Russell Vale
NSW 2517 • Rest of NSW
About Russell Vale
Russell Vale is a small suburb of Wollongong in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, situated approximately 76 km south of Sydney and 7 km north of the Wollongong CBD. With a population of around 1,600, it straddles the Princes Highway between the Illawarra Escarpment and the coast. The suburb was named after the estate of surveyor Francis Peter MacCabe, whose mother's maiden name was Russell. Around 87% of residents are Australian-born, with predominantly English, Australian, Scottish and Irish ancestry.
Russell Vale offers a quiet, family-oriented lifestyle with easy access to Wollongong's beaches and amenities. The suburb is home to the Russell Vale Golf Course, opened in 1986, and Cawley Park which provides sports facilities for the community. Residents enjoy proximity to both the escarpment bushwalking trails and the coastal suburbs of Bellambi and Corrimal. With a median age of 39 and average household size of 2.7, it attracts young families and established couples seeking affordable housing in the Illawarra.
Russell Vale falls under postcode 2517 and is governed by Wollongong Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Keira electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Nearest Train Stations
Bus Services
- 13 — Wollongong CBD via Corrimal 15 mins
- 14 — Wollongong to Thirroul via Princes Hwy 20 mins
Commute to Sydney CBD
🛣️ Wollongong CBD is only 7 km south (10-15 mins by car). Most residents commute to Wollongong rather than Sydney.
Some local facilities along Princes Highway but most errands require a car or short drive to Corrimal shops
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Russell Vale Public School ICSEA 10404284 4396 3A Terania St
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Woonona East Public School ICSEA 1037Royal Cres
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Woonona High School ICSEA 10304284 1513 Nicholson Lane
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Woonona Public School ICSEA 10704284 4316 5a Gray St
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 Russell Vale by offence type, year and trend.
📊 View Russell Vale Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Russell Vale" under Suburb
Housing 2021 Census
34 state housing + 6 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)
Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census
School Sector Breakdown
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 35
- 2. New Zealand 16
- 3. United States 10
- 4. Scotland 8
- 5. Chile 6
- 6. Fiji 5
- 7. North Macedonia 5
- 8. Thailand 5
- 9. India 4
- 10. Ireland 4
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)