Bellambi

NSW 2518 • Rest of NSW

4,039
Population (2021)
$61,516
Median Household Income
2.34 km²
Area
$252/wk
Median Rent
CoastalBeach LifestyleAffordableHeritage SignificanceTrain Access

About Bellambi

Bellambi is a coastal suburb in the northern Illawarra region, located 8 kilometres north of Wollongong and 77 kilometres south of Sydney. With a population of just over 4,000, this small beachside community sits on the flat coastal plain beneath the dramatic Illawarra escarpment, with views to Broker's Nose rising 440 metres to the west. The suburb has significant Aboriginal heritage, with Bellambi Point containing one of NSW's largest shell middens.

Beach life defines Bellambi—the sandy beach, rock pool, and lagoon reserve provide year-round recreation, while the Wollongong to Thirroul Bike Track passes through the suburb. Bellambi railway station (opened 1889) offers convenient South Coast Line services to Sydney and Wollongong. The suburb attracts families and beach lovers seeking affordable coastal living, with a relaxed village atmosphere and strong community ties. Nearby Corrimal provides comprehensive shopping while maintaining Bellambi's quiet residential character.

Bellambi falls under postcode 2518 and is governed by Wollongong Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Keira electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 NSW Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 Location

Postcode
2518
Urban Area
Wollongong
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.37°, 150.92°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
2.34 km²
Elevation
10m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Bellambi
0.5 km
5-8 min
Corrimal
1.5 km
18-20 min

Bus Services

  • Premier Illawarra routes — Wollongong, Corrimal 10-15 min

Commute to Sydney

Distance
77 km
By Train
90-100 min
By Car (Peak)
90-120 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
70-80 min

🛣️ Direct train to Sydney Central via South Coast Line. 11 min to Wollongong by train.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Beach and station within walking distance; local shops limited, Corrimal nearby for retail.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest 2025 rates for the Wollongong Local Government Area, which contains Bellambi. Rates are per 100,000 residents; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods ending Dec 2025.

Break & enter (dwelling)
216.8 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
190.2 / 100k
Non-DV assault
342.5 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
11.3 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
371.3 / 100k

Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$252
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,950
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
38 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
31.1%

497 state housing + 7 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,947
Census 2021
4,039
2.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$25,012
Personal Income 2021
$31,772
27.0% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$31,772 / yr
$611/wk
Household
$61,516 / yr
$1183/wk
Family
$80,444 / yr
$1547/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,954
Born Overseas 743

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 161
  • 2. New Zealand 62
  • 3. Philippines 33
  • 4. Scotland 29
  • 5. Iraq 23
  • 6. Vietnam 23
  • 7. South Africa 21
  • 8. Germany 20
  • 9. Italy 19
  • 10. India 18

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,561
Australian 1,479
Irish 395
Scottish 391
Australian Aboriginal 324
Italian 142
German 140
Dutch 60
Filipino 44
Welsh 44

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,158
Both parents born in Australia
1,014
Both parents born overseas
527
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
44.3%
No Religion
41.9%
Islam
2.3%
Buddhism
1.4%
Hinduism
0.6%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
263 (6.5%)
5-14 years
468 (11.6%)
15-19 years
235 (5.8%)
20-24 years
257 (6.4%)
25-34 years
579 (14.3%)
35-44 years
497 (12.3%)
45-54 years
500 (12.4%)
55-64 years
528 (13.1%)
65-74 years
412 (10.2%)
75-84 years
226 (5.6%)
85+ years
65 (1.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bellambi known for? +

Beach life defines Bellambi—the sandy beach, rock pool, and lagoon reserve provide year-round recreation, while the Wollongong to Thirroul Bike Track passes through the suburb.

How far is Bellambi from Sydney CBD? +

Bellambi is approximately 77 kilometres from Sydney CBD. The drive takes approximately 90-120 min in peak hour and 70-80 min off-peak.

Does Bellambi have public transport? +

The nearest train station is Bellambi (0.5 km away, approximately 5-8 min walk) on the South Coast Line. Bus services include Premier Illawarra routes, running to Wollongong, Corrimal in approximately 10-15 min.

What is the population of Bellambi? +

According to the 2021 Census, Bellambi has a population of 4,039 residents. The suburb is part of the broader NSW metropolitan area.

Is Bellambi a good place to live? +

Bellambi is well-suited to a range of residents, offering a comfortable suburban lifestyle in NSW. Bellambi railway station (opened 1889) offers convenient South Coast Line services to Sydney and Wollongong.

What is the postcode for Bellambi? +

The postcode for Bellambi is 2518. It is located in New South Wales (NSW).