Cape Paterson
Suburb profile, market snapshot and recent listings for Cape Paterson, VIC 3995.
About Cape Paterson
Welcome to Cape Paterson
Cape Paterson sits on Victoria's south coast in the Bass Coast region, roughly two hours' drive southeast of Melbourne via the South Gippsland Highway and Bass Highway. It's a small, low-key coastal settlement known for its surf beaches, rock pools and the pioneering ECOvillage development, rather than for crowds or high-rise development.
With a population of just 1,111 and a median age of 55, this is a suburb that suits sea-changers, retirees and holiday-home buyers more than young families chasing city amenities. Its closest neighbour, Harmers Haven, shares the same quiet, natural character, and together they form a stretch of coastline that has largely resisted the intensive development seen elsewhere along Victoria's coast.
Lifestyle & dining
Life in Cape Paterson revolves around the coastline. The Bay, First Surf Beach and the Second Surf Beach draw surfers, swimmers and rock-pool explorers, while the Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club anchors the community through summer. Dining options are deliberately low-key and local, with the Cape Paterson General Store and a handful of nearby eateries serving the daily needs of residents and holidaymakers rather than aiming for destination dining. Most residents heading out for a bigger night out or wider hospitality choices make the short trip to nearby Wonthaggi or further along the coast to Inverloch.
Getting around
Cape Paterson is very much a car-dependent community, connected to the region via the Bass Highway and local roads linking through to Wonthaggi, about ten minutes' drive away, and on to Inverloch in the other direction. There's no train line locally; the nearest rail access is well inland, which means most residents rely on driving for work, schooling and shopping trips, and the Melbourne commute is realistically a weekend or holiday pattern rather than a daily one.
Shopping & services
Everyday shopping in Cape Paterson itself is limited to the local general store, reflecting its size and character as a coastal village rather than a commercial hub. For supermarkets, specialty retail and larger service needs, residents head to Wonthaggi, which offers a fuller range of shopping, medical and other services just a short drive away, with Inverloch offering a further alternative for cafes and boutique shopping.
Parks & recreation
The drawcard here is the natural environment. The Bunurong Marine National Park runs along this section of coast, protecting the reefs and rock pools that make the area popular with divers, snorkellers and rock-pool ramblers alike. Walking and cycling trails link the township to Harmers Haven and the wider coastline, and the Cape Paterson ECOvillage has been designed with sustainability and community green space in mind, adding to the suburb's reputation as a place built around outdoor, low-impact living.
Housing & architecture
Housing stock in Cape Paterson is a mix of established beach houses and newer builds, many in the acclaimed ECOvillage precinct which has attracted attention for its sustainable design principles. Current listings show land makes up the largest share of the market at 56%, followed by houses at 41%, with apartments/units and acreage/rural each accounting for a small 2% share. This land-heavy mix reflects an active pipeline of new coastal building rather than an established, built-out streetscape.
The property market
Cape Paterson's median house price currently sits at $755,000, having recorded growth of 3.1% recently, a reflection of steady, if measured, demand for coastal land and lifestyle property in this part of Bass Coast. Median rent is $510 a week, pointing to a market that also attracts holiday letting and longer-term tenants drawn to the beach lifestyle. With land listings dominating the current market, buyers have real opportunity to build to their own coastal brief, particularly within the ECOvillage, while established houses offer a more immediate entry point for those wanting to settle straight in.
Market snapshot
Cape Paterson property market
Median sale price
$755k
House · 3 bed
Median rent
$510
per week
Gross rental yield
3.5%
annual rent ÷ sale price
Typical price range
Entry
$569k
Median
$755k
Premium
$1.13m
Days on market
76
Auction clearance
0%
Sold this year
24
Median sold price trend · House 3 bed
Compound growth -2.0% / yr over 4 yrs
Median price by bedrooms · House
Property types on market
Share of current listings in Cape Paterson by dwelling type.
Who lives here
Demographics
ABS Census 2021 figures for Cape Paterson, VIC 3995.
Population
1,111
residents (2021)
Median age
55
years
Household income
$1,285
median, per week
Median rent
$300
per week
Median mortgage
$1,517
per month
Mortgage / income
27%
comfortable
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2021. Suburb-level (SAL) aggregates.
Recent results
Recently sold in Cape Paterson
$985k
10 Stargazer Rise
Sold ~July 2026
$645k
22 Coral Street
Sold ~July 2026
$1.03m
25 Blue Water Circle
Sold ~July 2026
$700k
15 Wheeler Road
Sold ~July 2026
$660k
2 Anglers Road
Sold ~June 2026
$740k
3 Neptune St
Sold ~June 2026
$805k
13 Spear St
Sold ~June 2026
Sold prices as published on the original listing; some may reflect the last advertised price. Dates are approximate.
Explore the area
Properties & amenities in Cape Paterson
Compare the area
Price map around Cape Paterson
Every listing for sale near Cape Paterson, coloured by price — so you can see how it stacks up against the streets and suburbs next door.
Loading price map…
Common questions
Cape Paterson suburb FAQ
What is the median property price in Cape Paterson?
The median house price in Cape Paterson, VIC is $755k for a 3-bedroom home. Over the past year, median sold prices have risen about 3.1%.
How much is rent in Cape Paterson?
The median weekly rent in Cape Paterson is around $510 per week.
Is Cape Paterson a good place to live?
Cape Paterson is an established residential suburb in VIC, with a population of around 1,111.
What is the population of Cape Paterson?
Cape Paterson has a population of 1,111 (ABS 2021 Census), with a median age of 55.
How long do homes take to sell in Cape Paterson?
Properties in Cape Paterson take around 76 days to sell on average, with an auction clearance rate of about 0%.
How much do you need to buy in Cape Paterson?
Entry-level properties in Cape Paterson start around $569k, while premium homes reach $1.13m.
What suburbs are near Cape Paterson?
Suburbs near Cape Paterson include Harmers Haven.
Fresh to market
New this week in Cape Paterson
Available now
Properties in Cape Paterson
Moonshadow Residence - Smart, Spacious Living with Solar Efficiency
The Cape's Iconic "Coast" Display Home Secure Rent-Back Opportunity
MODERN COASTAL RETREAT
BUILDING BLOCK IN MARKET PLACE
Land in Prime Location
PRIME LOCATION WITH OPTIONS
Charming Coastal Retreat in Cape Paterson
AWARD WINNING SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
RENOVATED FAMILY HOME
" AVAILABLE STUNNING WATER VIEWS AND SUSTAINABLE LIVING"
