Moonbi
NSW 2353 • Rest of NSW
About Moonbi
Moonbi is a rural locality and village in the Tamworth Regional Council area of New South Wales, situated on the New England Highway approximately 20 kilometres north of Tamworth at the foot of the Moonbi Range, at an elevation of 464 metres. The statistical area covers 198.9 square kilometres of mixed farming and forested range country and recorded a population of 1,201 at the 2021 census, encompassing the village and its surrounding rural hinterland. Moonbi village is nationally renowned as a centre for the poultry industry, with many large chicken farms and associated processing facilities operating in the district — a giant fibreglass chicken erected by the community acknowledges this agricultural distinction. The locality sits near the smaller village of Kootingal and marks the northern approach to the Moonbi Range, a dramatic escarpment on the New England Highway.
Moonbi's rural character is shaped by its dual identity as a poultry and farming district and a gateway to the scenic New England Tablelands, with the Moonbi Range providing a striking backdrop of forested escarpments visible from the village. Tamworth — 20 kilometres south — is the New England's capital city, renowned as Australia's country music capital and offering a full range of services including the Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital, a university campus, major shopping, airport and NSW TrainLink connections to Sydney. The New England's clear highland air, cooler summers and strong agricultural community define the lifestyle of Moonbi's residents. The Moonbi Range Lookout provides panoramic views across the Liverpool Plains to the west, a popular stop for New England Highway travellers.
Moonbi falls under postcode 2353 and is governed by Tamworth Regional Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Tamworth electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Nearest Train Stations
Bus Services
- Rover Coaches / NSW TrainLink coach — Tamworth / Armidale ~25 min to Tamworth
Commute to Sydney CBD
🛣️ Tamworth (20 km south) is the regional centre with full services, TrainLink connections and a regional airport. Daily Sydney commuting is impractical; residents are locally employed in poultry, farming and Tamworth-based industries.
Moonbi village has a small general store and basic facilities, but all significant services require a drive to Tamworth. A car is essential for daily needs beyond the immediate village.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
-
Moonbi Public School ICSEA 8506760 3151 New England Hwy
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 Moonbi by offence type, year and trend.
📊 View Moonbi Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Moonbi" under Suburb
Housing 2021 Census
0 state housing + 5 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. England 26
- 2. New Zealand 13
- 3. Canada 6
- 4. Scotland 5
- 5. Nepal 4
- 6. South Africa 4
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)