Diggers Rest is located approximately 33km or 21 miles northwest of Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD). The driving distance from Diggers Rest to the Melbourne CBD is around 40km or 25 miles depending on the exact starting point and route taken. The travel time by car is usually 30-45 minutes but can be longer during peak traffic periods.
Where exactly is Diggers Rest located?
Diggers Rest is a suburb in Melbourne’s outer north-west region. It sits within the City of Melton local government area. Some key details about the location of Diggers Rest include:
- Postcode: 3427
- Coordinates: 37°42’S 144°33’E
- Diggers Rest is situated just off the Calder Highway and Calder Freeway
- The suburb is bounded by Aitken Creek to the south, Jacksons Creek to the east, and Deep Creek to the north
- Diggers Rest is part of the greater Sunbury area including surrounding suburbs like Bulla, Sunbury, Macedon, and Gisborne
What are the main routes from Diggers Rest to Melbourne CBD?
There are a few main route options for driving from Diggers Rest into central Melbourne:
Via Calder Freeway
One of the most direct and fastest routes is to take the Calder Freeway (M79) straight into the city. From Diggers Rest, head south on the Calder Fwy for approximately 33km. Take exit 58 onto Flemington Rd/Mt Alexander Rd which leads directly into the CBD area.
Via Calder Highway
An alternative is to take the Calder Highway (A79) which runs parallel to the Calder Fwy. Follow the highway south for around 30km before turning onto Mt Alexander Rd which connects to Flemington Rd and the CBD.
Via Western Highway
You can also take the Western Highway (M8) east towards Melbourne. After 16km, exit onto Ballarat Rd which becomes Mt Alexander Rd leading into the city.
Via Bulla-Diggers Rest Rd
For a more indirect route, head south on Bulla-Diggers Rest Rd through the suburbs of Keilor and Essendon before joining Mt Alexander Rd. This route is about 10km longer than using the Calder but may be preferable to avoid freeway traffic.
What public transport options are there?
Public transport options for getting from Diggers Rest into the Melbourne CBD include:
Bus
Regular bus route 464 operates between Diggers Rest and the CBD via Sunbury, Bulla, Essendon, and North Melbourne. The total bus trip takes around 60 minutes.
Train
Diggers Rest train station is located on the Bendigo, Sunbury, and Watergardens railway lines. From Diggers Rest station, regular metro trains go directly to Melbourne Central and Southern Cross stations in the CBD. The train trip takes approximately 40-45 minutes.
V/Line train
V/Line trains also stop at Diggers Rest station on the Bendigo line. These trains go to Southern Cross station and take roughly 50 minutes.
| Transport Type | Duration |
|---|---|
| Driving | 30-45min |
| Bus | 60min |
| Metro train | 40-45min |
| V/Line train | 50min |
What is the distance from Diggers Rest to the Melbourne CBD?
The driving distance between Diggers Rest and Melbourne CBD is approximately:
- 33km via Calder Freeway
- 40km via Calder Highway
- 35km via Western Highway
- 43km via Bulla-Diggers Rest Rd
As the crow flies, Diggers Rest is located around 21 miles or 33km northwest of the Melbourne CBD.
What are some key stats about Diggers Rest?
Some key facts and statistics about Diggers Rest:
- Population of Diggers Rest was 9,478 residents as of the 2016 census
- Between the 2011 and 2016 census, Diggers Rest’s population grew by 25.5% reflecting significant suburban expansion
- Median age is 33, 2 years below the median for greater Melbourne
- Top industries for employment include construction, retail trade, manufacturing, and education/training
- Median weekly household income is $1,292, lower than Melbourne’s median of $1,402
What are the main attractions in Diggers Rest?
Some of the top attractions and places of interest in and around Diggers Rest include:
Organ Pipes National Park
This national park contains a unique rock formation that resembles organ pipes. There are walking trails ranging from 1km to 16km.
Diggers Rest Hotel
A historic hotel first built in 1857 offering pub dining, live music, accommodation and more.
Sunbury Wineries
The Sunbury wine region features over 20 boutique wineries offering tastings, tours, and seasonal events.
Go-karting
Melbourne’s closest go-karting tracks are located just north of Diggers Rest in Bulla.
Oaklands Junction
Antique and craft shops in a historic railway precinct dating back to the 1860s.
What shopping is available locally?
Diggers Rest contains a small selection of shops and essential services including:
- Diggers Rest Village – suburban shopping centre with a Coles supermarket, pharmacy, cafes, bakery, and take-away food outlets
- Aldi supermarket
- Mitre 10 hardware
- Bendigo Bank branch
- Post office
Nearby larger shopping destinations include:
- Woodgrove Shopping Centre in Melton – 10km south
- Gladstone Park Shopping Centre – 15km southeast
- Watergardens Town Centre in Taylors Lakes – 15km east
- Sunbury Square Shopping Centre – 8km north
Conclusion
Diggers Rest is located around 33km or 21 miles northwest of central Melbourne. While quite far from the CBD, it is connected via major highways and public transport options like trains and buses. Diggers Rest has grown rapidly as part of Melbourne’s suburban expansion, becoming a hub within the north-western corridor. It contains some local shops and attractions, but residents normally travel to Sunbury, Melton or even further towards the city for more extensive shopping and services.