🔍

Back Forest

NSW 2535 • New South Wales

91
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
5.98 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralSemi-RuralQuietHinterlandCommuter Belt

About Back Forest

Back Forest is a small rural locality in the City of Shoalhaven, situated in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region of New South Wales approximately 5 kilometres east of Berry and around 130 kilometres south of Sydney. Covering just under 6 square kilometres, it lies to the north of the Shoalhaven River, nestled in the hinterland between the charming historic village of Berry and the coastal townships along Shoalhaven Heads. With a 2021 Census population of 91 residents, Back Forest is a quiet, semi-rural community of lifestyle and hobby farm properties set across rolling pastoral hills.

The locality benefits from its proximity to Berry — one of the South Coast's most beloved village destinations — where residents access boutique shopping, cafes, restaurants, and community services just a short drive away. Nowra, the Shoalhaven's commercial hub, is approximately 20 kilometres to the south-west, offering hospitals, major supermarkets, and employment. The surrounding countryside features a patchwork of dairy farms, orchards, and rural escapes popular with Sydney weekenders and sea-changers, while the Shoalhaven River and nearby coastal beaches remain within easy reach for recreation.

Back Forest falls under postcode 2535 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Kiama electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2535
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Gilmore
State Electorate
Kiama
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.76°, 150.68°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
5.98 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Berry
5 km
N/A – car required

Bus Services

  • Shoalbus local services (via Berry/Nowra corridor) — Nowra (Shoalhaven CBD) 25-35 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
130 km
By Train
Drive to Berry station (~5 km), then approx. 2 hr 15 min by NSW TrainLink to Sydney Central
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 45 min – 2 hr 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 30 min – 2 hr

🛣️ Access via Princes Highway (A1); Berry is the nearest rail station; Nowra (~20 km) is the major commercial centre

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A rural hinterland locality with no local shops or footpaths; a car is essential for all daily errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🔍 Crime Statistics

NSW crime data is provided by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). Use the interactive tool below to explore recorded crime incidents in Back Forest by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Back Forest Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Back Forest" under Suburb

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
91
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Back Forest known for? +

Back Forest is a quiet rural hinterland locality known for its rolling pastoral hills, hobby farm properties, and close proximity to the popular South Coast village of Berry. It appeals to lifestyle seekers looking for a peaceful rural setting within commuting distance of Sydney and close to the amenities of Shoalhaven.

How far is Back Forest from Sydney? +

Back Forest is approximately 130 kilometres south of Sydney CBD, a drive of around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes depending on traffic via the Princes Highway. Berry train station, about 5 kilometres away, offers NSW TrainLink services to Sydney Central in approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

Does Back Forest have public transport? +

Back Forest itself has no public bus service stopping in the locality. The nearest public transport is at Berry (approximately 5 kilometres away), which has NSW TrainLink South Coast Line train services to Sydney and Shoalbus local bus routes connecting to Nowra. A car is essential for residents.

What is the population of Back Forest? +

According to the 2021 Census, Back Forest had a population of 91 residents across its approximately 6 square kilometres, making it a small rural locality within the City of Shoalhaven.

Is Back Forest a good place to live? +

Back Forest suits those looking for a quiet rural lifestyle on the NSW South Coast, with the charm of Berry village just 5 kilometres away and the Shoalhaven's beaches, national parks, and regional services within easy reach. It is popular with lifestyle farmers, retirees, and Sydney commuters seeking a sea-change without sacrificing access to amenities.

What is the postcode for Back Forest? +

The postcode for Back Forest, New South Wales is 2535.