🔍

Manilla

NSW 2346 • Rest of NSW

2,386
Population (2021)
$27,716
Median Income
70.64 km²
Area
$260/wk
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalQuietAffordableHistoric

About Manilla

Manilla is a small rural town in the New England region of New South Wales, situated approximately 70 kilometres north-west of Tamworth along the Namoi River within the Tamworth Regional Council area. With a population of 2,386, the town serves as the commercial and community hub for surrounding farming districts, drawing on a predominantly Anglo-Celtic heritage with a notable Aboriginal community making up around 14 per cent of residents. The median age of 48 reflects an older, established population, and median household incomes sit below the state average, consistent with the regional agricultural economy.

Manilla is well known among the hang gliding and paragliding community, with Mount Borah nearby offering world-class launching conditions that attract pilots from across Australia and internationally. The town centre provides essential services including supermarkets, medical facilities, schools, and cafes, while the Namoi River valley offers attractive scenery and fishing. Manilla Public School and Manilla Central School serve local families, and the area’s rural character, affordable housing, and tight-knit community appeal to those seeking a quieter regional lifestyle.

Manilla falls under postcode 2346 and is governed by Tamworth Regional Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Tamworth electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2346
Urban Area
Tamworth - Surrounds
LGA / Council
Tamworth Regional
Federal Electorate
New England
State Electorate
Tamworth
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-30.73°, 150.73°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
70.64 km²
Elevation
368m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Tamworth
70 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • NSW TrainLink coach — Tamworth / Armidale approx. 1 hr to Tamworth

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
420 km
By Train
No direct train service; NSW TrainLink coach to Tamworth, then train to Sydney (approx. 7–8 hrs total)
By Car (Peak)
4.5–5 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
4–4.5 hrs

🛣️ Manilla is accessible via the Oxley Highway and Kamilaroi Highway; Tamworth Airport is the nearest regional airport (70km)

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most daily errands require a car, though the compact town centre allows walking for local shopping and services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏛️ Heritage-Listed Places

There are 2 heritage-listed places in or near Manilla, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Manilla railway underbridges
Tamworth-Barraba railway, Manilla • SHR #01045
Manilla Railway Viaduct and Underbridge
River Street, Manilla • SHR #02079

🔍 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 Manilla by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Manilla Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$260
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,083
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
48 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.4%

4 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,550
Census 2021
2,386
▼ 6.4% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$23,712
Income 2021
$27,716
▲ 16.9% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,044
Born Overseas 125

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 42
  • 2. New Zealand 22
  • 3. India 11
  • 4. China 10
  • 5. Germany 7
  • 6. United States 7
  • 7. Scotland 5
  • 8. Netherlands 4
  • 9. Poland 3
  • 10. Wales 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,107
English 988
Australian Aboriginal 342
Scottish 234
Irish 211
German 79
Chinese 30
Italian 14
New Zealander 12
Dutch 9

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,900
Both parents born in Australia
147
Both parents born overseas
131
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
58.5%
No Religion
30.9%
Hinduism
0.4%
Buddhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
116 (4.9%)
5-14 years
274 (11.5%)
15-19 years
128 (5.4%)
20-24 years
118 (4.9%)
25-34 years
216 (9.1%)
35-44 years
227 (9.5%)
45-54 years
285 (11.9%)
55-64 years
332 (13.9%)
65-74 years
380 (15.9%)
75-84 years
226 (9.5%)
85+ years
71 (3.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Manilla known for? +

Manilla is best known as a world-class hang gliding and paragliding destination, with nearby Mount Borah attracting pilots from around Australia and internationally. The town is also recognised for its rural heritage, Namoi River setting, and role as a service centre for the surrounding farming region.

How far is Manilla from Tamworth? +

Manilla is approximately 70 kilometres north-west of Tamworth, a drive of around 45 minutes to an hour via the Oxley Highway and Kamilaroi Highway.

Does Manilla have public transport? +

Manilla is served by NSW TrainLink coach services connecting it to Tamworth and beyond. There is no rail line through Manilla; a car is the most practical way to get around day-to-day.

What is the population of Manilla? +

According to the 2021 Census, Manilla has a population of approximately 2,386 residents, a slight decline from 2,550 in 2016, reflecting broader trends of population movement away from smaller regional towns.

Is Manilla a good place to live? +

Manilla suits those who enjoy a relaxed rural lifestyle with close community ties, affordable housing, and natural surroundings. It appeals particularly to retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, and families seeking a quieter pace of life away from larger cities.

What is the postcode for Manilla? +

The postcode for Manilla, NSW is 2346.