Gilgai

NSW 2360 • New South Wales

740
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
86.17 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRemoteHistoricAgricultural

About Gilgai

Gilgai is a rural locality in the Northern Tablelands region of New South Wales, situated 10 kilometres south of Inverell along Thunderbolts Way within Inverell Shire. With a population of 740 spread across a substantial 86 square kilometres, it has a low-density rural character typical of the New England region. The area has a modest median income and is characterised by grazing properties, open farmland, and a quiet country lifestyle.

Gilgai is notable for its unique mining history — the surrounding land contains "concertina" tin mine shafts, found nowhere else in Australia, as well as sapphires, rubies, and traces of diamonds. Wine grapes have been grown here historically, adding an agricultural diversity to the region. The town sits along a scenic route through the Northern Tablelands, and residents rely on nearby Inverell for shopping, schools, healthcare, and services, making it an ideal base for those who value space and rural tranquillity.

Gilgai falls under postcode 2360 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Northern Tablelands electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2360
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-29.63°, 151.16°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
86.17 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional coach services — Inverell (10 km north) 15 min by car

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
580 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
6-7 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
6 hours

🛣️ Thunderbolts Way connects to Inverell; regional flights available from Inverell Airport

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A dispersed rural locality with no footpaths or retail; a car is essential for all daily 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 Gilgai by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Gilgai Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
740
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 Gilgai known for? +

Gilgai is known for its remarkable mining heritage, particularly the unique concertina tin mine shafts found nowhere else in Australia. The area has also yielded sapphires, rubies, and traces of diamonds, and has a history of wine grape growing.

How far is Gilgai from Sydney? +

Gilgai is approximately 580 kilometres north-west of Sydney, making it roughly a 6–7 hour drive via the New England Highway or Pacific Highway through Tamworth.

Does Gilgai have public transport? +

Gilgai has no rail service and very limited public transport. Inverell, 10 kilometres to the north, is the nearest town with regional bus connections. A car is essential for daily life.

What is the population of Gilgai? +

According to the 2021 Census, Gilgai has a population of 740 residents, spread across an area of approximately 86 square kilometres.

Is Gilgai a good place to live? +

Gilgai suits people who value rural living, wide open spaces, and a quiet country lifestyle. It is best suited to those who are self-sufficient, with Inverell nearby for essential services and schools.

What is the postcode for Gilgai? +

The postcode for Gilgai is 2360, shared with nearby Inverell and surrounding localities in northern New South Wales.