Kinchela

NSW 2440 • New South Wales

286
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
62.92 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricAffordable

About Kinchela

Kinchela is a small rural locality in the Kempsey area on New South Wales' Mid North Coast, situated near the Macleay River approximately 15 kilometres east of Kempsey town centre. With a population of around 286 residents spread across nearly 63 square kilometres, the community is sparsely settled and predominantly agricultural in character. The locality holds deep historical significance as the former site of the Kinchela Boys Home, an Aboriginal institution that operated from 1924 to 1970 and played a painful role in the Stolen Generations era of Australian history.

Life in Kinchela revolves around the rural landscape, with residents typically engaged in farming, grazing, or working in the broader Kempsey area. The Mid North Coast's natural beauty surrounds the locality, including the Macleay River floodplains and nearby coastal hinterland. Essential services and shopping are accessed in Kempsey, while Port Macquarie — a larger regional centre — is approximately 60 kilometres to the south. The area appeals to those seeking a quiet country lifestyle within reach of the Mid North Coast's coastline and riverways.

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

📍 Location

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

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Regional coach — Kempsey / Port Macquarie 15-60 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
430 km
By Train
No direct rail; coach to Kempsey then train
By Car (Peak)
4h 45min - 5h 30min
By Car (Off-Peak)
4h 30min

🛣️ Pacific Highway (A1) is the main route; car essential for all local trips

Walkability Car-Dependent

Remote rural locality with no footpaths or public transport; a vehicle is required for all trips

🛒 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 Kinchela by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Kinchela Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
286
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

Where is Kinchela NSW located? +

Kinchela is a rural locality on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, situated near the Macleay River approximately 15 km east of Kempsey and about 430 km north of Sydney.

What is Kinchela known for? +

Kinchela is historically significant as the site of the Kinchela Boys Home, an institution that forcibly removed Aboriginal children from their families between 1924 and 1970, forming part of Australia's Stolen Generations history.

What amenities are near Kinchela? +

Kempsey, approximately 15 km away, provides the nearest supermarkets, schools, medical services, and transport. Port Macquarie, about 60 km south, offers a wider range of services and a regional hospital.

Is Kinchela a good place to live? +

Kinchela suits those who prefer a quiet rural lifestyle on the Mid North Coast. Its peaceful setting near the Macleay River appeals to farming families and hobby farmers, though a car is essential as public transport is very limited.