Located on metropolitan Melbourne's eastern fringe Yarra Ranges is home to a population of 145,000. The area covers approximately 2,500 square kilometres and stretches from the densely populated outer suburbs up into the surrounding foothills, agricultural valleys and forested areas of the Great Dividing Ranges. It is one of Victoria's largest, most varied and scenic municipalities. It is also the largest area of any metropolitan council. There are more than 55 suburbs, townships, small communities and rural areas in the Yarra Ranges.