Lake Cargelligo
NSW 2672 • Rest of NSW
About Lake Cargelligo
Lake Cargelligo is a rural town in the Central West region of New South Wales, situated on the shores of the lake that shares its name, about 470 kilometres west of Sydney in Lachlan Shire. The town has a population of approximately 1,430 (2021 census) and serves as a hub for the surrounding farming district, with the lake itself covering up to 1,500 hectares and forming part of the Lachlan River water storage system. Established during a gold rush in the 1870s and proclaimed a town in 1918, Lake Cargelligo has deep historical roots and a proud rural heritage. The name is derived from the Wiradjuri language, the traditional owners of the land.
The town offers essential services including a hospital, supermarket, school, sporting facilities, and community hall, making it self-sufficient for everyday living despite its remote location. The surrounding district is driven by sheep, cattle, wheat farming, and some fruit and vegetable growing. Lake Cargelligo is known for its excellent fishing, water sports, and as a bird sanctuary that attracts nature enthusiasts from across the state. The community has a strong sporting culture and hosts regular local events that reflect the tight-knit character of outback NSW towns.
Lake Cargelligo falls under postcode 2672 and is governed by Lachlan Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Barwon electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Busways / NSW TrainLink coach — Condobolin / Dubbo / Sydney (coach connection) Condobolin ~1.5 hr; Sydney via Dubbo ~7 hr
Commute to Sydney CBD
🛣️ Remote rural town; car is primary transport. Nearest regional hub is Condobolin (~90 km).
Compact town centre is walkable; most residents use cars for longer trips
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
-
Lake Cargelligo Central School ICSEA 85865 Canada St
-
Conapaira Street
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 Lake Cargelligo by offence type, year and trend.
📊 View Lake Cargelligo Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Lake Cargelligo" under Suburb
Housing 2021 Census
34 state housing + 23 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)
Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census
School Sector Breakdown
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. Philippines 14
- 2. China 12
- 3. South Africa 12
- 4. England 8
- 5. India 7
- 6. Fiji 5
- 7. New Zealand 5
- 8. Cambodia 4
- 9. Germany 3
- 10. Ireland 3
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)