Iluka

NSW 2466 • Rest of NSW

1,764
Population (2021)
$25,324
Median Income
12.79 km²
Area
$300/wk
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideRuralRetireesHistoric

About Iluka

Iluka is a picturesque coastal village located at the northern mouth of the Clarence River in the Clarence Valley region of New South Wales, approximately 720 kilometres north of Sydney. Positioned on a narrow peninsula bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the Clarence River, and Bundjalung National Park, it has a resident population of around 1,700 people. The town is renowned for its pristine beaches, world-class fishing, and the Iluka Rainforest Walk, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed patch of subtropical rainforest. Its remote and unspoiled character has made it one of the most sought-after coastal escapes on the NSW north coast.

Life in Iluka revolves around the water — whether fishing off the breakwall, surfing at Iluka Beach, or exploring the tidal flats of Bundjalung National Park. The village has a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere with a strong community of long-term residents alongside a growing number of sea-changers and retirees who have relocated for the lifestyle. Local amenities include a supermarket, cafes, a pub, and a boat ramp, with larger services available in Grafton (50 km south) or the twin town of Yamba just across the river. Iluka is particularly popular in summer when holidaymakers and surfers flock to its renowned beaches.

Iluka falls under postcode 2466 and is governed by Clarence Valley Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Clarence electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2466
Urban Area
Yamba - Surrounds
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-29.40°, 153.36°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
12.79 km²
Elevation
14m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Grafton Station
52 km
N/A (drive)

Bus Services

  • Busways regional coach — Grafton / Maclean ~55 min to Grafton

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
715 km
By Train
Not practical — nearest station Grafton (52 km away)
By Car (Peak)
~8 hours to Sydney CBD
By Car (Off-Peak)
~7.5 hours

🛣️ Iluka is a remote coastal village; most residents drive. Yamba is accessible via free ferry.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most daily errands require a car; the village centre is walkable for locals.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

  • 🏫
    6646 6149 21-27 Charles Street
    GovernmentPrimaryCoedNon-Denominational

🔍 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 Iluka by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Iluka Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$300
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
1.9 people
Median Age
62 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,718
Census 2021
1,764
2.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$22,204
Income 2021
$25,324
14.1% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,460
Born Overseas 152

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 48
  • 2. New Zealand 26
  • 3. United States 16
  • 4. Netherlands 6
  • 5. Papua New Guinea 4
  • 6. South Africa 4
  • 7. Wales 4
  • 8. India 3
  • 9. Italy 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 867
Australian 624
Irish 274
Scottish 241
German 83
Australian Aboriginal 48
Italian 37
Dutch 19
Chinese 12
Welsh 11

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,311
Both parents born in Australia
178
Both parents born overseas
148
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
54.9%
No Religion
36.2%
Buddhism
0.9%
Sikhism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
49 (2.8%)
5-14 years
119 (6.7%)
15-19 years
54 (3.1%)
20-24 years
36 (2.0%)
25-34 years
76 (4.3%)
35-44 years
109 (6.2%)
45-54 years
172 (9.8%)
55-64 years
373 (21.1%)
65-74 years
442 (25.1%)
75-84 years
265 (15.0%)
85+ years
70 (4.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Iluka NSW known for? +

Iluka is famous for its Iluka Rainforest Walk — a UNESCO World Heritage-listed subtropical rainforest — as well as its beaches, fishing, and the Bundjalung National Park on its doorstep.

How do you get to Iluka NSW? +

Iluka is accessed by road via the Pacific Highway, turning off at Woodburn. From Yamba (just across the Clarence River), a free ferry runs regularly. The nearest train station is Grafton, about 52 km away.

Is Iluka good for fishing? +

Yes — Iluka is regarded as one of the best fishing destinations on the NSW north coast. The Clarence River mouth, the breakwall, and offshore reefs attract anglers year-round for species including jewfish, bream, flathead, and tuna.

What schools are in Iluka? +

Iluka Public School (K-6) is the local primary school. Secondary students typically travel to Maclean High School in Maclean, about 20 km away.