Come By Chance

About Come By Chance

Come By Chance is a small rural locality in the Pilliga district of north-western New South Wales, situated approximately 100 kilometres north of Coonabarabran in the Walgett Shire. Once described as the only privately owned village in the Southern Hemisphere, it holds a unique place in Australian rural history. The surrounding landscape is characterised by open scrubland and grazing country on the edge of the Pilliga Scrub — a vast semi-arid woodland that covers much of north-western NSW. The locality had a population of around 187 at the 2006 census, reflecting its deeply remote character.

The name "Come By Chance" evokes the serendipitous way early settlers often discovered water and shelter in Australia's outback, and the locality retains that frontier spirit. Grazing is the dominant land use, with cattle and sheep stations occupying the surrounding land. Residents travel to Walgett (approximately 100 km to the north) or Coonabarabran to the south for most services, including schools, healthcare and shopping. The locality appeals to those drawn to remote rural life, the stillness of the Pilliga landscape, and the quirky charm of one of Australia's most memorably named places.

Come By Chance falls under postcode 2832 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Barwon electorate.

Nearby Suburbs

• Angledool, NSW 2832
• Cryon, NSW 2832
• Cumborah, NSW 2832
• Walgett, NSW 2832
• Byrock, NSW 2831
• Carinda, NSW 2831