Town by Town Snapshot: Deans Marsh

THE SIZE of Deans Marsh is approximately 57.1sqkm. It has two parks covering nearly 18.3 per cent of the total area.

The population of Deans Marsh in 2016 was 269 people. By 2021, the population was 368, showing a population growth of 36.8 per cent in the area during that time.

Tucked in the hinterland between the coast and the Otways, Deans Marsh is a peaceful rural community that offers a taste of country living within easy reach of the surf.

Just 20 minutes inland from Lorne and about 40 minutes from Geelong, it’s a place where rolling farmland meets towering gums, and where life moves to the rhythm of the seasons.

Established in the mid-1800s, Deans Marsh grew from a timber and farming district serving the Otways and remains a gateway between the hinterland and the sea. Heritage buildings and old homesteads still dot the landscape, while newer eco-friendly homes and lifestyle properties are taking shape among the hills.

At the centre of town, the general store and community hall provide gathering points for locals, with regular markets and events reinforcing the area’s strong sense of connection. The annual Deans Marsh Festival celebrates local growers, artisans and musicians, drawing visitors from across the Surf Coast and beyond.

Surrounded by winding roads, berry farms, olive groves and boutique producers, Deans Marsh is a natural stop for those exploring the Otway hinterland or heading to the coast. Its proximity to waterfalls, forest trails and beaches adds to its appeal as both a weekend escape and a permanent home.

With its blend of history, open space and easy access to both Lorne and Colac, Deans Marsh offers a slower, more grounded pace of living — a hidden pocket where the hills meet the sea.

The predominant age group in Deans Marsh is 60-69 years.

Households in Deans Marsh are primarily childless couples and are likely to be repaying $1,800-$2,399 per month on mortgage repayments.

In general, people in Deans Marsh work in a professional occupation. In 2021, 85.6 per cent of the homes in Deans Marsh were owners-occupied, compared with 76.3 per cent in 2016.

Quick Stats: Deans Marsh

Population: 368

Male: 49.7%

Female: 50.3%

Median age: 47

5 Year Population Change: 36.8%

Median House Value: $1,234,092

Change in Median House Price (5 Years): 25.1%

Median Asking Rent Per Week: NA

Average Length of Ownership (Years): NA

Median House Price Over Time:

September 2025: $1,234,092