Rookwood

NSW 2141 • New South Wales

3
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
3.02 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
HistoricMulticultural

About Rookwood

Rookwood is a unique locality in western Sydney, approximately 17 kilometres west of the CBD, defined almost entirely by the Rookwood Necropolis — the largest cemetery in the Southern Hemisphere and the world's largest remaining operating Victorian-era necropolis. Covering around 286 hectares, it was established in 1868 and is heritage-listed on the NSW State Heritage Register. The locality has an extremely small residential population, with day-to-day activity centred on cemetery operations, maintenance, and the many visitors who come to pay their respects.

Rookwood Necropolis is a place of profound historical, cultural, and spiritual significance, containing over one million interments from communities across more than 150 years of Sydney's history. The grounds are divided into denominational and multicultural sections managed by separate trusts, reflecting the diversity of Sydney's population. Its Victorian-era architecture, historic chapels, and serene landscaped grounds make it a site of significant heritage tourism, with guided tours and genealogy research services regularly attracting visitors.

Rookwood falls under postcode 2141 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Parramatta electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2141
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-33.87°, 151.04°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
3.02 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Lidcombe Station
1.5 km
18 min
Rookwood Station (closed)
0.5 km
6 min

Bus Services

  • 906 — Lidcombe Station 10 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
17 km
By Train
~30 min from Lidcombe to Central
By Car (Peak)
30-45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20 min

🛣️ T2 from Lidcombe is the nearest practical rail access

Walkability Car-Dependent

Primarily cemetery grounds; limited pedestrian amenity beyond the necropolis itself

🛒 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 Rookwood by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Rookwood Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
3
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 Rookwood known for? +

Rookwood is home to the Rookwood Necropolis, the largest cemetery in the Southern Hemisphere and the world's largest remaining operating Victorian-era cemetery, with over one million interments since 1868.

Is Rookwood a residential suburb? +

No — Rookwood is almost entirely occupied by the Rookwood Necropolis. The 2021 Census recorded a residential population of just 3 people, making it one of the least populated localities in New South Wales.

How do I get to Rookwood Cemetery? +

The closest train station is Lidcombe, about 1.5 km away, served by the T2 and T3 lines from Sydney CBD. By car, the cemetery is accessible via Necropolis Circuit off the M4 corridor, approximately 17 km from the Sydney CBD.

Can I visit Rookwood Cemetery? +

Yes, Rookwood Cemetery is open to the public. The grounds include heritage-listed chapels, sculptural monuments, and memorial gardens. Guided heritage tours and genealogy research services are also available through the cemetery trusts.