Town by town snapshot: Wye River

The size of Wye River is about 35.8 square kilometres with the population of Wye River recorded at 234 people in 2011 and by the 2016 Census the population was 51, showing a population decline of 78.2 per cent in the area during that time.

This significant decline in population would mostly be due to the Christmas 2015 bushfires, which devastated the area and destroyed more than 100 homes in its path.

Wye River is a small coastal town situated between Lorne and Apollo Bay, along one of the most spectacular sections of the Great Ocean Road.

Located on the river it’s named after, with a rugged and bushy mountain backdrop, it’s picturesque scenery where the rainforest meets the sea is a visitor’s delight.

The town boasts a very popular caravan park beside the river, and the town’s hotel is perched high above the beach, offering visitors great views while eating and drinking.

The main sandy beach near the river mouth is patrolled during the warmer months of the year, while the surrounding rocky platforms, rock pools and reefs are great for fishing and exploring.

CoreLogic data indicates the predominant age group in Wye River is 50-59 years, with households in Wye River being primarily childless couples and are likely to be repaying $1,000-$1,399 per month on mortgage repayments and in general, people in Wye River work in a labourer occupation.

In 2011, 77.4 per cent of the homes in Wye River were owner-occupied compared with 61.5 per cent in 2016.

AGENT PERSPECTIVE:
“The Separation Creek/Wye River/Kennett River property market has been exceptional during the 20/21 financial year and performed at the same elite levels of any other popular Victorian coastal real estate markets.

“A record house price was achieved in Wye River and Kennett River plus near-record numbers of total transactions took place.

“It’s a very special seven-kilometre stretch on the iconic Great Ocean Road and will remain tightly held in high demand for next decade and beyond.”

Michael Coutts – Great Ocean Road Real Estate – Lorne

TIDBIT:
Wye River first became a popular place for Melburnians to holiday after the Great Ocean Road was officially opened in 1932.