Crescent Head
NSW 2440 • Rest of NSW
About Crescent Head
Crescent Head is a laid-back coastal town on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, 340 kilometres north of Sydney in the Kempsey Shire. With a population of around 1,633 (2021 census) and a median age of 50, this is a mature seaside community with deep roots dating back to 1894. The town sits on a dramatic headland overlooking crescent-shaped beaches that give it its name.
Famous as a world-class longboard surfing destination since the 1960s, Crescent Head hosts the annual Malibu Classic and attracts surfers from across Australia. The relaxed village features a country club, tavern, holiday parks, and a scenic 6-hole golf course overlooking the sea. Tourism and fishing are the primary industries, and the town draws retirees, sea-changers, and surf enthusiasts who value the uncrowded beaches, national park surrounds, and tight-knit community atmosphere.
Crescent Head falls under postcode 2440 and is governed by Kempsey Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Oxley electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Nearest Train Stations
Bus Services
- 345 — Kempsey via Belgrave Street 25 min
Commute to Kempsey
🛣️ Bus 345 connects to Kempsey for coach services to Sydney and Coffs Harbour. No direct train—nearest rail is Kempsey coach stop.
Village centre and beach walkable; car essential for shopping in Kempsey and all major services
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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108 Crescent Head Road
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Aldavilla Public School ICSEA 896Sherwood Road
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Bellbrook Public School ICSEA 732Main St
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Pacific Hwy
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Crescent Head Public School ICSEA 987Pacific St
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Frederickton Public School ICSEA 890Great North Rd
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Gladstone Public School ICSEA 100413 Kinchela St
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Green Hill Public School ICSEA 712Armidale & Kempsey Rds
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Kempsey East Public School ICSEA 875Innes St
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Kempsey High School ICSEA 848Broughton St
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Kempsey South Public School ICSEA 76721 Queen St
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Kempsey West Public School ICSEA 794Marsh St
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Kinchela Public School ICSEA 9515 Right Bank Rd
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Melville High School ICSEA 849Nicholson St
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Hickeys Creek Rd
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Smithtown Public School ICSEA 885Cannane St
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36 Kemp Street
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115 - 145 Sea Street
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Willawarrin Public School ICSEA 838Kempsey-Armidale Rd
Heritage-Listed Places
There is 1 heritage-listed place in or near Crescent Head, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.
Housing Costs 2021 Census
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 54
- 2. New Zealand 19
- 3. United States 19
- 4. Philippines 13
- 5. Germany 11
- 6. South Africa 10
- 7. Brazil 6
- 8. Netherlands 6
- 9. Pakistan 6
- 10. Thailand 6
- 11. Canada 5
- 12. France 4
- 13. Scotland 3
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)