suburb.guide

VIC · Greater Geelong Council

Little River, 3211

Current weather

10.5°CMainly clear

77% humidity · 25.6 km/h wind · 13.5° / 10.1° today · 12.1 mm rain

Updated

Desirability score

41.5/100
Average

Top 46% of Victoria's suburbs

85% data confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Green suburb
  • National parks
  • River access
  • Heritage area
  • Education hub
What Little River is known for: Green suburb, National parks, River access, Heritage area, Education hub

Suburb profile

Little River is a hillside smaller community in Greater Geelong, with elevated streets and a greener, quieter pace. The community is self-contained in the best sense. Local life comes first, with the region opening up beyond. Fresh country air and elevated outlooks are part of the appeal up here among the hills.

Established families and long-term residents give the suburb a settled feel, with a strong presence of young families throughout. Life here is grounded in local routine rather than big-city choice, and that is part of the charm. Parks, reserves and open space make it genuinely outdoor-friendly for walks, sport and weekend downtime.

The market sits in a sensible middle ground: not cheap, but fair value for the area. Active development is adding new homes and refreshed pockets throughout the suburb.

On the desirability index, the suburb sits around average overall, mainly because local dining and lifestyle amenities and schools and education lag similar regional towns, despite relative strength in parks and green space and growth momentum. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.

Population

Population
1,353
Median age
42
Median household income / week
$2,005
Dwelling vacancy
7.6%
Unoccupied private dwellings
33 of 435
Median monthly mortgage
$2,167
Employment rate
55.5%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
29 / 0 / 0

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 · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 Census release

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

Crime & safety

Total offences (2026)
208
Against the person
36
Against property
140
Rate per 1,000 residents
153.7
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 38 residents
State safety percentile
86.2th (lower crime is better)
Decrease (daily rate)
-9.2%

Reported offences decreased compared with the previous period.

Reported offences by period

Most common offence types

  • B21 Criminal Damage10
  • B41 Motor Vehicle Theft21
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle10
  • B45 Receiving Or Handling Stolen Goods11
  • B49 Other Theft54

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Schools & preschools

Schools & preschools
1
Median school ICSEA
978
  • Little River Primary SchoolPrimary

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Public transport

3 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Little River Railway Station
  • Little River Station
  • Little River Station

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Roadworks & transport

9 active roadworks / incidents

  • Building / 3rd Party Works activities occurring between 26/05/2026 and 28/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Weekends 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed southbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.WESTS ROAD, MORRISONS LANE25 May 2026 – 27 Aug 2026
  • Building / 3rd Party Works activities occurring between 26/05/2026 and 28/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Weekends 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed southbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.PRINCES FREEWAY, LITTLE RIVER-PRINCES IN RAMP ON25 May 2026 – 27 Aug 2026
  • Building / 3rd Party Works activities occurring between 26/05/2026 and 28/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Weekends 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed northbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.PRINCES FREEWAY, LITTLE RIVER-PRINCES IN RAMP ON25 May 2026 – 27 Aug 2026
  • Building / 3rd Party Works activities occurring between 26/05/2026 and 28/08/2026 during the following times: Weekdays 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Weekends 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed northbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.WESTS ROAD, MORRISONS LANE25 May 2026 – 27 Aug 2026
  • Road Safety Camera Works activities occurring between 01/01/2022 and 30/06/2027 during the following times: Weekdays 9:30 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 6:00 AM to 6:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed both directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be Nil.PRINCES HIGHWAY, POINT WILSON-PRINCES IN RAMP ON31 Dec 2021 – 29 Jun 2027
  • Road Safety Camera Works activities occurring between 03/04/2023 and 31/03/2027 during the following times: Weekdays 9:30 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed both directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.PRINCES FREEWAY, PRINCES OUT-160 SOUTH RAMP OF02 Apr 2023 – 30 Mar 2027
  • Road Safety Camera Works activities occurring between 07/05/2026 and 31/08/2027 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed inbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.PRINCES HIGHWAY, POINT WILSON-PRINCES IN RAMP ON06 May 2026 – 30 Aug 2027
  • Road Safety Camera Works activities occurring between 07/05/2026 and 31/08/2027 during the following times: Weekdays 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, Weekends 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed outbound. Altered speed limit during operation will be 40 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.PRINCES HIGHWAY, PRINCES OUT-POINT WILSON RAMP OF06 May 2026 – 30 Aug 2027
  • Road Safety Camera Works activities occurring between 18/07/2025 and 30/06/2027 during the following times: Weekdays 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM, Weekends 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Impact to traffic will be lanes closed both directions. Altered speed limit during operation will be 60 and the traffic delay is expected to be 0 to 5 min.PRINCES HIGHWAY, POINT WILSON-PRINCES IN RAMP ON17 Jul 2025 – 29 Jun 2027

