🔍

Culburra Beach

NSW 2540 • Rest of NSW

2,946
Population (2021)
$32,916
Median Income
13.37 km²
Area
$350/wk
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideRetiree-HavenPeacefulQuiet

About Culburra Beach

Culburra Beach is a coastal township on the New South Wales South Coast, situated approximately 165 kilometres south of Sydney and around 25 kilometres south-east of Nowra, within the Shoalhaven City Council area. With a population of 2,946, the suburb has grown from 2,874 in 2016 as the area attracts sea-changers and retirees drawn to its relaxed beachside lifestyle. The community has a high median age of 54 and predominantly comprises detached homes, many used as permanent residences alongside holiday properties, set across a flat coastal landscape at sea level.

The suburb takes its name from Culburra Beach itself — a long, sheltered ocean beach on the southern shore of Crookhaven Heads that is popular for swimming, fishing, and surfing. The nearby Crookhaven River estuary offers calm-water boating and kayaking, and Orient Point at the northern end of the beach provides great views of Jervis Bay and the surrounding coastline. Local amenities are modest but sufficient — there is a small shopping strip, parks, and a primary school — with Nowra serving as the regional centre for major shopping, medical services, and transport. The area has a significant Aboriginal community, with 191 residents identifying as Indigenous in the 2021 Census.

Culburra Beach falls under postcode 2540 and is governed by Shoalhaven Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the South Coast electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2540
Urban Area
Culburra - Orient Point
LGA / Council
Shoalhaven
Federal Electorate
Gilmore
State Electorate
South Coast
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.92°, 150.76°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
13.37 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Bomaderry (Nowra)
26 km
N/A (drive)

Bus Services

  • NSW TrainLink regional coach / Nowra Coaches — Nowra (Bomaderry) Approx. 35–45 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
165 km
By Train
Drive or bus to Bomaderry station (~26 km), then NSW TrainLink to Sydney Central: approximately 2 hr 30 min.
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 15 min – 2 hr 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 55 min – 2 hr 15 min

🛣️ Accessible via the Princes Highway. Nowra is the nearest major centre for services, 25 km north-west.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

The beach and a small local strip are accessible on foot, but a car is required for virtually all shopping, medical, and transport needs.

🛒 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 Culburra Beach by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Culburra Beach Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$350
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,768
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
54 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,874
Census 2021
2,946
▲ 2.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$26,156
Income 2021
$32,916
▲ 25.8% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,495
Born Overseas 350

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 97
  • 2. New Zealand 34
  • 3. Germany 17
  • 4. Canada 11
  • 5. South Africa 11
  • 6. United States 11
  • 7. Italy 10
  • 8. China 9
  • 9. Netherlands 9
  • 10. Greece 8

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,348
Australian 1,255
Irish 393
Scottish 300
Australian Aboriginal 175
German 143
Italian 82
Maltese 46
Dutch 43
Polish 28

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,067
Both parents born in Australia
445
Both parents born overseas
342
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
52.4%
No Religion
41.4%
Buddhism
0.6%
Judaism
0.3%
Hinduism
0.3%
Islam
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
141 (4.8%)
5-14 years
240 (8.1%)
15-19 years
116 (3.9%)
20-24 years
118 (4.0%)
25-34 years
300 (10.2%)
35-44 years
261 (8.9%)
45-54 years
305 (10.4%)
55-64 years
502 (17.0%)
65-74 years
489 (16.6%)
75-84 years
341 (11.6%)
85+ years
132 (4.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Culburra Beach known for? +

Culburra Beach is known for its long, sheltered ocean beach and the calm waters of the Crookhaven River estuary, making it popular for swimming, fishing, surfing, and boating. It is a favourite destination for South Coast sea-changers and Sydney weekenders seeking a quiet coastal retreat.

How far is Culburra Beach from Sydney CBD? +

Culburra Beach is approximately 165 kilometres south of Sydney's CBD, typically a 2 to 2.5 hour drive via the Princes Highway, depending on traffic through the southern suburbs.

Does Culburra Beach have public transport? +

Public transport options are limited. There is no direct bus to Sydney; the nearest train station is Bomaderry (Nowra) about 26 km away, from which NSW TrainLink services run to Sydney Central. A car is essential for most residents.

What is the population of Culburra Beach? +

According to the 2021 Census, Culburra Beach has a population of 2,946, growing from 2,874 in 2016. It has an older demographic profile with a median age of 54, reflecting its popularity with retirees and sea-changers.

Is Culburra Beach a good place to live? +

Culburra Beach is ideal for those seeking a quiet coastal lifestyle away from city bustle, particularly retirees and families who value beach access, fishing, and a relaxed community atmosphere. It is less suited to those who need regular access to major city services or work in Sydney.

What is the postcode for Culburra Beach? +

The postcode for Culburra Beach, New South Wales is 2540, shared with Nowra and surrounding Shoalhaven suburbs.