suburb.guide

VIC · Golden Plains Council

Smythes Creek, 3351

Current weather

7.3°CLight drizzle

95% humidity · 25.6 km/h wind · 9.1° / 5.9° today · 13.9 mm rain

Desirability score

37.7/100
Below average

717th in VIC

81% data confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Regional
  • Established
  • Amenities
  • Open space
  • Suburban
What Smythes Creek is known for: Regional, Established, Amenities, Open space, Suburban

Suburb profile

Smythes Creek is a quieter smaller community in Golden Plains, where peace, space and a country-town pace still dominate. The community is self-contained in the best sense. Local life comes first, with the region opening up beyond. Open skies and rolling countryside set a calm backdrop to everyday routines.

Families and commuters make up much of the community, with family life visible on every street. Life here is grounded in local routine rather than big-city choice, and that is part of the charm. Housing is well-priced for what you get: space, location and everyday convenience.

Construction and infill projects are noticeably reshaping parts of the area.

On the desirability index, the suburb sits below average overall, mainly because local dining and lifestyle amenities and parks and green space lag similar regional towns, despite relative strength in housing affordability and community and employment. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.

Population

Population
1,762
Median age
38
Median household income / week
$2,132
Dwelling vacancy
3.6%
Unoccupied private dwellings
21 of 582
Median monthly mortgage
$1,647
Employment rate
65.6%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
31 / 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)
307
Against the person
58
Against property
222
Rate per 1,000 residents
174.2
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 30 residents
State safety percentile
89th (lower crime is better)
Increase (daily rate)
+3%

Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.

Reported offences by period

Most common offence types

  • A232 Non-Fv Common Assault21
  • B21 Criminal Damage25
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehicle21
  • B43 Steal From A Retail Store89
  • B49 Other Theft44

Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)

Crime rate and year-on-year trend

Data sources & freshness

Public transport

6 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Bells Rd/Glenelg Hwy
  • Bells Rd/Glenelg Hwy
  • Bells Rd/Glenelg Hwy
  • Bells Rd/Glenelg Hwy
  • Delacombe Town Centre

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Public transport stop coverage

Data sources & freshness

Planning & development

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

38 planning-related records

2021· 15 proposals

  • September 2021

  • use of the land (dwelling) under clause 35.03-1 (RLZ), construction of a building and associated with a section 2 use under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) and construction of a building (dwelling) under clause 44.06-2 (BMO)
    924 GLENELG HIGHWAY SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of an outbuilding (shed) associated with a section 2 use, and to construct a building within specified setbacks under clause 35.08-4 (RLZ).
    36 KENNEDYS ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of the land (dwelling) and associated buildings and works under clauses 35.03-1 and 35.03-4 (RLZ), construction of a building (dwelling) under clause 44.06-2 (BMO), earthworks (dam) under clause 35.03-4, construction of an outbuilding (shed) with dimensions greater than specified under clause 43.02-2 (DDO), and variation of restrictive covenant PS813902A to move the building envelope under clause 52.02 (Easements, restrictions and reserves)
    924 GLENELG HIGHWAY SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of the land (dwelling) under clause 35.03-1 (RLZ) and buildings and works associated with a section 2 use under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ)
    924 GLENELG HIGHWAY SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of the land (dwelling) under clause 32.03-1 (RLZ) construction of a building and works associated with section 2 use and within designated setbacks under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ)
    389 BELLS ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2021

  • Permit to keep 5 dogs
    41 KARINGAL PARK DRIVE SMYTHES CREEK 3351Withdrawn
  • The use and development of the land for the purposes of a dwelling pursuant to the provisions of the RLZ (Clauses 35.03-1 & 35.03-4) and BMO (Clause 44.06-2)
    234 POST OFFICE ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Construction of a building (shed) within a specified setback under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ)
    74 WESTGATE ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2021

  • Use and development of a dwelling and shed
    537 FINCHS ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • construction of an outbuilding (shed) associated with a section 2 use and with dimensions greater than specified and within a designated setback under clause 35.03-5 (RLZ) and construction of a building (shed) with dimensions greater than specified under clause 42.02-2 (DDO)
    124 FINCHS ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • extension to existing existing building (shed) over 100sqm under clause 32.05-4 (RLZ) and clause 43.10 (DDO7)
    216 HENDERSONS ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • June 2021

  • Construction of an outbuilding (shed) associated with a section 2 use and with dimensions great than specified under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ), with dimensions greater than specified under clause 43.02-2 (DDO) and 44.06-2 (BMO)
    209 Kennedys RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Staged Multi Lot Subdivision
    88 CHERRY FLAT ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • May 2021

  • Construction of an outbuilding (shed) associated with a section 2 use, greater than 100sqm and within a setback specified in the zone under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) construction of an outbuilding (shed) with dimensions greater than specified in the schedule under clause 43.02-2 (DDO7) and construction of a building (shed) under clause 44.06-2 (BMO)
    165 Jollys Hill RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2021

