McLeans Ridges
NSW 2480 • New South Wales
About McLeans Ridges
McLeans Ridges is a semi-rural locality in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, located within Ballina Shire approximately 10 kilometres north-west of Ballina and around 15 kilometres south of Lismore. Set across gentle ridgelines and valleys at the edge of the Richmond River catchment, the area is characterised by lush green farmland, hobby farms, and scattered rural residential properties. The 2021 census recorded a population of around 808 people, making McLeans Ridges a well-established though sparsely settled community in the broader Northern Rivers landscape. It shares postcode 2480 with Lismore, reflecting its proximity to that regional centre.
McLeans Ridges attracts tree-changers, small-scale farmers, and families seeking rural tranquillity within easy reach of Northern Rivers services. The locality is known for its peaceful atmosphere, attractive rural scenery, and proximity to the beaches of Ballina and Lennox Head, reachable within 15–20 minutes by car. Lismore provides hospitals, universities, and major retail, while Ballina offers a growing commercial centre with an airport connecting to Sydney and Melbourne. The area is increasingly popular as a lifestyle destination, drawing buyers priced out of coastal hotspots who still want to be within reach of the beach and regional amenities.
McLeans Ridges falls under postcode 2480 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Lismore electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Busways Northern Rivers — Lismore / Ballina ~20–30 min
Commute to Sydney CBD
🛣️ Most residents work locally in Lismore or Ballina. Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (20 km) provides flights to Sydney and Melbourne.
No walkable commercial amenities locally. A car is essential for daily errands. Pleasant rural roads suitable for walking and cycling.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Bexhill Public School ICSEA 9956628 4223 12 Withers St
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Blakebrook Public School ICSEA 9426629 3263 417 Rosehill Rd
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Clunes Public School ICSEA 10566629 1278 Walker St
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Coffee Camp Public School ICSEA 9646689 9259 1846 Nimbin Rd
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Corndale Public School ICSEA 9980480 440 546 647 Corndale Rd
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Dunoon Public School ICSEA 10376689 5208 James St
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Albert Park Public School ICSEA 9506621 3259 344 Keen Street
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Eltham Public School ICSEA 10756629 1321 Boatharbour Rd
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Eureka Public School ICSEA 10846688 4272 Lismore-Brunswick River Rd
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Nimbin Rd
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17 Blue Hills Avenue
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Goonellabah Public School ICSEA 8476624 1444 595 Ballina Road
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Kadina High School ICSEA 884Kadina St
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Jiggi Public School ICSEA 10106688 8221 1093 Jiggi Road
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Larnook Public School ICSEA 8866688 0133 1282 Cawongla Road
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Lismore Heights Public School ICSEA 9736624 3344 195 High St
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Caniaba Public School ICSEA 955387 Caniaba Rd
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Goonengerry Rd
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 McLeans Ridges by offence type, year and trend.
📊 View McLeans Ridges Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "McLeans Ridges" under Suburb