🔍

Frederickton

NSW 2440 • Rest of NSW

1,452
Population (2021)
$29,380
Median Income
12.26 km²
Area
$330/wk
Median Rent
RuralRiversideHistoricQuietAffordable

About Frederickton

Frederickton is a small riverside town on the Macleay River within the Kempsey local government area of New South Wales, approximately 436 kilometres north of Sydney and 6 kilometres north-east of Kempsey. With a population of 1,452, the town has seen steady growth over recent decades and has a median age of 49, reflecting its appeal to older residents and long-established families. Household incomes are below the national average at around $1,114 per week, consistent with its regional character, and housing is primarily modest residential dwellings set across the Macleay Valley floodplain.

Frederickton is historically tied to the Macleay Valley, with roots in shipbuilding, timber-getting, and pastoral pursuits dating to the mid-1800s when the township was established by Frederick William Chapman. The Macleay Valley Bridge — one of the longest bridges on the Pacific Highway — passes just east of town and is a notable local landmark. Residents rely on the nearby regional centre of Kempsey for shops, schools, and health services, while the Macleay River itself offers fishing and recreational access. The community has a quiet, established character typical of the Mid North Coast hinterland.

Frederickton falls under postcode 2440 and is governed by Kempsey Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Oxley electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2440
Urban Area
Kempsey - Surrounds
LGA / Council
Kempsey
Federal Electorate
Cowper
State Electorate
Oxley
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-31.03°, 152.86°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
12.26 km²
Elevation
8m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Regional coach (NSW TrainLink) — Port Macquarie / Sydney 2.5 hr to Port Macquarie, 6+ hr to Sydney

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
436 km
By Train
No direct train service; coach connections available
By Car (Peak)
4.5-5.5 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
4.5-5 hr

🛣️ Located on the Pacific Highway; Kempsey is the nearest service centre 6km away

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Frederickton is a small rural town where almost all errands and services require a car, with Kempsey providing the nearest retail and health facilities

🛒 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 Frederickton by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Frederickton Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$330
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,339
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
49 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.9%

0 state housing + 10 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,391
Census 2021
1,452
▲ 4.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$25,116
Income 2021
$29,380
▲ 17.0% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,305
Born Overseas 108

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 33
  • 2. India 16
  • 3. New Zealand 8
  • 4. Brazil 6
  • 5. Scotland 6
  • 6. Fiji 5
  • 7. Germany 4
  • 8. Ireland 4
  • 9. China 3
  • 10. France 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 678
Australian 652
Irish 163
Australian Aboriginal 155
Scottish 150
German 43
Italian 21
French 11
New Zealander 11
Filipino 9

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,137
Both parents born in Australia
126
Both parents born overseas
97
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
60.1%
No Religion
33.8%
Hinduism
0.6%
Buddhism
0.4%
Sikhism
0.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
75 (5.2%)
5-14 years
164 (11.3%)
15-19 years
85 (5.9%)
20-24 years
75 (5.2%)
25-34 years
141 (9.7%)
35-44 years
113 (7.8%)
45-54 years
157 (10.8%)
55-64 years
172 (11.8%)
65-74 years
217 (14.9%)
75-84 years
141 (9.7%)
85+ years
119 (8.2%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Frederickton known for? +

Frederickton is known for its location on the Macleay River and its rich history in shipbuilding, timber-getting, and pastoral farming dating to the mid-1800s. The Macleay Valley Bridge, one of the longest bridges on the Pacific Highway, passes just east of town.

How far is Frederickton from Sydney? +

Frederickton is approximately 436 kilometres north of Sydney, making it about a 4.5 to 5.5 hour drive via the Pacific Highway.

Does Frederickton have public transport? +

There is no rail service to Frederickton or the Kempsey area. NSW TrainLink regional coach services provide connections to Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, and Sydney, though a car is the most practical way to get around locally.

What is the population of Frederickton? +

According to the 2021 Census, Frederickton has a population of 1,452, growing steadily from 1,391 in 2016 and just 526 in 1966. The suburb has a median age of 49.

Is Frederickton a good place to live? +

Frederickton suits those seeking an affordable, peaceful lifestyle in the NSW Mid North Coast hinterland. Its riverside setting on the Macleay River, proximity to Kempsey, and quiet community atmosphere make it popular with older residents and families who value space over urban convenience.

What is the postcode for Frederickton? +

Frederickton's postcode is 2440, which it shares with Kempsey and surrounding localities.