  • Use of the land (dwelling) under clause 35.03-1 (RLZ), buildings and works associated with a section 2 use under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ), construction of a building (shed) with dimensions greater than specified and within a specified setback under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) and construction of an outbuilding (shed) under clause 43.02-2 (DDO7).
    47 BELLS ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
2020· 23 proposals

  • December 2020

  • Construction and carrying out works to a dwelling greater than 100sqm and within a setback under clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) and extension to existing building (outbuilding) under clause 44.06-2 (BMO) in accordance with endorsed plans
    29 ALLAN COURT SMYTHES CREEK 3351In progress

  • November 2020

  • Development of a farm shed
    4 Kingston CourtPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • The development of the land for the purposes of a shed pursuant to the provisions of the RLZ & DDO7
    27 Kirks RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of the land for a dwelling under clause 35.03-1 and to construct a building and works associated with a section 2 use under clause 35.03-4
    126 Hendersons RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • October 2020

  • The construction of a building (shed) and carrying out works under clauses 35.03-4, 44.06-2 and 43.02-2 in accordance with endorsed plans
    126 Tudors RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Alterations and additions to existing dwelling greater than 100sqm and within 100m of a waterway pursuant to clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) and extension to an existing dwelling pursuant to clause 44.06-2 (BMO) in accordance with endorsed plans
    61 Kirkwood DrivePermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • September 2020

  • Construction of a building (replacement dwelling) pursuant to clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) in accordance with endorsed plans
    22 Jollys Hill RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • The use and development of the land for a dwelling in accordance with endorsed plans
    32 Kennedys RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • The use of the land for the purposes of a home based business (joinery) pursuant to Clause 52.11-2 of the planning scheme
    18 KIRKWOOD DRIVE SMYTHES CREEK 3351NOD issued by the Resp. Authority
  • Alterations and additions to existing shopping centre, display of signage and a reduction of car parking requirements
    315 Glenelg HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • August 2020

  • The development of the land for a shed
    129 Kirks RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of land for domestic animal boarding
    580 Bells RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • July 2020

  • the development of the land for a dwelling and the development of the land for a shed
    LOT 6 Stuart CourtWithdrawn
  • The use and development of the land for a contractors depot pursuant to the provisions of the RLZ (Clauses 35.03-1 & 35.03-4)
    87 FINCHS ROAD SMYTHES CREEK 3351Withdrawn

  • June 2020

  • The development of the land for a shed
    20 DOBLE ROADPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • April 2020

  • Installation of Business Identification Signage
    315 Glenelg HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • March 2020

  • Development of horse stables
    164 Bells RoadPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Two lot subdivision
    331 Glenelg HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Use of the premises for the sale and consumption of liquor
    Tenancy 17-19/315 Glenelg HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • The development of the land for a dwelling
    141 JOLLYS HILL ROADPermit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • The use and development of the land for dwelling
    11 KOALA COURTPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • February 2020

  • Staged multi lot subdivision and associated works including Creation of access to a Road Zone, Category1, removal of native vegetation, and creation of a restriction
    Lot D Glenelg HighwayPermit issued by a delegate of the RA

  • January 2020

  • Use and development of a dwelling, outbuildling and associated works
    469 Glenelg HighwayPermit 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

Amenities

No OpenStreetMap amenities mapped for this suburb yet.

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh

Health access

Hospitals & GP clinics
2
Emergency department
Not in suburb
  • Delacombe Medical CentreDrummond Street Northdoctor
  • Discount Chemistpharmacy

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic (SEIFA)

IRSAD decile (2021)
7/10
IRSD decile (2021)
8/10

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

Childcare

1 childcare service from OpenStreetMap

  • Brady Bunch Early Learning 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)
1
Parks (OSM)
1

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
37.7/100 — Below average
National rank
3754th in Australia
State rank
717th in VIC
Peer rank
#153 among Country & regional · Established suburbs
Cohort rank
#295 among Country & regional suburbs
Data confidence
81%

Data sources & freshness

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

Recent changes

  • A232 Non-Fv Common Assaultcrime21
  • B21 Criminal Damagecrime25
  • B42 Steal From A Motor Vehiclecrime21
  • B43 Steal From A Retail Storecrime89
  • B49 Other Theftcrime44
  • Brady Bunch Early Learning Centrechildcarekindergarten
  • Delacombe Medical CentrehealthDrummond Street Northdoctor
  • Discount Chemisthealthpharmacy
  • Alterations and additions to existing dwelling greater than 100sqm and within 100m of a waterway pursuant to clause 35.03-4 (RLZ) and extension to an existing dwelling pursuant to clause 44.06-2 (BMO) in accordance with endorsed plansplanning61 Kirkwood DriveLodged 14 Oct 2020 · Permit issued by a delegate of the RA
  • Alterations and additions to existing shopping centre, display of signage and a reduction of car parking requirementsplanning315 Glenelg HighwayLodged 08 Sep 2020 · Permit issued by a delegate of the RA

Data sources & freshness

Similar suburbs

Suburbs with a similar population, SEIFA decile and location.