🔍

Palmers Island

NSW 2463 • New South Wales

482
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
34.82 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RiversideRuralPeacefulAffordableCoastal

About Palmers Island

Palmers Island is a low-lying rural locality in the Clarence Valley region of northern New South Wales, situated approximately 15 kilometres north-east of Maclean and around 50 kilometres from Grafton within the Clarence Valley Council area. The locality occupies 35 square kilometres of flat floodplain on the lower Clarence River delta, characterised by cane farming, cattle grazing, and wetland environment. With a 2021 Census population of 482 and a relatively low median postcode income of around $38,000, Palmers Island is a modestly sized rural community in one of NSW's more scenic river delta regions.

The Clarence River provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and birdwatching, and the locality is part of the broader Clarence Valley that extends to the popular coastal towns of Yamba and Iluka, each within 20–30 kilometres. The nearby town of Maclean — known affectionately as the Scottish town of Australia for its proud Scottish heritage — offers local shops, schools, and community services. Palmers Island appeals to those seeking an affordable, tranquil lifestyle close to both the river and the coast, with access to the Pacific Highway connecting to Grafton and Coffs Harbour.

Palmers Island falls under postcode 2463 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Clarence electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2463
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Page
State Electorate
Clarence
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-29.37°, 153.10°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
34.82 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited Busways/regional services — Maclean / Grafton Approx. 20–60 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
700 km
By Train
No direct service; connect via Grafton station on NSW TrainLink North Coast (approx. 8–9 hr)
By Car (Peak)
7 hr–7 hr 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
6 hr 30 min–7 hr

🛣️ Pacific Highway connects to Grafton and Coffs Harbour; Grafton is the main regional centre for healthcare and services

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A dispersed rural locality with no commercial services; a car is essential for accessing Maclean or Grafton for all daily needs

🛒 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 Palmers Island by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Palmers Island Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
482
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Income Comparison

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

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Palmers Island known for? +

Palmers Island is known for its peaceful position on the lower Clarence River floodplain, with cane farming, cattle grazing, fishing, and birdwatching opportunities amid the wetlands and waterways of the Clarence Valley.

How far is Palmers Island from Grafton? +

Palmers Island is approximately 50 kilometres north-east of Grafton, a drive of around 45–55 minutes via Maclean and the Clarence Valley's river roads.

Does Palmers Island have public transport? +

There are limited regional bus services connecting to Maclean and Grafton, but most residents rely on private vehicles. The nearest train station is at Grafton, on the NSW TrainLink North Coast line.

What is the population of Palmers Island? +

The 2021 Census recorded 482 residents in Palmers Island across approximately 168 dwellings, making it a small, established rural community within the Clarence Valley Council area.

Is Palmers Island a good place to live? +

Palmers Island suits those seeking an affordable, quiet rural lifestyle close to the Clarence River, with easy access to coastal towns like Yamba and the heritage Scottish town of Maclean for services and community life.

What is the postcode for Palmers Island? +

The postcode for Palmers Island is 2463, shared with Maclean, Yamba, and surrounding Clarence Valley localities in northern New South Wales.