years · 87th percentile in VIC

Growth figures & methodology
Annual growth
+2.0%
5-year growth
+13.2%
Change in 1 year
+48
Change in 5 years
+285
Growth rank in VIC
87th percentile

ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.

Methodology

Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.

The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~2,850), extrapolated at +3.1% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.

2021 Census figures

2021 Census

Population
2,301
Median age
43
Median household income / week
$1,471
Dwelling vacancy
52.3%
Unoccupied private dwellings
898 of 1,717
Median monthly mortgage
$1,500
Employment rate
57.1%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
721 / 87 / 9

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

  • Estimated Resident Population — Australian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries

Community & culture

No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.

Data sources & freshness

  • 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated

    The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.

Crime & safety

Reported offences decreased compared with the previous period.

Offence counts & rates
Total offences (2026)
79
Against the person
30
Against property
43
Rate per 1,000 residents
32.3
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 77 residents
State safety percentile
27.8th (lower crime is better)
Decrease (daily rate)
-24.8%

Most common offence types

  • A231 Fv Common Assault9
  • B321 Residential Non-Aggravated Burglary6
  • B41 Motor Vehicle Theft6
  • B49 Other Theft9
  • Other Crimes Against The Person5

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Family & Lifestyle

Public transport

7 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Cape Woolamai/Phillip Island Rd
  • Cape Woolamai/Phillip Island Rd
  • Corona Rd/Woolamai Beach Rd
  • Goldensands Rd/Woolamai Beach Rd
  • Ocean Rch/Woolamai Beach Rd

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Amenities

28 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

1 cafes

Local character & venue list

Local character

  • Limited walkable amenities nearby
Walkability proxy
13/100
Cafés per 1,000 residents
0.43
Food & drink per 1,000 residents
0.43
Parks per 1,000 residents
0
Food & drink(1)
  • Woolamai Beach cafeCafe
Entertainment(4)
  • Viewpoint (4)
Transport(1)

1 bus stops

Other(10)
  • Bbq
  • Bench (5)
  • Information
  • Anzacs Beach ParkingParking
  • Parking (4)
  • Picnic Table (4)
  • Public toilets
  • Shelter
  • Shower (2)
  • Waste Basket (2)

Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
  • OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
4
Parks (OSM)
0

OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.

Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)

Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Nearest hospital
Hospital (13.9 km)
Nearest hospital type
Hospital
Nearest hospital emergency
Emergency department

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

NDIS participation

NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
58
Participants per 1,000 residents
23.7

Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.

For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.

Data sources & freshness

Weather

Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.

Summer (Dec–Feb)

Usual max / min
24° / 13°
Rainfall
155 mm · ~19 rainy days

Autumn (Mar–May)

Usual max / min
20° / 11°
Rainfall
186 mm · ~23 rainy days

Winter (Jun–Aug)

Usual max / min
14° / 6°
Rainfall
203 mm · ~25 rainy days

Spring (Sep–Nov)

Usual max / min
18° / 9°
Rainfall
207 mm · ~26 rainy days

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Temperature and humidity comfort

Data sources & freshness

  • Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated

Future & Planning

Planning & development

Development applications from PPARS statewide register (lodged 2020–2022). Free public PPARS MapServer — applications through ~2022 (service last updated Feb 2024).

30 planning-related records

2021· 15 proposals

  • September 2021

  • Development of land for a dwelling in the BMO1
    159 VISTA DRIVE CAPE WOOLAMAI 3925Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2021

  • Additions to an existing dwelling in the BMO1
    99 TAMPA ROAD CAPE WOOLAMAI 3925Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of land for two dwellings in the GRZ
    3 SECOND AVENUE CAPE WOOLAMAI 3925Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Erection and display of an internally illuminated, promotional sign
    1 VISTA PLACE CAPE WOOLAMAI 3925NOD issued by a delegate

  • July 2021

  • Amendment to plans Original preamble - Alterations and additions to the existing dwelling in DDO1
    26 MAROUBRA DRIVE CAPE WOOLAMAI 3925NOD issued by the Resp. Authority
  • Two lot subdivision and development of the land for a second dwelling
    4-6 MAROUBRA DRIVE CAPE WOOLAMAI 3925NOD issued by a delegate
  • Development a dwelling exceeding 7m in the BMO and DDO1
    124 TAMPA ROAD CAPE WOOLAMAI 3925Refusal issued by a delegate

