🔍

Federal

NSW 2480 • New South Wales

784
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
27.59 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
HinterlandRuralVillage FeelPeacefulBushland

About Federal

Federal is a small hinterland village in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, nestled in the rolling hills of Byron Shire approximately 20 kilometres west of Byron Bay and around 780 kilometres north of Sydney. Set at an elevation of 140 metres amid lush subtropical rainforest and farmland, the village has a population of around 784 and covers a broad rural area of approximately 27 square kilometres. Federal is one of several charming Byron Shire hinterland communities that has attracted artists, alternative lifestyle seekers, and those seeking a quieter existence away from the coastal crowds.

The village is just 13 kilometres from Minyon Falls within Nightcap National Park — a spectacular 100-metre waterfall popular with bushwalkers — and the surrounding area offers excellent opportunities for nature exploration and wildlife watching. Federal's beloved Federal School of Arts (community hall) and its heritage general store and post office are the heart of a tight-knit community with strong creative, environmental, and agricultural roots. Residents enjoy a genuinely rural lifestyle while remaining within a half-hour drive of Byron Bay's beaches, restaurants, and services, as well as the city of Lismore to the south.

Federal falls under postcode 2480 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Lismore electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2480
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Richmond
State Electorate
Lismore
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.71°, 153.26°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
27.59 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited local services — Byron Bay / Lismore 30–50 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
780 km
By Train
No practical train commute to Sydney — nearest regional rail at Casino
By Car (Peak)
8.5–9.5 hours to Sydney CBD
By Car (Off-Peak)
8–9 hours

🛣️ Nearest regional centres are Byron Bay (20 km east) and Lismore (approx. 30 km south). A car is essential.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Federal's rural layout means a car is essential for almost all errands; the village store covers basic needs only.

🛒 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 Federal by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Federal Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
784
▲ 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 Federal known for? +

Federal is known for its peaceful hinterland character, proximity to Nightcap National Park and Minyon Falls, and its strong arts and alternative lifestyle community. The historic Federal School of Arts and the local general store are cherished community landmarks.

How far is Federal from Byron Bay? +

Federal is approximately 20 kilometres west of Byron Bay, a drive of around 25–35 minutes depending on road conditions. It is also about 30 kilometres from Lismore.

Does Federal have public transport? +

Public transport in Federal is very limited. There is no rail service in the village, and bus connections to Byron Bay and Lismore are infrequent. A private car is essential for residents.

What is the population of Federal? +

Federal has a population of approximately 784 residents, spread across a rural area of around 27 square kilometres in the Byron Shire.

Is Federal a good place to live? +

Federal suits those who value a quiet rural lifestyle, strong community spirit, and proximity to nature — particularly the rainforests and waterfalls of Nightcap National Park. It appeals to artists, remote workers, and families seeking an alternative to Byron Bay's busier coastal scene.

What is the postcode for Federal? +

The postcode for Federal, New South Wales is 2480.