🔍

Peak Hill

NSW 2869 • Rest of NSW

1,162
Population (2021)
$26,156
Median Income
1263.25 km²
Area
$185/wk
Median Rent
RuralHistoricAffordableRetirees

About Peak Hill

Peak Hill is a small town in the Parkes Shire of the Central West region of New South Wales, located on the Newell Highway approximately 409 kilometres west-north-west of Sydney and 49 kilometres north of Parkes. The town sits at an elevation of 285 metres on Wiradjuri Country and was officially gazetted in 1889 following a gold discovery that sparked a short-lived rush to the area. At the 2021 Census, Peak Hill recorded a population of 768 residents, maintaining its identity as a quiet rural service town. It is part of the Division of Parkes at the federal level and the state electorate of Orange.

Peak Hill retains much of its historic character, with a motto of 'Town with a Heart of Gold' referencing its gold-rush origins. The town provides essential services for surrounding farming communities engaged in cropping, sheep, and cattle grazing on the fertile Central West plains. Local amenities include a central school, a small retail strip, a sports ground, and community clubs. The Newell Highway, one of Australia's most important inland freight routes, passes through the town, keeping it connected to Dubbo to the north and Parkes to the south for additional services. The relaxed pace of life and affordable land attract small-scale farmers, retirees, and those seeking a quieter rural lifestyle.

Peak Hill falls under postcode 2869 and is governed by Parkes Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Orange electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2869
Urban Area
Peak Hill
LGA / Council
Parkes
Federal Electorate
Parkes
State Electorate
Orange
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-32.68°, 148.07°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
1263.25 km²
Elevation
263m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • NSW TrainLink coach services — Dubbo and Parkes ~45-70 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
409 km
By Train
No direct rail; NSW TrainLink coach to Parkes then train (~6-7 hrs total)
By Car (Peak)
~4.5 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
~4.5 hrs

🛣️ Car is the primary mode of transport; Newell Highway connects to Dubbo (72 km) and Parkes (49 km)

Walkability Car-Dependent

Small town with some walkable services along the main street; vehicle essential for most trips

🛒 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 Peak Hill by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Peak Hill Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$185
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$814
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
48 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
7.1%

14 state housing + 18 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,106
Census 2021
1,162
▲ 5.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$23,400
Income 2021
$26,156
▲ 11.8% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 940
Born Overseas 60

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 19
  • 2. New Zealand 11
  • 3. South Africa 8
  • 4. Malaysia 5
  • 5. Netherlands 4
  • 6. Philippines 3
  • 7. United States 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 441
English 427
Australian Aboriginal 299
Scottish 105
Irish 81
German 37
Dutch 13
Italian 13
Chinese 10
South African 8

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

872
Both parents born in Australia
68
Both parents born overseas
68
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
60.7%
No Religion
23.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
69 (5.9%)
5-14 years
149 (12.8%)
15-19 years
62 (5.3%)
20-24 years
43 (3.7%)
25-34 years
94 (8.1%)
35-44 years
112 (9.6%)
45-54 years
135 (11.6%)
55-64 years
194 (16.7%)
65-74 years
167 (14.4%)
75-84 years
85 (7.3%)
85+ years
45 (3.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Peak Hill NSW known for? +

Peak Hill is known for its gold rush history — gold was discovered there in 1889 and the town was gazetted the same year. It is nicknamed 'Town with a Heart of Gold' and is also an important service town for the surrounding agricultural region.

How far is Peak Hill from Parkes? +

Peak Hill is approximately 49 kilometres north of Parkes, NSW, along the Newell Highway — roughly a 40-minute drive.

What schools are in Peak Hill? +

Peak Hill has a government central school, Peak Hill Central School, which serves both primary and secondary students. St Joseph's School provides a Catholic primary option.

What is the population of Peak Hill? +

At the 2021 Australian Census, Peak Hill had a population of 768 residents.

Is Peak Hill on the Newell Highway? +

Yes, Peak Hill is located directly on the Newell Highway, one of Australia's major inland freight and touring routes, connecting it to Dubbo to the north and Parkes to the south.