  • June 2021

  • Construct or carry out works associated with a dwelling in the BMO1
    16 COTTOSLOE AVENUE CAPE WOOLAMAI 3925Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of land for two dwellings on a lot in the GRZ
    80 PANORAMA DRIVE CAPE WOOLAMAI 3925NOD issued by the Resp. Authority
  • Removal of four trees in the VPO2
    96 PANORAMA DRIVE CAPE WOOLAMAI 3925Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2021

  • Development of land for a dwelling over 7 metres in DDO1 and HO180
    45 GROFAM COURT CAPE WOOLAMAI 3925NOD issued by the Resp. Authority

  • April 2021

  • Subdivision of land into 2 lots
    12 Second AvenuePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Works on the Forrest Caves boardwalk comprising of screw piles and support beams
    FORREST CAVES BOARDWALK CONNECTING MAIN CARPARK TO THE BEACH CAPE WOOLAMAI 3925Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • February 2021

  • Buildings and works associated with a rooftop deck
    48 Beresford DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • January 2021

  • Variation to a registered building envelope PS716641T
    6 HOMESTEAD MEWS CAPE WOOLAMAI 3925Refusal issued by the Resp. Authority
2020· 15 proposals

  • December 2020

  • Development of land for a dwelling in the BMO1
    26 Second AvenuePermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • November 2020

  • Development of land for a dwelling in the BMO1
    27 Bunya DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and works associated with the construction of a dwelling - Amendment to plans
    43 BRIDGEVIEW DRIVE CAPE WOOLAMAI 3925Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of the land for a second dwelling in the GRZ1 and BMO1 and removal of native vegetation
    39 SECOND AVENUE CAPE WOOLAMAI 3925Refusal issued by a delegate
  • Development of land for dwelling in DDO1 and BMO1
    12 BUNYA DRIVE CAPE WOOLAMAI 3925NOD issued by the Resp. Authority

  • October 2020

  • Subdivision of land into two lots
    11 First AvenuePermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • September 2020

  • Development of land for a dwelling
    5 Bunya DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of the land for verandah in association with dwelling
    8 Tampa RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2020

  • Alterations and additions to an existing dwelling in a BMO2
    16 Beresford DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Subdivision of land into two (2) lots in GRZ1
    5 Milton StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2020

  • Development of land for a dwelling in BMO1
    151 Woolamai Beach RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2020

  • Development of the land for dwelling BMO1
    30 Bunya DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2020

  • Subdivision of land into two lots
    55 Pinedale AvenuePermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • January 2020

  • Development of land for a dwelling and associated outbuilding in the BMO
    108 The EsplanadePermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development of land for a second dwelling in GRZ1
    11 First AvenueNOD issued by a delegate

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

Heritage

1 heritage place

  • WOLLOMAI HOUSENH0666

Data sources & freshness

  • State heritage register — State heritage authority · current · Updated

Hazards

Bushfire planning zone
Overlay applies

Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via Victorian Bushfire Management Overlay mapping.

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Bushfire hazard overlays

Data sources & freshness

  • Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · current · Updated

Politics & representation

Federal electorate
Monash
Member of Parliament
Mary ALDRED (Liberal)
Results from
2025 federal election
Electorate enrolment (2025)
116,463
Turnout (2025)
93.5%
Swing since 2022 (2025)
-1.2 pp toward Coalition

Two-party preferred (2025)

Coalition 54.1%Labor 45.9%

Estimated suburb voting profile

Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 17.4 km away).

Coalition 48.9%Labor 51.1%

5.2 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate

Estimated swing since 2022: 0.0 pp

Nearest polling places

  • San RemoLabor 40.4% · Coalition 59.6% TPP (2025)3.2 km away
  • NewhavenLabor 64.2% · Coalition 35.8% TPP (2025)3.6 km away
  • RhyllLabor 55.4% · Coalition 44.6% TPP (2025)9.5 km away
  • KilcundaLabor 53.9% · Coalition 46.1% TPP (2025)11.5 km away
  • BassLabor 45.9% · Coalition 54.1% TPP (2025)12.5 km away

Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic

IRSAD decile (2021)
6/10
IRSD decile (2021)
7/10

ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).

What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?

IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.

IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.

A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)

Data sources & freshness

More in Bass Coast Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of Victoria.