Data sources & freshness

  • Road incidents & closures — State road authority open-data feeds · Period: current · Updated on site · Hourly refresh where supported

Planning & development

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

44 planning-related records

2021· 26 proposals

  • September 2021

  • Construction of a Shelter Area Adjacent to Existing Building and Direction Signage
    760 SANDY CREEK ROAD LITTLE RIVER 3211Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Alterations and Additions to a Dwelling
    30 CALVERT ROAD LITTLE RIVER 3211Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a Site Entry / Gatehouse Building and Removal of Vegetation
    760 SANDY CREEK ROAD LITTLE RIVER 3211Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2021

  • Use and development for the purposes of an extension to the existing sports pavilion
    RIVER STREET LITTLE RIVER 3211No permit required
  • Amendment to the Planning Permit - Extension of scope of removal of native vegetation. - Removal of native vegetation for the construction of Rothwell Road between Old Melbourne Rd & McLeans Road - and removal of vegetation for the construction of a swale drain along Gleesons Rd within Environmental Significance Overlay Schedule 1 .
    230 ROTHWELL ROAD LITTLE RIVER 3211Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2021

  • Use and development of one single storey dwelling
    100 ROTHWELL ROAD LITTLE RIVER 3211Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2021

  • Construction of a Shed
    155 Minns RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Buildings and Works Associated with an Existing Warehouse, Construction of a Warehouse and Removal of Vegetation
    760 SANDY CREEK ROAD LITTLE RIVER 3211Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a Shed
    15 Bates RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Building and Works for an Extension to a Dwelling
    125 MINNS ROAD LITTLE RIVER 3211Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2021

  • Construction of Two (2) Sheds and Removal of Native Vegetation
    760 SANDY CREEK ROAD LITTLE RIVER 3211Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a Shed in an Environmental Significance Overlay
    80 Bates RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of Machinery Shed
    2-4 ROBS LANE LITTLE RIVER 3211Withdrawn

  • April 2021

  • Alterations and Additions to an Existing Dwelling
    700 Old Melbourne RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of the Land for a Contractors Depot
    70 EXPRESS ROAD LITTLE RIVER 3211Refusal issued by a delegate
  • Construction of a Shed
    20 Calvert RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a Shed
    120 KIRKS BRIDGE ROAD LITTLE RIVER 3211Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2021

  • Construction of a Shed
    50 Hughes RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use and Development of a Dwelling and Removal of Native Vegetation
    30 BATES ROAD LITTLE RIVER 3211Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a Shed
    125-135 Argyle StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • February 2021

  • Construction of Dwelling to replace existing Dwelling.
    18-32 GLEESONS ROAD LITTLE RIVER 3211Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a Shed in Farming Zone and Land Subject to Inundation Overlay
    35 Oxford StreetPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Development and Use of an Animal Boarding Facility
    135 You Yangs RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a Shed
    110 Minns RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a Shed Associated with a Dwelling
    50 Edgars RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • January 2021

  • Use of the land for domestic animal day care including the removal of native grasses
    55 MINNS ROAD LITTLE RIVER 3211Withdrawn
2020· 14 proposals

