🔍

South Bowenfels

NSW 2790 • Rest of NSW

1,326
Population (2021)
$37,804
Median Income
30.71 km²
Area
$370/wk
Median Rent
MountainCommuter BeltAffordableEstablished

About South Bowenfels

South Bowenfels is an urban locality on the western outskirts of Lithgow, situated in the City of Lithgow local government area in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales, approximately 140 kilometres west of Sydney. The suburb sits at a substantial elevation of 851 metres in the upper Blue Mountains region, giving it a cooler climate than coastal Sydney. With a population of 1,326 spread across 30.7 square kilometres, it is a predominantly residential area characterised by established housing and a mature community, with a median age of 48 and a median household income of $1,608 per week. The resident population is predominantly Australian-born, with strong English, Australian, Scottish, and Irish ancestral heritage.

South Bowenfels benefits from its proximity to Lithgow city centre, which provides a full range of shopping, healthcare, and educational services. The suburb and surrounding area have strong historical ties to the coal mining and manufacturing industries that built Lithgow as a regional centre. Rail access is a significant advantage — Lithgow station, on the Blue Mountains Line, provides regular services to Sydney's Central Station, making the area viable for those commuting to the city or seeking a regional lifestyle within striking distance of Sydney. The cooler mountain climate, affordable housing, and community-oriented character appeal to retirees, families, and those seeking a slower pace of life away from the metropolitan area.

South Bowenfels falls under postcode 2790 and is governed by Lithgow Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bathurst electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2790
Urban Area
Lithgow
LGA / Council
Lithgow
Federal Electorate
Calare
State Electorate
Bathurst
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-33.52°, 150.11°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
30.71 km²
Elevation
851m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Lithgow
2.5 km
30 min

Bus Services

  • Lithgow Bus Service — Lithgow City Centre / Lithgow Station 5-10 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
140 km
By Train
Lithgow station to Sydney Central (~2 hours via Blue Mountains Line)
By Car (Peak)
1.5-2 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
1.5 hours

🛣️ Good rail connection via Blue Mountains Line; Great Western Highway also connects to Sydney

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Low-density residential area; car required for most errands, though Lithgow city centre is a short drive away

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏛️ Heritage-Listed Places

There are 2 heritage-listed places in or near South Bowenfels, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Military Station Archaeological Site and Burial at Glenroy
200 Jenolan Caves Road Hartley • SHR #01840
Cox's Road and Early Deviations - Hartley, Clarence Hilly Range / Mount Blaxland
The Old Bathurst Road Hartley • SHR #01957

🔍 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 South Bowenfels by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View South Bowenfels Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$370
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,167
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
48 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,162
Census 2021
1,326
▲ 14.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$32,916
Income 2021
$37,804
▲ 14.8% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,120
Born Overseas 141

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 44
  • 2. New Zealand 16
  • 3. Scotland 13
  • 4. Philippines 8
  • 5. Thailand 7
  • 6. Germany 5
  • 7. Netherlands 5
  • 8. Pakistan 5
  • 9. Hong Kong 4
  • 10. India 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 588
English 578
Scottish 175
Irish 152
Australian Aboriginal 64
German 38
Italian 32
Chinese 10
Dutch 9
Filipino 8

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

961
Both parents born in Australia
186
Both parents born overseas
123
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
65.0%
No Religion
28.7%
Islam
0.9%
Buddhism
0.9%
Hinduism
0.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
82 (6.2%)
5-14 years
163 (12.3%)
15-19 years
65 (4.9%)
20-24 years
46 (3.5%)
25-34 years
137 (10.3%)
35-44 years
127 (9.6%)
45-54 years
131 (9.9%)
55-64 years
156 (11.8%)
65-74 years
205 (15.5%)
75-84 years
157 (11.8%)
85+ years
57 (4.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is South Bowenfels known for? +

South Bowenfels is a residential locality adjoining Lithgow, known for its high-altitude setting in the Central Tablelands and its proximity to Lithgow's historical industrial and coal mining heritage. The area offers affordable regional living with direct rail access to Sydney.

How far is South Bowenfels from Sydney? +

South Bowenfels is approximately 140 kilometres west of the Sydney CBD, typically around a 1.5-hour drive via the Great Western Highway, or around 2 hours by train from Lithgow station on the Blue Mountains Line.

Does South Bowenfels have public transport? +

South Bowenfels is served by local bus services connecting to Lithgow city centre and Lithgow railway station, from which the Blue Mountains Line provides regular services to Sydney. The suburb is well-positioned for regional rail travel.

What is the population of South Bowenfels? +

According to the 2021 Census, South Bowenfels has a population of approximately 1,326 residents across 30.7 square kilometres. The community has a median age of 48 and a significant proportion of retirees and established families.

Is South Bowenfels a good place to live? +

South Bowenfels offers affordable housing, a cooler mountain climate, and a relaxed lifestyle close to Lithgow's services and within rail reach of Sydney. It suits retirees, families, and those seeking regional living with reasonable city access.

What is the postcode for South Bowenfels? +

The postcode for South Bowenfels is 2790, shared with Lithgow and other localities in the City of Lithgow area.