🔍

Pappinbarra

NSW 2446 • New South Wales

86
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
67.32 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHinterlandQuietBushlandSemi-Rural

About Pappinbarra

Pappinbarra is a small rural locality nestled in the Pappinbarra Valley on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, approximately 41 kilometres west of Port Macquarie in the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council area. The valley is drained by the Pappinbarra River, which winds through a lush landscape of cleared dairy flats, rainforest gullies, and forested hillsides stretching from Beechwood in the east to Mount Boss State Forest in the west. With a population of just 86 residents recorded in the 2021 Census, spread across 67 square kilometres, Pappinbarra is one of the most sparsely settled localities on the Mid North Coast.

Pappinbarra has long attracted those seeking a quieter, more self-sufficient way of life, drawing a diverse community of descendants of early settlers, alternative lifestyle seekers, and tree-changers from the city. The valley has a strong sense of community identity, supported by the Pappinbarra Community Association, which organises local events and maintains the community hall. Residents rely primarily on their own vehicles for access to services, with Port Macquarie providing the nearest significant shopping, medical, and education facilities. The surrounding state forests and national parks offer excellent opportunities for bushwalking, birdwatching, and nature-based recreation.

Pappinbarra falls under postcode 2446 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Port Macquarie electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2446
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Lyne
State Electorate
Port Macquarie
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-31.39°, 152.47°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
67.32 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Busways Route 336 (limited service) — Port Macquarie Approx 2.5-3 hours

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
350 km
By Train
No direct service; drive to Wauchope or Port Macquarie for limited rail
By Car (Peak)
4-4.5 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
3.5-4 hours

🛣️ Car is essential; Pacific Highway via Port Macquarie is the main route to Sydney

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Pappinbarra is a dispersed rural valley with no local shops or services; a car is essential 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 Pappinbarra by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Pappinbarra Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
86
▲ 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 Pappinbarra known for? +

Pappinbarra is known for its scenic valley landscape along the Pappinbarra River, a strong community of tree-changers and descendants of early dairy farming families, and its proximity to Mount Boss State Forest. It is regarded as a quiet, self-sufficient rural retreat on the Mid North Coast hinterland.

How far is Pappinbarra from Port Macquarie? +

Pappinbarra is approximately 41 kilometres west of Port Macquarie, which is typically a 40-60 minute drive via Beechwood Road and the surrounding rural roads depending on your exact location in the valley.

Does Pappinbarra have public transport? +

Pappinbarra has very limited public transport, with Busways operating occasional services towards Port Macquarie. There is no rail service and a private vehicle is essential for daily life, with all major services located in Port Macquarie or Wauchope.

What is the population of Pappinbarra? +

According to the 2021 Census, Pappinbarra has a population of 86 residents across an area of approximately 67 square kilometres, making it one of the most sparsely settled localities in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region.

Is Pappinbarra a good place to live? +

Pappinbarra suits those who value a quiet, rural lifestyle close to nature, with a genuine community spirit. It is best suited to people who are self-sufficient, comfortable driving long distances for services, and attracted to the peace of a working valley landscape.

What is the postcode for Pappinbarra? +

The postcode for Pappinbarra is 2446, shared with several other localities in the Port Macquarie-Hastings hinterland including Beechwood and Hollisdale.