🔍

Old Erowal Bay

NSW 2540 • Rest of NSW

1,080
Population (2021)
$30,108
Median Income
0.79 km²
Area
$350/wk
Median Rent
CoastalFamily-FriendlyAffordableQuiet

About Old Erowal Bay

Old Erowal Bay is a compact coastal urban locality on the New South Wales South Coast, situated within the Shoalhaven City local government area approximately 160 kilometres south of Sydney. With a population of around 1,080 residents spread across less than a square kilometre of land near St Georges Basin, the suburb sits in the heart of the Jervis Bay region — one of the most scenic stretches of the Australian coastline. The median age of 40 and strongly Anglo-Celtic demographic profile reflect a settled, established community with deep roots in the area.

Old Erowal Bay offers the relaxed lifestyle that draws so many to the Shoalhaven — proximity to pristine beaches, tranquil waterways, and the natural wonders of Jervis Bay National Park is a constant drawcard for residents. The nearby township of Huskisson provides cafés, restaurants, and local services, while the regional centre of Nowra (around 30 kilometres to the north-west) supplies major retail, healthcare, and schooling options. Affordable housing by NSW coastal standards — with a median weekly rent of $350 — makes Old Erowal Bay a genuine alternative for families and retirees seeking South Coast living without the Jervis Bay premium.

Old Erowal Bay falls under postcode 2540 and is governed by Shoalhaven Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the South Coast electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2540
Urban Area
Shoalhaven
LGA / Council
Shoalhaven
Federal Electorate
Gilmore
State Electorate
South Coast
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.09°, 150.65°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
0.79 km²
Elevation
13m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Bomaderry (Nowra)
28 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • Local South Coast services — Nowra / Huskisson 20-35 min to Nowra

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
160 km
By Train
No direct train service; Bomaderry station (28km) provides limited services to Sydney (~2.5 hrs)
By Car (Peak)
2.5-3 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
2-2.5 hrs

🛣️ Car is the primary transport mode; Princes Highway and Jervis Bay Road are the main routes

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for daily errands; local services are minimal and the nearest town centres are Huskisson and Nowra

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🔍 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 Old Erowal Bay by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Old Erowal Bay Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$350
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
40 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,038
Census 2021
1,080
▲ 4.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$24,648
Income 2021
$30,108
▲ 22.2% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 857
Born Overseas 141

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 41
  • 2. New Zealand 22
  • 3. Netherlands 8
  • 4. South Africa 8
  • 5. Croatia 7
  • 6. Malta 7
  • 7. France 5
  • 8. Philippines 5
  • 9. Italy 4
  • 10. India 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 451
Australian 400
Irish 150
Scottish 109
Australian Aboriginal 98
German 42
Italian 27
Maltese 19
Dutch 15
Spanish 15

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

671
Both parents born in Australia
180
Both parents born overseas
141
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
46.9%
Christianity
42.2%
Buddhism
1.2%
Hinduism
0.5%
Sikhism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
63 (5.8%)
5-14 years
150 (13.9%)
15-19 years
82 (7.6%)
20-24 years
43 (4.0%)
25-34 years
118 (10.9%)
35-44 years
142 (13.1%)
45-54 years
130 (12.0%)
55-64 years
140 (13.0%)
65-74 years
139 (12.9%)
75-84 years
63 (5.8%)
85+ years
5 (0.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Old Erowal Bay known for? +

Old Erowal Bay is known for its peaceful coastal setting near St Georges Basin and the Jervis Bay region, offering easy access to some of Australia's most pristine beaches and waterways on the NSW South Coast.

How far is Old Erowal Bay from Sydney CBD? +

Old Erowal Bay is approximately 160 kilometres south of Sydney CBD, making it around a 2 to 2.5 hour drive via the Princes Highway under normal traffic conditions.

Does Old Erowal Bay have public transport? +

Public transport options are limited. The nearest train station is at Bomaderry (Nowra), roughly 28 kilometres away, with infrequent services on the South Coast Line. Local bus services connect to Nowra and Huskisson, but a car is strongly recommended for daily life.

What is the population of Old Erowal Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Old Erowal Bay has a population of approximately 1,080 residents, making it a small and close-knit coastal community within the Shoalhaven region.

Is Old Erowal Bay a good place to live? +

Old Erowal Bay suits those seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle with affordable housing by NSW standards. It appeals particularly to retirees and families who value natural beauty, peace and quiet, and proximity to the Jervis Bay region, though residents need a car for most services.

What is the postcode for Old Erowal Bay? +

The postcode for Old Erowal Bay is 2540, which it shares with nearby localities including Huskisson, Vincentia, and Nowra in the Shoalhaven local government area.