🔍

Kempsey

NSW 2440 • New South Wales

483
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
6.98 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricRiversideAffordableMid North Coast

About Kempsey

Kempsey is a town and locality on New South Wales's Mid North Coast, located approximately 430 kilometres north of Sydney and 50 kilometres north-west of Port Macquarie, within Kempsey Shire. Set on the Macleay River at an elevation of just 2 metres, Kempsey serves as the administrative centre for the shire and has a population of 483 within the gazetted locality boundary, though the broader urban centre is home to over 11,000 residents. The town has a median household income of approximately $39,686, reflecting its role as a regional service hub for a predominantly rural and Indigenous community.

Kempsey is well-known as the birthplace of country music legend Slim Dusty, and the Slim Dusty Centre — a museum and cultural facility — celebrates his legacy and the region's heritage. The Macleay Valley Way and Pacific Highway provide links to Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, and the town offers schools, health services, a hospital, and retail shopping. The nearby Macleay River and coast at Crescent Head and Hat Head attract fishing and surfing enthusiasts, making Kempsey a practical base for those seeking affordable Mid North Coast living.

Kempsey falls under postcode 2440 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Oxley electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2440
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Cowper
State Electorate
Oxley
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-30.38°, 153.02°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
6.98 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • NSW TrainLink regional coach — Sydney (Central Station) via Port Macquarie Approx 6-7 hours
  • Busways local services — Port Macquarie / Coffs Harbour Approx 1-1.5 hours

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
430 km
By Train
No direct train; NSW TrainLink coach connects to Sydney via Pacific Highway
By Car (Peak)
4.5-5.5 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
4-5 hours

🛣️ Pacific Highway provides the main road link; Kempsey Airport has limited charter services; Port Macquarie Airport is 50 km south

Walkability Car-Dependent

Town centre has a walkable main street with shops and services, but most errands beyond the CBD require a car

🛒 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 Kempsey by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Kempsey Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
483
▲ 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 Kempsey known for? +

Kempsey is best known as the birthplace of Australian country music legend Slim Dusty. The Slim Dusty Centre, a dedicated museum and cultural venue in town, celebrates his life and the region's musical heritage. Kempsey also serves as the administrative hub for Kempsey Shire and a gateway to the beautiful Macleay Valley coast.

How far is Kempsey from Sydney? +

Kempsey is approximately 430 kilometres north of Sydney, roughly a 4.5 to 5.5 hour drive via the Pacific Highway.

Does Kempsey have public transport? +

Kempsey no longer has a train service, as the local railway line was closed. NSW TrainLink regional coaches connect Kempsey to Sydney via Port Macquarie, and Busways operates local services to Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. A car is the most practical option for day-to-day travel.

What is the population of Kempsey? +

The Kempsey locality recorded a population of 483 at the 2021 Census; however, the broader Kempsey urban centre has over 11,000 residents, making it the principal service town for the Macleay Valley region.

Is Kempsey a good place to live? +

Kempsey offers affordable living on the NSW Mid North Coast with access to river and coastal recreation, a strong Indigenous cultural heritage, and a good range of local services. It suits those seeking a quieter regional lifestyle away from capital city prices, with Port Macquarie's beaches and facilities within easy reach.

What is the postcode for Kempsey? +

The postcode for Kempsey, New South Wales is 2440.