Overview

Approximately 27,000 (2008) residents call Moorabool home. Most live in the main centres of Bacchus Marsh (17,000 people, 45 kilometres west of the Melbourne CBD) and Ballan (2,440 people, 70 kilometres west of the Melbourne CBD). Moorabool also features 18 localities, hamlets and towns that have a population less than 100.

Moorabool has an age structure which reflects its attraction for residents seeking a semi-rural lifestyle, particularly young families. Approximately 28.3% of the population is under the age of 17 and a further 41.9% of the population is between 18 and 49. Around 15.8% of the population is over 60 years.

Moorabool Shire straddles the Western Freeway in Victoria. Its eastern boundary is located 40 kilometres immediately to the west of the City of Melbourne and extends westwards to the City of Ballarat.

Covering an area of 2,110 square kilometres - Moorabool lies in the heart of a growth corridor to the west. The Shire’s greatest attraction is its diversity. Set amid picturesque rolling hills, the Shire is an attractive mix of open spaces, friendly towns, orchards, deep gorges, forests and health-giving mineral springs.

The Shire is environmentally diverse with topography that is characterised by great ranges, plains and rugged river gorges. These landforms provide spectacular scenery and a great variety of plants and animals. Boasting many significant areas of flora and fauna including the Wombat State Forest, Brisbane Ranges National Park, Lerderderg State Park, Werribee Gorge State Park and a number of regionally significant reserves. 74.1% of the Shire is made up of water catchment, state forest or national park.

The charms of Moorabool extend well beyond its landscape. The Shire offers almost everything a family needs: an engaging semi-rural setting, competitively priced land and housing, a range of excellent community services, retail, education and efficient transport links.

The attractions that make Moorabool an excellent alternative to city living are almost countless.