🔍

Craven

NSW 2422 • New South Wales

104
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
94.71 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalQuietHistoric

About Craven

Craven is a small rural locality in the Manning Valley region of New South Wales, situated approximately 55 kilometres south of Gloucester and within the Mid-Coast Council local government area. The locality falls under postcode 2422, sharing it with Gloucester township, and had a population of 104 at the 2021 Census across an area of nearly 95 square kilometres of agricultural and forested land. Craven has historic ties to the timber industry; its railway station, opened in 1913, was once a key hub for sawmill operations along the North Coast line between Dungog and Taree. The median postcode income reflects the rural working character of the district at around 4,000.

The surrounding landscape comprises cattle and mixed farming properties, creek flats, and timbered hills typical of the upper Manning Valley, offering a quiet and scenic rural setting. Nearby Gloucester — the closest town for shops, services, and schools — is approximately 30 kilometres to the north, while Dungog lies about 70 kilometres to the south. The North Coast railway line passes through the locality, though the former Craven station has long been closed to passengers, and a private vehicle is the practical way to access services today. The locality appeals to those seeking affordable rural land within a scenic valley setting, not far from the national parks and Barrington Tops wilderness area.

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

📍 Location

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

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Gloucester Station
30 km
N/A (car required)

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Gloucester / Taree Approx 30-40 min to Gloucester

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
260 km
By Train
Drive to Gloucester or Dungog, then NSW TrainLink North Coast service to Sydney (~4-5 hrs)
By Car (Peak)
Approx 3 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx 3 hrs

🛣️ Rural Manning Valley locality; car essential. Access via Thunderbolts Way or Bucketts Way.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A dispersed rural locality with no local shops; residents rely on Gloucester for all services

🛒 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 Craven by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Craven Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
104
▲ 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 Craven known for? +

Craven is a historically significant rural locality associated with the timber industry and its early twentieth century railway operations along the North Coast line. Today it is known for its peaceful Manning Valley farming landscape and proximity to Barrington Tops.

How far is Craven from Sydney? +

Craven is approximately 260 kilometres north of Sydney, a drive of around 3 hours via the Pacific Highway and Bucketts Way or Thunderbolts Way.

Does Craven have public transport? +

There is no passenger rail service at Craven; the former Craven station is closed. The nearest active railway station is Gloucester, approximately 30 kilometres north, where NSW TrainLink regional services connect to Sydney and the North Coast. A car is essential for daily travel.

What is the population of Craven? +

According to the 2021 Census, Craven had a population of 104 residents across approximately 40 dwellings in a rural setting, with a predominantly older age profile typical of small farming communities.

Is Craven a good place to live? +

Craven suits those seeking affordable rural land and a tranquil valley lifestyle within the Manning Valley. It is well-placed for access to Barrington Tops National Park and the scenic Gloucester region, though residents must travel to Gloucester or further afield for most services.

What is the postcode for Craven? +

The postcode for Craven is 2422.