Coolah
NSW 2843 • Rest of NSW
About Coolah
Coolah is a small country town in the central-western tablelands of New South Wales, located in Warrumbungle Shire approximately 400 kilometres north-west of Sydney. Sitting at an elevation of 575 metres on the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range, the town serves as a service centre for surrounding farming properties and is often described as the 'gateway to the Warrumbungle National Park and northern tablelands'. With a population of around 1,264 residents, Coolah has a compact town centre, a strong agricultural heritage, and an active community spirit that belies its modest size.
Coolah offers a relaxed bush lifestyle with a surprising range of local amenities for a town of its size, including a pub, bakery, supermarket, medical centre, primary and secondary schools, and the Pandora Gallery visitor centre. The surrounding region provides excellent opportunities for farming, particularly sheep, cattle, and wheat, and the area is centrally positioned between Dubbo (130 km south-west), Tamworth (180 km north-east), Mudgee (110 km south-east), and Gunnedah (130 km north). Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the nearby Coolah Tops National Park, featuring dramatic rocky escarpments, Aboriginal rock art, and sweeping views across the tablelands.
Coolah falls under postcode 2843 and is governed by Warrumbungle Shire Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Barwon electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- NSW TrainLink coach — Dubbo / Tamworth connections Varies
Commute to Sydney CBD
🛣️ Primarily accessed via Castlereagh Highway; Dubbo is the nearest major regional centre (130 km)
Compact town centre is walkable for local errands; surrounding rural area requires a vehicle
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Coolah Central School ICSEA 896Binnia St
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15 Church Street
Heritage-Listed Places
There is 1 heritage-listed place in or near Coolah, 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 Coolah by offence type, year and trend.
📊 View Coolah Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Coolah" under Suburb
Housing 2021 Census
6 state housing + 9 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 35
- 2. New Zealand 8
- 3. Philippines 6
- 4. United States 5
- 5. Germany 4
- 6. Scotland 3
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)