Mansfield: An idyllic destination of classic hospitality and new opportunities

The report and ranking drew on the insights of a 12-strong investment expert panel and recent housing performance drawn from open-source data, which aims to give unparalleled insights into the Australian suburbs that are set for future growth.

Less than three hours from Melbourne, Mansfield is a small town and suburb that was formally dependent on its farming and logging industries but now operates as a tourist destination replete with grazing land and mountain forests.

Mansfield offers a vast array of outdoor activities to take part in all year round, with the suburb most notably serving as the support town for the large Australian ski resort Mount Buller in the winter.

This activity continues into the summer with the second longest rail trail, the Great Victorian Rail Trail used by push bike riders, horse riders and walkers, and Lake Eildon and Lake Nillahcootie used as popular water skiing destinations.

For slower-paced enjoyment, Mansfield also boasts a burgeoning food and wine scene with great local coffee and regional vineyards producing acclaimed chardonnay, crisp riesling and decadent sparkling wine.

Mansfield also harbours a rich historical tapestry in being a location on the popular Ned Kelly Touring Route in which the murder of three police officers at the hands of Ned Kelly in 1878 led to the birth of the infamous Kelly gang legend – this harrowing event immortalised in a marble monument to the slain police officers located in Mansfield cemetery.

Despite this multifaceted depth to Mansfield, the suburb still maintains a fairly affordable price point at a median house price below $792,000 and a population of only around 10,330 as of 2022.

With a diverse range of properties on offer, Mansfield serves as both the perfect getaway for pleasure seekers of all types and any family looking to break away from the hustle and bustle of the big city and embrace the leisurely pace of the countryside.

Mansfield additionally enjoys easy access to the townships of Shepparton and Wangaratta, two other such regional Victorian cities that have their own vibrant food and culture scenes for those looking for a different flavour of country escape.

Weighing in on the opportunities available in the area, John McGrath, CEO and executive director of McGrath Estate Agents, remarked that “there are still plenty of reasons why those seeking a change of pace, or a solid investment, should keep this regional Victoria town on their shopping list”.

Check out which other suburbs made the cut in the FAST 50 2025 report here.