🔍

Macksville

NSW 2447 • Rest of NSW

2,782
Population (2021)
$26,572
Median Income
11.11 km²
Area
$320/wk
Median Rent
RuralRiversideHistoricQuietCommuter Belt

About Macksville

Macksville is a regional township on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, situated on the banks of the Nambucca River approximately 500 kilometres north of Sydney within the Nambucca Shire council area. With a population of 2,782, Macksville serves as one of the main service centres for the Nambucca Valley, supporting surrounding rural communities with retail, health, and education facilities. The suburb has a below-average median household income of around $944 per week, reflecting the broader socioeconomic profile of rural coastal NSW, with a significant Indigenous community of approximately 251 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents.

Macksville offers a relaxed coastal hinterland lifestyle with easy access to the beaches of Nambucca Heads (just 14 kilometres away) and the natural beauty of the Nambucca Valley. The town has a Woolworths supermarket, local schools, medical services, and a small retail strip, and is served by NSW TrainLink regional rail services on the North Coast Line. Its heritage railway station — listed on the NSW State Heritage Register — adds to the town's historic character, and the local Indigenous community contributes to a rich cultural identity in the Nambucca region.

Macksville falls under postcode 2447 and is governed by Nambucca Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Oxley electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2447
Urban Area
Macksville
LGA / Council
Nambucca
Federal Electorate
Cowper
State Electorate
Oxley
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-30.72°, 152.92°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
11.11 km²
Elevation
12m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Macksville
0.5 km
6 min

Bus Services

  • Busways Mid North Coast services — Nambucca Heads / Kempsey 15-30 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
500 km
By Train
NSW TrainLink North Coast XPT/Xplorer from Macksville station, approximately 6-7 hours to Sydney Central
By Car (Peak)
5 hrs 30 min – 6 hrs 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
5 hrs – 5 hrs 45 min

🛣️ Pacific Highway (now dual carriageway via Giinagay Way bypass) is the main road link; Nambucca Heads exit provides local access

Walkability Car-Dependent

Macksville has a small town centre with some walkable amenities, but a car is needed for most errands and commuting beyond the township

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    Cnr Boundary St and Giinagay Way Macksville 2447 NSW

🎓 Schools

🏛️ Heritage-Listed Places

There is 1 heritage-listed place in or near Macksville, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Macksville Railway Station group
North Coast Railway, Macksville • SHR #01184

🔍 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 Macksville by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Macksville Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$320
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
47 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
6%

21 state housing + 44 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,598
Census 2021
2,782
▲ 7.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$25,064
Income 2021
$26,572
▲ 6.0% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,355
Born Overseas 236

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 58
  • 2. India 24
  • 3. New Zealand 24
  • 4. Malaysia 11
  • 5. Germany 10
  • 6. United States 9
  • 7. Philippines 8
  • 8. Scotland 8
  • 9. Canada 7
  • 10. Greece 7

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,230
English 1,156
Irish 299
Scottish 267
Australian Aboriginal 259
German 112
Italian 43
Dutch 36
Indian 22
Maori 14

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,086
Both parents born in Australia
282
Both parents born overseas
226
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
54.9%
No Religion
34.3%
Sikhism
1.4%
Hinduism
0.6%
Buddhism
0.5%
Islam
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
174 (6.3%)
5-14 years
328 (11.8%)
15-19 years
155 (5.6%)
20-24 years
111 (4.0%)
25-34 years
305 (11.0%)
35-44 years
249 (9.0%)
45-54 years
277 (10.0%)
55-64 years
385 (13.8%)
65-74 years
377 (13.6%)
75-84 years
270 (9.7%)
85+ years
137 (4.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Macksville known for? +

Macksville is known as the main service town of the Nambucca Valley on NSW's Mid North Coast, sitting on the Nambucca River just 14 kilometres from the beaches of Nambucca Heads. The town also has a heritage-listed railway station and a strong local Indigenous culture.

How far is Macksville from Sydney CBD? +

Macksville is approximately 500 kilometres north of the Sydney CBD, making it around a 5 to 6 hour drive via the Pacific Highway. The NSW TrainLink North Coast Line also connects Macksville station to Sydney Central, with journey times of approximately 6 to 7 hours.

Does Macksville have public transport? +

Macksville has its own train station on the NSW TrainLink North Coast Line, with regional services running between Sydney and Brisbane. Local bus services operated by Busways connect Macksville with Nambucca Heads and Kempsey, though a car is recommended for most daily travel.

What is the population of Macksville? +

According to the 2021 Census, Macksville has a population of 2,782, with a median age of 47 reflecting a largely older community. The suburb has a significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of approximately 251 residents, representing about 9% of the total.

Is Macksville a good place to live? +

Macksville offers an affordable coastal hinterland lifestyle with access to beaches, national parks, and a tight-knit community atmosphere. It suits retirees, families seeking a quieter pace, and those who can work remotely, though limited employment opportunities and distance from major cities mean it is not ideal for those needing urban amenities or frequent city commuting.

What is the postcode for Macksville? +

Macksville's postcode is 2447, covering the Macksville township and nearby localities in the Nambucca Shire.