Marengo
Suburb profile, market snapshot and recent listings for Marengo, VIC 3233.
About Marengo
Welcome to Marengo
Marengo sits on the Great Ocean Road, just south of Apollo Bay on Victoria's Surf Coast, a couple of hours' drive from Melbourne along one of the country's most scenic coastal touring routes. It's a small, tightly held pocket of coastline where the road hugs the cliffs above Marengo Beach before winding on towards Cape Otway and the Otway ranges beyond.
With a population of just 272 and a median age of 59, this is a quiet, low-density community rather than a bustling seaside town. It suits those after a genuine coastal retreat, sea-changers and retirees drawn to the peace and the surf, and holidaymakers who want the Great Ocean Road lifestyle without the crowds of Apollo Bay itself, which sits right next door.
Lifestyle & dining
Life in Marengo revolves around the coast. Marengo Beach is known locally for its reasonably reliable surf and the resident colony of Australian fur seals that can often be spotted just offshore, making it a drawcard for swimmers, surfers and anyone happy to watch the water. Because the suburb itself is so small, day-to-day life spills over into neighbouring Apollo Bay, a short drive or walk up the road, where cafes, pubs and restaurants cater to both locals and the steady flow of Great Ocean Road travellers.
Shopping
Marengo has no shopping strip of its own, and residents rely on Apollo Bay for supermarkets, bakeries, boutique stores and the weekly farmers' market. The short hop into town means groceries, fuel and everyday essentials are never far away, while more substantial shopping trips typically mean a run further along the coast or inland.
Getting around
The Great Ocean Road is the spine of the area, linking Marengo to Apollo Bay in one direction and the road's more dramatic coastal stretches and the Otways in the other. There's no train service this far along the coast, so a car is essential for most residents, whether for the daily commute, school runs or simply getting into Apollo Bay for supplies. Melbourne is reachable by road in a couple of hours, making Marengo a popular base for weekenders as well as permanent residents.
Schools & families
Marengo's population skews older, with a median age of 59, and family infrastructure within the suburb itself is limited given its size. Families tend to make use of the schooling and childcare options in Apollo Bay, with the wider Otways and Surf Coast region offering further options for secondary schooling.
Housing & architecture
Housing in Marengo is dominated by detached houses, which make up 57% of current listings, reflecting its character as a low-key coastal settlement rather than a high-density holiday hub. Vacant land accounts for a notable 30% of listings, pointing to ongoing opportunities to build in this tightly held pocket, while apartments and units (9%) and townhouses (4%) make up a small share of the mix, suiting those after a more compact coastal footprint.
The property market
With a population of only 272, Marengo is a small and tightly held market where listings can be limited at any given time. The current mix, skewed heavily towards houses and land rather than units or townhouses, suggests a market oriented towards those wanting to build or buy a standalone coastal home rather than a low-maintenance apartment. Its position right beside Apollo Bay, combined with the drawcard of Marengo Beach, keeps it firmly on the radar of coastal buyers looking for a quieter alternative to the main township.
Who lives here
Demographics
ABS Census 2021 figures for Marengo, VIC 3233.
Population
272
residents (2021)
Median age
59
years
Household income
$1,292
median, per week
Median rent
$282
per week
Median mortgage
$2,000
per month
Mortgage / income
36%
stretched (>30%)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2021. Suburb-level (SAL) aggregates.
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Properties & amenities in Marengo
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Price map around Marengo
Every listing for sale near Marengo, coloured by price — so you can see how it stacks up against the streets and suburbs next door.
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Common questions
Marengo suburb FAQ
Is Marengo a good place to live?
Marengo is a locality in Victoria, Australia, situated in the Shire of Colac Otway. Marengo is an established residential suburb in VIC, with a population of around 272.
What is the population of Marengo?
Marengo has a population of 272 (ABS 2021 Census), with a median age of 59.
What suburbs are near Marengo?
Suburbs near Marengo include Apollo Bay.
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