🔍

Darkes Forest

NSW 2508 • New South Wales

95
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
25.55 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralBushlandQuietHinterlandSemi-Rural

About Darkes Forest

Darkes Forest is a small rural locality in the Northern Illawarra region of New South Wales, situated within the Wollongong and Wollondilly Shire local government areas, approximately 30 kilometres north of Wollongong and 60 kilometres south of Sydney. Spread across 25.55 square kilometres of elevated plateau country, the area is almost entirely surrounded by the Dharawal National Park, lending it a distinctly remote, bushland character. The 2021 Census recorded a population of just 95 residents across 26 dwellings, reflecting its very low-density, semi-rural nature with a median income broadly in line with surrounding Illawarra postcodes.

Darkes Forest is best known for its connection to the land — the area has a fruit-growing heritage dating back to the 1890s, and Darkes Glenbernie Orchard, a sixth-generation family operation, remains the last commercial orchard in the locality, nestled amid the national park. The Darkes Forest Riding Ranch offers horse trail rides and riding lessons through the surrounding bushland, drawing visitors from Wollongong and Sydney. The locality appeals to those who value deep immersion in nature, with Dharawal National Park providing bushwalking and wildlife experiences on the doorstep, though residents rely entirely on a car for daily needs, with Helensburgh the nearest town for shops and services.

Darkes Forest falls under postcode 2508 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Heathcote electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2508
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Cunningham
State Electorate
Heathcote
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.23°, 150.97°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
25.55 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Helensburgh
10 km
N/A — car required

Bus Services

  • S367 (school bus service only) — Helensburgh Station Limited school-day services — not suitable for general commuting

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
60 km
By Train
Drive to Helensburgh Station (~10 km), then T4/South Coast Line to Sydney Central — approx. 1 hr 20 min total
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 10 min – 1 hr 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
55 min – 1 hr 15 min

🛣️ Located on the Northern Illawarra escarpment; Wollongong CBD is approximately 30 km south, around 30–40 min by car

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Darkes Forest has no retail, services, or footpaths — a private vehicle is essential for all daily needs, with Helensburgh the nearest town

🛒 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 Darkes Forest by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Darkes Forest Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
95
▲ 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 Darkes Forest known for? +

Darkes Forest is known for its stunning bushland setting surrounded by Dharawal National Park, its fruit-growing heritage, and the Darkes Glenbernie Orchard — a sixth-generation family orchard and the last commercial orchard in the area. The Darkes Forest Riding Ranch, offering horse trail rides through native bushland, is also a well-known attraction drawing visitors from Wollongong and Sydney.

How far is Darkes Forest from Wollongong? +

Darkes Forest is approximately 30 kilometres north of Wollongong, roughly a 30 to 40 minute drive. It is also around 60 kilometres south of Sydney, approximately 55 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes by car.

Does Darkes Forest have public transport? +

Regular public transport to Darkes Forest is very limited. A school bus service (route S367) operates between Darkes Forest and Helensburgh Station on school days, but there are no regular bus services for general commuting. The nearest train station is Helensburgh, approximately 10 kilometres away, on the T4 Illawarra Line to Sydney. A private vehicle is essential for residents.

What is the population of Darkes Forest? +

According to the 2021 Census, Darkes Forest has a population of 95 residents across just 26 dwellings, making it one of the smallest and most sparsely settled localities in the Illawarra region. Its large area of 25.55 square kilometres means it is predominantly bushland and farmland rather than residential development.

Is Darkes Forest a good place to live? +

Darkes Forest offers a rare, deeply rural lifestyle within reach of both Wollongong and Sydney, appealing strongly to those who value privacy, nature, and space. With Dharawal National Park on the doorstep and a close-knit community of hobby farmers and rural residents, it suits people seeking a true bush retreat — though it requires full car dependence and acceptance of minimal nearby services.

What is the postcode for Darkes Forest? +

The postcode for Darkes Forest, NSW is 2508.