Nambucca Heads

NSW 2448 • Rest of NSW

6,675
Population (2021)
$25,948
Median Income
30.92 km²
Area
9m
Elevation
CoastalRetiree-FriendlyBeach TownAffordableRiver Lifestyle

About Nambucca Heads

Nambucca Heads is a relaxed seaside town on the NSW Mid North Coast, situated at the mouth of the meandering Nambucca River. With approximately 6,700 residents, this coastal gem lies 440 kilometres north of Sydney in the Nambucca Valley region. The town features a mix of retirees and families drawn to its uncrowded beaches, dolphin-filled estuary, and affordable coastal living.

Life in Nambucca Heads centres on water and nature. Residents enjoy pristine beaches perfect for beginner surfers, foreshore boardwalks, and a strong community atmosphere. The town offers essential amenities including a Woolworths, local clubs and pubs, plus easy access to Coffs Harbour for major shopping. It attracts retirees, sea changers, and families seeking an authentic, quiet coastal lifestyle without the crowds of larger beach towns.

Nambucca Heads falls under postcode 2448 and is governed by Nambucca Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Oxley electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2448
Urban Area
Nambucca Heads
LGA
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-30.64°, 152.98°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
30.92 km²
Elevation
9m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Nambucca Heads Station
0.5 km
6 min

Bus Services

  • 360 — Coffs Harbour via Urunga 50-60 min
  • Express Peak — Coffs Harbour 40 min
  • 360 — Macksville 15 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
440 km
By Train
6-7 hours (XPT)
By Bus
N/A (regional)
By Car (Peak)
5-6 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
5 hours

🛣️ Regional coastal town; Coffs Harbour (30km) is the nearest major centre

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Town centre and beaches walkable; car needed for surrounding areas

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    Cnr Fraser And Back Streets Nambucca Heads 2448 NSW

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing Costs 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$280
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
2 people
Median Age
57 years

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
6,327
Census 2021
6,675
5.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$23,192
Income 2021
$25,948
11.9% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 5,226
Born Overseas 755

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 262
  • 2. New Zealand 86
  • 3. Scotland 36
  • 4. Germany 33
  • 5. Philippines 32
  • 6. India 30
  • 7. Netherlands 26
  • 8. South Africa 20
  • 9. United States 20
  • 10. Italy 16
  • 11. Canada 13
  • 12. Ireland 13
  • 13. Thailand 13
  • 14. China 12
  • 15. Fiji 10

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,784
Australian 2,659
Irish 776
Scottish 728
Australian Aboriginal 620
German 280
Italian 113
Dutch 56
Filipino 44
New Zealander 40

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

4,521
Both parents born in Australia
893
Both parents born overseas
629
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
48.4%
No Religion
39.2%
Buddhism
0.9%
Hinduism
0.4%
Islam
0.1%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
285 (4.3%)
5-14 years
624 (9.3%)
15-19 years
302 (4.5%)
20-24 years
223 (3.3%)
25-34 years
493 (7.4%)
35-44 years
543 (8.1%)
45-54 years
661 (9.9%)
55-64 years
1,039 (15.6%)
65-74 years
1,235 (18.5%)
75-84 years
880 (13.2%)
85+ years
376 (5.6%)

Nearby Suburbs