🔍

Coalcliff

NSW 2508 • New South Wales

212
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
1.90 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalHistoricScenicPeacefulCommuter Belt

About Coalcliff

Coalcliff is a small coastal locality in northern Wollongong, New South Wales, nestled at the base of the dramatic Illawarra Escarpment between the Pacific Ocean and the towering sandstone cliffs. Located approximately 60 kilometres south of Sydney CBD within the City of Wollongong, the suburb covers just 1.9 square kilometres and is one of the most geographically striking communities in the Illawarra region. With a population of around 212 residents and a median household income of approximately $55,600, Coalcliff has a close-knit character defined by its dramatic natural setting.

Coalcliff has a rich history dating back to 1797, when survivors of a shipwreck discovered coal deposits here — one of the earliest coal finds in Australia. The suburb has its own train station on the South Coast Line, providing direct connections to Wollongong and Sydney, making it surprisingly well-connected for such a small community. The Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area offers spectacular walking tracks directly above the town, and the nearby Sea Cliff Bridge — one of Australia's most photographed coastal roads — passes through the area, drawing visitors year-round.

Coalcliff falls under postcode 2508 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Heathcote electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2508
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Cunningham
State Electorate
Heathcote
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.23°, 150.97°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
1.90 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Coalcliff
0.3 km
5 min
Stanwell Park
2 km
25 min

Bus Services

  • Limited services — Wollongong / Thirroul 20-30 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
60 km
By Train
Coalcliff Station to Sydney Central via South Coast Line (~65-75 min)
By Car (Peak)
65-90 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
55-65 min

🛣️ Lawrence Hargrave Drive (the Sea Cliff Bridge route) is the main road; M1 Princes Motorway further inland

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Coalcliff has no local shops or services; residents drive to Thirroul or Wollongong for all daily needs

🛒 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 Coalcliff by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Coalcliff Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
212
▲ 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 Coalcliff known for? +

Coalcliff is known for its dramatic setting at the base of the Illawarra Escarpment, its history as one of Australia's earliest coal discovery sites (1797), the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge that runs through the area, and stunning coastal scenery along the Illawarra coastline.

How far is Coalcliff from Sydney? +

Coalcliff is approximately 60 kilometres south of Sydney CBD, typically a 65 to 90 minute drive via the M1 Princes Motorway or the scenic Lawrence Hargrave Drive.

Does Coalcliff have public transport? +

Yes — Coalcliff has its own train station on the South Coast Line, with services running to Wollongong and Sydney Central. It is well-connected by rail for such a small community, with the journey to Sydney taking approximately 65–75 minutes.

What is the population of Coalcliff? +

According to the 2021 Census, Coalcliff has a population of approximately 212 residents, making it one of the smallest but most scenically located suburbs in the Wollongong area.

Is Coalcliff a good place to live? +

Coalcliff is ideal for those seeking a dramatic coastal lifestyle with direct train access to Sydney and Wollongong. The combination of ocean, escarpment, and nearby bushwalking trails makes it highly appealing, though there are no local shops and daily errands require a car or train trip.

What is the postcode for Coalcliff? +

The postcode for Coalcliff, New South Wales is 2508.