  • December 2020

  • Earthworks Associated with Quarry Rehabilitation
    555 Sandy Creek RoadNOD issued by the Resp. Authority
  • Buildings and Works Associated with a Telecommunications Facility (30m Monopole)
    10 ARGYLE STREET LITTLE RIVER 3211NOD issued by a delegate
  • Construction of a single storey dwelling
    111-117 Old Melbourne RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a Garage Associated with a Dwelling in a Farming Zone
    85 Shaws RoadWithdrawn

  • November 2020

  • Construction of Shed Associated with Existing Dwelling
    85 Shaws RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Secondary Consent - Amendment to the Endorsed Plans to Increase the Length of the Shed by Five Metres and Alter the Alignment of the Building.
    34-48 Gleesons RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • October 2020

  • Construction of Antenna Mast
    85 Shaws RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a Shed in a Farming Zone
    55 Express RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • September 2020

  • Construction of a Replacement Dwelling and Decommissioning of Existing Dwelling on the Land and Removal of Scattered Native Vegetation
    55 Express RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • The Use and Development of the land with a Replacement Dwelling and associated buildings and works in accordance with the endorsed plans.
    27-31 Old Melbourne RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2020

  • Buildings and Works - Covered Horse Arena / Pavilion - Amendment to the endorsed plans to include an enclosed wall in the northern elevation.
    63 McNaughton DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2020

  • Use and Development of Land for Landscape Gardening supplies
    10 Hughes RoadLapsed

  • June 2020

  • Buildings and Works - Covered Horse Arena / Pavilion
    63 McNaughton DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2020

  • Alterations and Additions to an Existing Dwelling
    100 Calvert RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

  • PPARS planning permit activity (statewide) — Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria) · Period: 2020–2022 · Updated on site · Public MapServer last updated Feb 2024 — applications through FY 2022–23 only; newer PPARS data requires council/API access

Parks & reserves

6 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Bulban ReservePark
  • Bull ReservePark
  • Freshwater Swamp, Little River Wildlife Reserve (no hunting)Nature reserve
  • Possy Newland ReservePark
  • Rees ReservePark
  • Rothwell ReserveNature reserve

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic (SEIFA)

IRSAD decile (2021)
6/10
IRSD decile (2021)
5/10

SEIFA indexes from ABS 2021. Decile 10 = most advantaged / least disadvantaged in Australia.

Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)

Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)

Data sources & freshness

Heritage

4 state heritage places

  • LITTLE RIVER RAILWAY STATION & GOODS YARDNH1572
  • MT ROTHWELL HOMESTEADNH1107
  • ROTHWELL BRIDGENH1454
  • ROTHWELL BRIDGENH1454

Data sources & freshness

  • State heritage register — State heritage authority · Period: current · Updated on site

Childcare

1 childcare service from OpenStreetMap

  • Little River Centrekindergarten

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

Childcare centre count

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · Period: current · Updated on site

Hazards

Bushfire planning zone
No overlay at centroid

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 · Period: current · Updated on site

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
20
Parks (OSM)
4

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

  • OpenStreetMap green cover features — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh

Desirability Index

Desirability score
41.5/100 — Average
State standing
Top 46% of Victoria's suburbs
National rank
3050th in Australia
State rank
583rd in VIC
Peer rank
#110 among Country & regional · Established suburbs
Cohort rank
#203 among Country & regional suburbs
Data confidence
85%

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived score) · Period: current · Updated on site · Derived from source metrics

Recent changes

  • B21 Criminal Damagecrime10
  • B41 Motor Vehicle Theftcrime21
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehiclecrime10
  • B45 Receiving Or Handling Stolen Goodscrime11
  • B49 Other Theftcrime54
  • Little River Centrechildcarekindergarten
  • LITTLE RIVER RAILWAY STATION & GOODS YARDheritageNH1572
  • MT ROTHWELL HOMESTEADheritageNH1107
  • ROTHWELL BRIDGEheritageNH1454
  • ROTHWELL BRIDGEheritageNH1454

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · Updated on site
  • Recorded offences by suburb/town — Crime Statistics Agency (Victoria) · Updated on site · Year ending March release
  • State heritage register — State heritage authority · Updated on site

More in Greater Geelong Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

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