🔍

Gloucester

NSW 2422 • Rest of NSW

3,133
Population (2021)
$28,756
Median Income
59.13 km²
Area
$275/wk
Median Rent
RuralRetiree-HavenAgriculturalHistoric

About Gloucester

Gloucester is a rural service town and the main centre of the Mid-Coast Council area in New South Wales, nestled in the foothills of the Barrington Tops mountain range approximately 280 kilometres north of Sydney. With a population of 3,133 and a notably high median age of 55, Gloucester has a strongly retiree and older resident demographic, typical of rural NSW towns at the heart of agricultural districts. The town encompasses 59 square kilometres of mixed residential, rural, and peri-urban land, with median household incomes of around $985 per week reflecting the predominantly agricultural, service, and tourism-based local economy.

Gloucester serves as the commercial hub for a wide surrounding agricultural district, with a Woolworths supermarket, local retailers, cafes, and professional services concentrated along Church Street. The town is renowned for its proximity to Barrington Tops National Park — a World Heritage wilderness area popular with bushwalkers, four-wheel drive enthusiasts, and campers — and the scenic Gloucester Tops plateau. The annual Gloucester Show and the town's strong agricultural community give it a proud rural identity, while the Manning and Gloucester Rivers provide fishing and recreational opportunities. The Bucketts Way and Thunderbolts Way touring routes pass through, making it a popular stop for road travellers exploring regional NSW.

Gloucester falls under postcode 2422 and is governed by Mid-Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Upper Hunter electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2422
Urban Area
Gloucester
LGA / Council
Mid-Coast
Federal Electorate
Lyne
State Electorate
Upper Hunter
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-32.01°, 151.96°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
59.13 km²
Elevation
109m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Dungog Station
55 km
N/A — drive only

Bus Services

  • Busways regional coaches — Taree and Dungog 45-60 min to Taree

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
280 km
By Train
No direct train; drive to Dungog (55km) then Hunter Line to Sydney (~3.5 hrs total)
By Car (Peak)
3.5-4 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
3-3.5 hours

🛣️ Car essential; Pacific Highway and Bucketts Way are the main routes; Taree (60km) is the nearest regional centre

Walkability Car-Dependent

Town centre along Church Street is walkable for daily needs, but the wider suburb area and surrounding rural land require a vehicle

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    111 Church Street Gloucester 2422 NSW

🎓 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 Gloucester by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Gloucester Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$275
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
55 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.8%

36 state housing + 15 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,975
Census 2021
3,133
▲ 5.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$25,272
Income 2021
$28,756
▲ 13.8% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,701
Born Overseas 245

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 106
  • 2. New Zealand 26
  • 3. Netherlands 12
  • 4. Philippines 10
  • 5. Scotland 8
  • 6. Canada 7
  • 7. India 7
  • 8. United States 7
  • 9. South Africa 6
  • 10. Japan 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,429
Australian 1,415
Scottish 385
Irish 320
Australian Aboriginal 232
German 112
Italian 41
Filipino 22
Chinese 18
Welsh 18

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,407
Both parents born in Australia
304
Both parents born overseas
251
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
58.6%
No Religion
34.4%
Buddhism
0.6%
Hinduism
0.3%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
118 (3.8%)
5-14 years
344 (11.0%)
15-19 years
145 (4.6%)
20-24 years
100 (3.2%)
25-34 years
236 (7.5%)
35-44 years
292 (9.3%)
45-54 years
327 (10.4%)
55-64 years
472 (15.1%)
65-74 years
573 (18.3%)
75-84 years
347 (11.1%)
85+ years
176 (5.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gloucester NSW known for? +

Gloucester is best known for its position as the gateway to Barrington Tops National Park, a World Heritage wilderness area. The town is also known for its strong agricultural heritage, annual Gloucester Show, and as a classic rural NSW service town in the Manning Valley region.

How far is Gloucester from Sydney? +

Gloucester is approximately 280 kilometres north of Sydney CBD, typically a 3–3.5 hour drive via the Pacific Highway and Bucketts Way, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Does Gloucester have public transport? +

Gloucester has limited public transport. Regional bus services (Busways) connect Gloucester to Taree and Dungog, but there is no train service to the town. The nearest train station is Dungog, approximately 55 kilometres to the south. A car is essential for most residents.

What is the population of Gloucester? +

Gloucester has a population of approximately 3,133 residents according to the 2021 Census, with an older demographic profile — the median age of 55 is well above the national average, reflecting the town's appeal to retirees and long-term rural residents.

Is Gloucester a good place to live? +

Gloucester is well-suited to those seeking a quiet rural lifestyle, retirees, and nature enthusiasts. It offers affordable housing, a genuine country town atmosphere, and exceptional access to Barrington Tops National Park, though residents should expect limited amenities compared to coastal or metropolitan areas.

What is the postcode for Gloucester NSW? +

The postcode for Gloucester, New South Wales is 2422.