🔍

Catalina

NSW 2536 • Rest of NSW

2,522
Population (2021)
$29,328
Median Income
3.84 km²
Area
$355/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRetiree-HavenQuietLakesideSemi-Rural

About Catalina

Catalina is a residential suburb on the New South Wales South Coast, situated immediately adjacent to Batemans Bay within the Eurobodalla Shire council area, approximately 285 kilometres south of Sydney. With a population of 2,522 and a median age of 53, the suburb has a pronounced retiree-oriented character that reflects the South Coast's long-standing appeal as a sea-change destination. The median household income of approximately $1,130 per week is modestly below the national average, consistent with the regional coastal economy and the concentration of older, fixed-income residents.

Catalina adjoins Lake Curalo and is a short drive from the beaches, waterways, and fishing grounds of Batemans Bay, offering a quiet coastal lifestyle with access to the town's shops, cafes, and community facilities. The suburb has a significant Aboriginal presence — the Walbanga people of the Yuin Nation have deep connections to this country — and a sizeable proportion of residents identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Batemans Bay is approximately equidistant between Sydney and Canberra (roughly 2.5 hours by road to each), making Catalina an attractive option for those seeking coastal living within reach of both capitals.

Catalina falls under postcode 2536 and is governed by Eurobodalla Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bega electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2536
Urban Area
Batemans Bay
LGA / Council
Eurobodalla
Federal Electorate
Gilmore
State Electorate
Bega
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.73°, 150.19°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
3.84 km²
Elevation
71m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • NSW TrainLink Coach services — Sydney CBD / Canberra 3 hr to Sydney; 2.5 hr to Canberra

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
285 km
By Train
No rail service; NSW TrainLink coach from Batemans Bay to Sydney (~3.5 hr)
By Car (Peak)
3-3.5 hr via Kings Highway or Princes Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
2.5-3 hr

🛣️ Canberra CBD is approx. 150 km away (~2 hr drive via Kings Highway; popular alternative destination)

Walkability Car-Dependent

Catalina is a low-density coastal suburb where most errands require a car, though Batemans Bay's town centre is a short drive away

🛒 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 Catalina by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Catalina Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$355
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,560
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
53 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
7.5%

56 state housing + 16 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,334
Census 2021
2,522
▲ 8.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$26,156
Income 2021
$29,328
▲ 12.1% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,977
Born Overseas 325

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 122
  • 2. New Zealand 32
  • 3. Scotland 17
  • 4. Germany 16
  • 5. Netherlands 14
  • 6. Croatia 11
  • 7. Philippines 11
  • 8. China 8
  • 9. Canada 7
  • 10. South Africa 7

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,069
Australian 932
Irish 323
Scottish 273
Australian Aboriginal 212
German 83
Italian 60
Dutch 43
Maltese 27
New Zealander 24

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,636
Both parents born in Australia
416
Both parents born overseas
246
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
54.8%
No Religion
35.9%
Buddhism
0.5%
Islam
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
111 (4.4%)
5-14 years
297 (11.8%)
15-19 years
135 (5.4%)
20-24 years
86 (3.4%)
25-34 years
197 (7.8%)
35-44 years
226 (9.0%)
45-54 years
255 (10.1%)
55-64 years
357 (14.2%)
65-74 years
423 (16.8%)
75-84 years
273 (10.8%)
85+ years
162 (6.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Catalina NSW known for? +

Catalina is known as a peaceful residential suburb adjacent to Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast, popular with retirees and sea-changers. The area sits alongside Lake Curalo and is close to beaches, the Clyde River, and the natural attractions of the Eurobodalla coast.

How far is Catalina from Sydney? +

Catalina is approximately 285 kilometres south of Sydney, typically a 2.5 to 3.5 hour drive via the Kings Highway or Princes Highway depending on traffic and route chosen.

Does Catalina NSW have public transport? +

There is no passenger rail service to Catalina or Batemans Bay. NSW TrainLink coach services operate from Batemans Bay to Sydney (approximately 3.5 hours) and to Canberra. A car is the most practical means of transport for local trips.

What is the population of Catalina NSW? +

According to the 2021 Census, Catalina has a population of 2,522 residents. The suburb has a high median age of 53, reflecting its popularity as a retirement and sea-change destination on the South Coast.

Is Catalina NSW a good place to live? +

Catalina suits retirees, sea-changers, and those seeking a quiet coastal lifestyle within reach of both Sydney and Canberra. The suburb offers relaxed lakeside and coastal living in the Eurobodalla, though limited public transport and a regional economy mean it is best suited to those who are not reliant on city-based employment.

What is the postcode for Catalina NSW? +

The postcode for Catalina in New South Wales is 2536.