Bodalla

NSW 2545 • New South Wales

808
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
253.75 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricHeritagePeacefulAgricultural

About Bodalla

Bodalla is a historic rural locality on the New South Wales South Coast, situated within the Eurobodalla Shire approximately 330 kilometres south of Sydney and around 20 kilometres north of Narooma along the Princes Highway. Covering a vast 253.7 square kilometres of rolling farmland and coastal hinterland, the locality has a population of around 808 residents. Bodalla holds a distinguished place in Australian agricultural history as the site of a pioneering dairy established in the 19th century by entrepreneur Thomas Sutcliffe Mort, whose legacy shaped the region's pastoral identity and is commemorated in the village's heritage streetscape.

The village of Bodalla is a popular stop for travellers along the Princes Highway, anchored by the well-known Bodalla Dairy Shed — a working dairy retail outlet offering local cheeses, ice cream, and dairy products. Historic 19th-century sandstone buildings line the small village centre, giving Bodalla a distinctive heritage charm rare on the South Coast. The surrounding locality is within easy reach of Narooma's coastal attractions, Montague Island Nature Reserve, and the Deua National Park hinterland, making it a rewarding base for those seeking a quiet rural lifestyle with access to some of the region's finest natural environments.

Bodalla falls under postcode 2545 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bega electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2545
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-36.13°, 149.79°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
253.75 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • NSW TrainLink Regional Coach — Nowra / Sydney (north) and Bega / Eden (south) ~3h to Sydney via coach/train combination

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
330 km
By Train
No direct rail; NSW TrainLink coach to Nowra (~3h), then train to Sydney
By Car (Peak)
3.5-4.5 h
By Car (Off-Peak)
3-3.5 h

🛣️ Canberra CBD is approximately 170km west (~2h drive); Narooma is 20km south

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Small rural village where basic supplies are available locally, but a car is essential for most shopping and services

🛒 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 Bodalla by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Bodalla Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
808
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 Bodalla known for? +

Bodalla is best known for its rich dairy heritage, historic 19th-century sandstone buildings, and the Bodalla Dairy Shed — a popular roadside stop on the Princes Highway offering local cheeses and dairy products. The locality was home to one of Australia's pioneering dairy operations established by Thomas Sutcliffe Mort in the 1870s.

How far is Bodalla from Sydney? +

Bodalla is approximately 330 kilometres south of Sydney's CBD, typically a 3.5 to 4.5 hour drive via the Princes Highway and King Georges Road. It is also around 170 kilometres from Canberra, making it roughly a 2-hour drive from the ACT.

Does Bodalla have public transport? +

Bodalla has no rail service. NSW TrainLink regional coaches operate along the Princes Highway, connecting the locality to Nowra to the north and Bega to the south. A car is the most practical way to access Bodalla and surrounding areas.

What is the population of Bodalla? +

According to the 2021 Census, Bodalla has a population of approximately 808 residents across around 313 dwellings, spread across a large 253.7 square kilometre locality encompassing the village and surrounding rural land.

Is Bodalla a good place to live? +

Bodalla suits those seeking a quiet rural lifestyle in a historic South Coast setting, with the bonus of proximity to Narooma's coast, beaches, and Montague Island. It is ideal for those who value heritage character, open farmland, and a slow-paced lifestyle, though urban amenities are limited and car travel is essential.

What is the postcode for Bodalla? +

The postcode for Bodalla is 2545, which covers the village and surrounding rural locality on the New South Wales South Coast in the Eurobodalla Shire.