Copeland

NSW 2422 • New South Wales

74
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
45.63 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricBushlandRemote

About Copeland

Copeland is a small historic locality in the Mid-Coast region of New South Wales, situated approximately 19 kilometres west of Gloucester in the foothills of the Barrington Tops. The area was first put on the map by the discovery of gold in 1876, which drew thousands of miners and saw a population peak of over 1,100 people — a far cry from the 74 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. Today Copeland is a quiet rural community covering around 45 square kilometres, characterised by forested hills, creek country, and a handful of properties.

Copeland is best known today for the Copeland Tops State Conservation Area, which protects rare dry rainforest that forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. The historic Mountain Maid gold mine, now managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, offers guided tours through the old mining precinct and is a popular drawcard for visitors. The nearest services are in Gloucester, which provides schools, shopping, and healthcare, while the broader Barrington Tops region offers outstanding bushwalking, wildlife watching, and nature-based tourism.

Copeland falls under postcode 2422 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Upper Hunter electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2422
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-31.97°, 151.87°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
45.63 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Gloucester Station
19 km
N/A — car required

Bus Services

  • Newcombe Coach Lines school services — Gloucester Approx. 25 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
280 km
By Train
Drive to Gloucester Station then NSW TrainLink XPT to Sydney Central (approx. 4 hr 30 min)
By Car (Peak)
3 hr 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 hr 15 min

🛣️ Pacific Highway via Maitland or New England Highway provides main road access to Sydney

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Copeland is a remote rural locality with no local shops or public transport — a car is essential for all daily needs, with Gloucester being the nearest service centre

🛒 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 Copeland by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Copeland Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
74
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 Copeland known for? +

Copeland is known for its rich gold mining history — gold was discovered here in 1876, and the area once hosted over 1,000 miners. Today visitors come to explore the Mountain Maid gold mine (now part of Copeland Tops State Conservation Area) and the rare dry rainforests of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area.

How far is Copeland from Gloucester? +

Copeland is approximately 19 kilometres west of Gloucester in NSW, a drive of around 25 minutes along rural roads through the Barrington Tops foothills.

Does Copeland have public transport? +

There is no regular public transport to Copeland. Newcombe Coach Lines provides school bus services to the area, and the nearest rail connection is Gloucester Station (approximately 19 km away), which is served by NSW TrainLink XPT services. A private vehicle is essential.

What is the population of Copeland? +

According to the 2021 Census, Copeland has a population of approximately 74 residents, a significant decrease from its gold rush peak when the population exceeded 1,000 people in the late 1800s.

Is Copeland a good place to live? +

Copeland is best suited to those who value a quiet, remote bush lifestyle close to outstanding natural areas, including the Barrington Tops and Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Everyday services require a 25-minute drive to Gloucester, so self-sufficiency is important.

What is the postcode for Copeland? +

The postcode for Copeland is 2422, shared with Gloucester and surrounding localities in the Mid-Coast region of New South Wales.