🔍

Maclean

NSW 2463 • Rest of NSW

2,778
Population (2021)
$27,300
Median Income
9.73 km²
Area
$330/wk
Median Rent
HistoricHeritageRiversideRetiree-HavenRural

About Maclean

Maclean is a historic river town in the Clarence Valley, located approximately 65 kilometres south of Byron Bay and 600 kilometres north of Sydney, within the Clarence Valley Council area. With a population of 2,778 at the 2021 Census, the town has an older demographic — the median age is 56 — and a relatively high proportion of retirees, with median household incomes below state averages. The community is predominantly Anglo-Australian with notable Aboriginal heritage, and the town sits at an elevated position overlooking the Clarence River, offering scenic views across the floodplain and river islands.

Maclean is proudly known as 'the Scottish town of Australia', a distinction celebrated through its distinctive tartan-painted telegraph poles, the annual Maclean Highland Gathering (held each Easter), and numerous Scottish clan symbols throughout the town. Everyday amenities include local shops, a hospital, schools, and riverside parks, while the nearby coastal resort town of Yamba is just 20 kilometres to the east. NSW TrainLink coach services connect Maclean to Grafton — where rail connections are available — and to Ballina and Coffs Harbour. The town's heritage character, affordable housing, and relaxed river lifestyle attract retirees and those seeking an authentic regional Queensland-border experience.

Maclean falls under postcode 2463 and is governed by Clarence Valley Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Clarence electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2463
Urban Area
Yamba - Surrounds
LGA / Council
Clarence Valley
Federal Electorate
Page
State Electorate
Clarence
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-29.45°, 153.22°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
9.73 km²
Elevation
69m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • NSW TrainLink coach — Grafton (rail connection), Ballina, Coffs Harbour 30–40 min to Grafton

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
600 km
By Train
No direct service; coach to Grafton then NSW TrainLink train (~8–9 hr total)
By Car (Peak)
6 hr – 6 hr 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
6 hr

🛣️ Pacific Highway provides main road access; Grafton is the nearest major service and rail hub

Walkability Car-Dependent

The town centre is walkable for basic services, but a car is essential for most errands and regional travel

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏛️ Heritage-Listed Places

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

Ulgundahi Island
Clarence River by North Arm, Maclean • SHR #01721

🔍 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 Maclean by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Maclean Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$330
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,387
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
56 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
4.4%

14 state housing + 36 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,628
Census 2021
2,778
▲ 5.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$23,660
Income 2021
$27,300
▲ 15.4% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,254
Born Overseas 297

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 89
  • 2. New Zealand 42
  • 3. Philippines 29
  • 4. Scotland 19
  • 5. United States 15
  • 6. Papua New Guinea 12
  • 7. India 11
  • 8. South Africa 11
  • 9. Japan 8
  • 10. France 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,170
Australian 1,029
Scottish 356
Irish 349
Australian Aboriginal 266
German 102
Filipino 36
Italian 28
Dutch 27
Chinese 24

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,965
Both parents born in Australia
379
Both parents born overseas
238
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
53.1%
No Religion
36.4%
Buddhism
1.2%
Islam
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
130 (4.7%)
5-14 years
261 (9.4%)
15-19 years
110 (4.0%)
20-24 years
88 (3.2%)
25-34 years
219 (7.9%)
35-44 years
240 (8.6%)
45-54 years
299 (10.8%)
55-64 years
420 (15.1%)
65-74 years
436 (15.7%)
75-84 years
371 (13.4%)
85+ years
200 (7.2%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Maclean known for? +

Maclean is famous as 'the Scottish town of Australia', celebrated for its tartan-painted telegraph poles, Scottish clan plaques, and the annual Maclean Highland Gathering held each Easter. Its riverside setting on the Clarence River and proximity to Yamba's beaches also define its character.

How far is Maclean from the nearest CBD? +

Maclean is approximately 30 kilometres from Grafton (the nearest regional hub) and around 65 kilometres south of Byron Bay. It is approximately 600 kilometres north of Sydney, making it a roughly 6-hour drive.

Does Maclean have public transport? +

Maclean is served by NSW TrainLink coach services connecting it to Grafton (about 30 minutes away), where passengers can access North Coast Line rail services. There is no direct train to Maclean; a car is the most practical transport option for local travel.

What is the population of Maclean? +

Maclean had a population of 2,778 at the 2021 Census, with a notable Aboriginal community representing around 10% of residents and a predominantly older demographic, with a median age of 56.

Is Maclean a good place to live? +

Maclean suits retirees, heritage enthusiasts, and those seeking a relaxed river town lifestyle at an affordable price point. Its proximity to Yamba's beaches and the scenic Clarence River environment are strong drawcards, though limited employment opportunities and distance from major cities are key considerations.

What is the postcode for Maclean? +

The postcode for Maclean is 2463.