🔍

Cowan

NSW 2081 • New South Wales

631
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
31.90 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
BushlandLeafyQuietSemi-Rural

About Cowan

Cowan is a small outer suburb of Sydney's Northern Sydney region, located approximately 40 kilometres north of the Sydney CBD within the Hornsby Shire local government area. Sitting at an elevation of around 207 metres, the locality is entirely surrounded by the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, giving it an exceptionally bushland character unusual for a metropolitan suburb. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 631, spread across roughly 32 square kilometres of national park–encircled bush.

Cowan's most distinctive feature is its almost complete immersion in national parkland, providing residents with immediate access to walking trails, wildlife, and the Hawkesbury River estuary to the east. The Pacific Highway passes through the locality, and Cowan Railway Station on the Main North line provides a direct rail link to Sydney's CBD. The suburb suits those seeking a nature-immersed lifestyle within commuting distance of Sydney, though shopping and everyday services are mostly accessed in nearby Berowra or the Hornsby town centre.

Cowan falls under postcode 2081 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Hornsby electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2081
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Berowra
State Electorate
Hornsby
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-33.62°, 151.15°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
31.90 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Cowan Railway Station
0.5 km
7 min

Bus Services

  • Limited local services — Berowra / Hornsby approx. 15-20 min to Berowra by car

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
40 km
By Train
Approx. 60-75 min to Sydney Central via Main North line from Cowan Station
By Car (Peak)
50-70 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
35-50 min

🛣️ Pacific Highway passes through; Cowan is the last station before the long descent to Brooklyn/Hawkesbury River; services can be infrequent

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Beyond the railway station, there are no shops or services within walking distance; a car or train is needed for all errands

🛒 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 Cowan by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Cowan Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
631
▲ 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 Cowan known for? +

Cowan is known for its extraordinary bushland setting, completely surrounded by Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The suburb offers direct access to national park walking trails and is close to the scenic Hawkesbury River, making it popular with nature lovers and those seeking a bush retreat within Sydney's metropolitan area.

How far is Cowan from Sydney CBD? +

Cowan is approximately 40 kilometres north of the Sydney CBD. The drive takes between 35 and 70 minutes depending on traffic, and the train journey from Cowan Station to Sydney Central takes approximately 60–75 minutes on the Main North line.

Does Cowan have public transport? +

Yes, Cowan has a railway station on Sydney Trains' Main North line, providing direct services to Sydney Central via Hornsby. Services are less frequent than in inner Sydney suburbs, but the train remains the most practical way to commute to the city.

What is the population of Cowan? +

According to the 2021 Census, Cowan had a population of 631 residents, making it one of the smallest and most sparsely populated localities in metropolitan Sydney.

Is Cowan a good place to live? +

Cowan suits those who value a peaceful, nature-immersed lifestyle with direct rail access to Sydney. It is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking a bush setting, though residents must travel to Berowra or Hornsby for shops, schools, and daily services.

What is the postcode for Cowan? +

The postcode for Cowan, New South Wales is 2081, which it shares with Berowra.