Kapooka
NSW 2661 • New South Wales
About Kapooka
Kapooka is a defence locality situated approximately 9.5 kilometres south-west of Wagga Wagga in the Riverina region of New South Wales, within the Wagga Wagga City Council area. It is home to Blamey Barracks, the Australian Army's Recruit Training Centre (ARTC) — universally known as "the Home of the Soldier" — where every Australian Army recruit completes their basic training. The locality had a population of 395 at the 2021 Census, reflecting its predominantly military character.
Life at Kapooka is defined by the rhythms of the Australian Army, with the 1st Recruit Training Battalion conducting continuous intake courses throughout the year. The on-base facilities at Blamey Barracks include accommodation, mess halls, sporting facilities, and an AAFCANS canteen. Recruits and Defence personnel travel to Wagga Wagga for civilian services, shopping, and entertainment. Wagga Wagga itself is a thriving regional city with an airport, Charles Sturt University, and excellent amenities — making Kapooka well-supported despite its small size.
Kapooka falls under postcode 2661 and is governed by Wagga Wagga City Council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Wagga Wagga electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Nearest Train Stations
Bus Services
- Defence shuttle — Wagga Wagga CBD 15 min
Commute to Sydney CBD
🛣️ Wagga Wagga Airport has regular flights to Sydney (~1 hr)
On-base movement is walkable within Blamey Barracks; a car is needed for off-base services
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
-
Kapooka Public School ICSEA 1002Sturt Ave
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 Kapooka by offence type, year and trend.
📊 View Kapooka Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Kapooka" under Suburb