Gundagai

NSW 2722 • Rest of NSW

1,699
Population (2021)
$34,996
Median Income
47.27 km²
Area
$230/wk
Median Rent
HistoricRuralRiversideAffordableEstablished

About Gundagai

Gundagai is a historic rural town on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River in south-western New South Wales, situated approximately 385 kilometres from Sydney and 85 kilometres north of Wagga Wagga within the Gundagai Area local government area. The town has a population of 1,699 and sits at an elevation of 354 metres in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, with a median age of 45 and modest household incomes around $64,000 per year, reflecting its character as a quiet regional service centre. Gundagai's strong Catholic and Anglican heritage, and predominantly Australian and English ancestry, speak to a deep-rooted community identity that stretches back to the colonial era.

Gundagai is one of Australia's most storied country towns, immortalised in bush poetry, folk song, and legend — most famously through the Dog on the Tuckerbox monument 8 kilometres north of town, a beloved icon of Australian folklore. The historic Hume Highway corridor brings passing travellers through, and the town retains a charming streetscape of heritage buildings, a Woolworths supermarket, schools, and the scenic Murrumbidgee River walking trails. The area is popular with history enthusiasts and those seeking an authentic, affordable slice of rural New South Wales life along one of the country's great inland highways.

Gundagai falls under postcode 2722 and is governed by Gundagai Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Cootamundra electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2722
Urban Area
Gundagai - Junee - Harden
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.04°, 148.10°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
47.27 km²
Elevation
354m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • NSW TrainLink coach — Sydney / Wagga Wagga / Canberra Wagga Wagga ~1 hr; Sydney ~5 hr; Canberra ~2.5 hr

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
385 km
By Train
NSW TrainLink coach to Sydney (~5 hr); or drive to Wagga Wagga for XPT train to Sydney (~6 hr total)
By Car (Peak)
4.5-5 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
4-4.5 hr

🛣️ Hume Highway (A23) provides the main route; Canberra is approximately 2.5 hours away and a more practical city destination

Walkability Car-Dependent

The town centre has basic walkable amenities, but most residents rely on cars for daily needs and trips to larger regional centres

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    246-250 Sheridan Street Gundagai 2722 NSW

🎓 Schools

🏛️ Heritage-Listed Places

There are 5 heritage-listed places in or near Gundagai, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Cootamundra-Tumut railway, Gundagai • SHR #01159
Cootamundra-Tumut railway, Gundagai • SHR #01039
Gundagai • SHR #02022
82 First Avenue, Gundagai • SHR #02031

🔍 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 Gundagai by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Gundagai Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$230
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,211
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
45 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.3%

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,676
Census 2021
1,699
1.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$28,184
Income 2021
$34,996
24.2% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,362
Born Overseas 155

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. China 51
  • 2. India 17
  • 3. Philippines 14
  • 4. England 13
  • 5. New Zealand 12
  • 6. Fiji 6
  • 7. Taiwan 6
  • 8. Germany 4
  • 9. Ireland 4
  • 10. Italy 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 713
English 713
Irish 212
Scottish 123
Australian Aboriginal 62
Chinese 60
German 33
Italian 16
Filipino 15
Indian 12

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,272
Both parents born in Australia
184
Both parents born overseas
80
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
68.0%
No Religion
20.8%
Hinduism
0.8%
Sikhism
0.4%
Buddhism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
98 (5.8%)
5-14 years
188 (11.1%)
15-19 years
95 (5.6%)
20-24 years
87 (5.1%)
25-34 years
197 (11.6%)
35-44 years
189 (11.1%)
45-54 years
182 (10.7%)
55-64 years
236 (13.9%)
65-74 years
217 (12.8%)
75-84 years
140 (8.2%)
85+ years
76 (4.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gundagai known for? +

Gundagai is famous for the Dog on the Tuckerbox monument 8 kilometres north of town — an iconic symbol of Australian bush history — as well as its beautifully preserved heritage streetscape, the Murrumbidgee River, and its place in Australian bush poetry and folklore.

How far is Gundagai from Sydney? +

Gundagai is approximately 385 kilometres south-west of Sydney, a 4–5 hour drive via the Hume Highway. It is also about 2.5 hours from Canberra.

Does Gundagai have public transport? +

Gundagai is served by NSW TrainLink coach services connecting it to Sydney, Wagga Wagga, and Canberra, but there is no regular rail station. A car is the most practical means of transport.

What is the population of Gundagai? +

According to the 2021 Census, Gundagai has a population of 1,699 residents with a median age of 45, and a long-established community with deep historical roots in the region.

Is Gundagai a good place to live? +

Gundagai offers affordable rural living in a historic setting with a strong community identity. It suits those seeking a quiet country lifestyle, retirees, and history enthusiasts, though employment opportunities are limited and major services require travel to Wagga Wagga.

What is the postcode for Gundagai? +

The postcode for Gundagai, NSW is 2722.

What is the history of Gundagai? +

Gundagai is one of Australia's oldest inland towns, established in the 1830s. It was the site of Australia's worst flood disaster in 1852 when the Murrumbidgee River inundated the town, killing over 89 people and prompting the town to be relocated to higher ground. It is also immortalised in the classic Australian song 'Along the Road to Gundagai'.