Bellingen
NSW 2454 • Rest of NSW
About Bellingen
Bellingen is a charming small town on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, situated on the Bellinger River approximately 547 kilometres north of Sydney and 35 kilometres inland from Coffs Harbour. With a population of around 3,900, it serves as the council seat of Bellingen Shire. The median age of 44 reflects a mix of families, retirees, and creative professionals. The town is known for its alternative subculture, strong arts community, and a predominantly Australian-born population with English and Irish heritage.
Bellingen is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, organic markets, and boutique shops along the picturesque main street. The town hosts the popular Bellingen Global Carnival and Camp Creative festivals, drawing visitors from across the region. Surrounded by lush hinterland and World Heritage-listed rainforest in the Dorrigo National Park, it offers exceptional bushwalking, river swimming, and birdwatching. The monthly community markets, independent cafes, and heritage architecture attract tree-changers, artists, and families seeking a creative, environmentally conscious lifestyle away from the city.
Bellingen falls under postcode 2454 and is governed by Bellingen Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Oxley electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Nearest Train Stations
Bus Services
- 361 — Coffs Harbour via Urunga 45-55 mins
- 360 — Dorrigo via Bellingen 35 mins
Commute to Coffs Harbour
🛣️ No train service; most residents drive. NSW TrainLink coach services connect to Coffs Harbour and Sydney via Pacific Highway
Compact town centre is walkable with shops, cafes, and markets; outer areas require a car
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Bellingen High School ICSEA 10066655 1315 1125 Waterfall Way
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Bellingen Public School ICSEA 9986655 1147 William St
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Darkwood Road PO Box 425
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Park Street
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Raleigh Public School ICSEA 10976655 4228 12 NORTH STREET
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Repton Public School ICSEA 10306655 4201 River St
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Orama Public School ICSEA 9836655 8567 1098 Darkwood Rd
Heritage-Listed Places
There is 1 heritage-listed place in or near Bellingen, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.
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 Bellingen by offence type, year and trend.
📊 View Bellingen Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Bellingen" under Suburb
Housing 2021 Census
19 state housing + 20 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)
Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census
School Sector Breakdown
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 208
- 2. New Zealand 70
- 3. Germany 37
- 4. South Africa 31
- 5. Scotland 28
- 6. Netherlands 27
- 7. United States 25
- 8. Canada 19
- 9. France 15
- 10. Ireland 14
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)