Coonabarabran
NSW 2357 • Rest of NSW
About Coonabarabran
Coonabarabran is a rural town in the central-west tablelands of New South Wales, situated approximately 460 kilometres north-west of Sydney at an elevation of 533 metres within the Warrumbungle Shire. With a population of 3,477 spread across a vast 242 square kilometres, the town functions as the service centre for surrounding sheep and cattle grazing properties. The community skews older — a median age of 50 — and has a significant Aboriginal population (434 residents, around 12.5 per cent), reflecting the deep Indigenous heritage of the Gamilaraay people in this region.
Coonabarabran is internationally known as the 'Astronomy Capital of Australia', home to Siding Spring Observatory and within the Warrumbungle National Park — the country's first Dark Sky Park. The town offers essential services including a hospital, primary and secondary schools, and a small commercial centre along John Street. Housing is very affordable, with a median rent of just $210 per week. The town attracts stargazers, bushwalkers, and those seeking a quiet semi-rural lifestyle, and while public transport is extremely limited, it remains a proud and characterful community in the NSW ranges.
Coonabarabran falls under postcode 2357 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 and regional connections Approx 2.5 hr to Dubbo
Commute to Sydney CBD
🛣️ Remote regional town; car is essential; Newell Highway connects south to Dubbo and north toward Queensland
Town centre is walkable for basic needs, but a car is essential for most residents in this rural setting
Supermarkets Nearby
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Woolworths35 Dalgarno Street Coonabarabran 2357 NSW
Schools
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Coonabarabran High School ICSEA 8986842 1099 Newell Hwy
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Coonabarabran Public School ICSEA 856John St
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24-28 Dalgarno Street
Heritage-Listed Places
There is 1 heritage-listed place in or near Coonabarabran, 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 Coonabarabran by offence type, year and trend.
📊 View Coonabarabran Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Coonabarabran" under Suburb
Housing 2021 Census
40 state housing + 11 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 58
- 2. New Zealand 21
- 3. India 18
- 4. Philippines 14
- 5. Netherlands 12
- 6. Germany 11
- 7. South Africa 11
- 8. Scotland 10
- 9. Nepal 7
- 10. United States 7
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)