🔍

South Nowra

NSW 2541 • Rest of NSW

3,165
Population (2021)
$43,160
Median Income
8.62 km²
Area
$398/wk
Median Rent
SuburbanFamily-FriendlyMulticulturalCoastalAffordable

About South Nowra

South Nowra is a suburb of Nowra in the City of Shoalhaven, located approximately 170 kilometres south of Sydney on the South Coast of New South Wales, about 6 kilometres south of Nowra's town centre. The suburb covers 8.6 square kilometres at an elevation of 42 metres along both sides of the Princes Highway, and had a population of 3,165 at the 2021 Census. With a median age of 33 and median household income of $1,789 per week, South Nowra has a relatively young demographic mix that includes a notable Indian community and a significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of around 9.8%.

South Nowra combines residential housing with a corridor of light industry and commercial uses along the Princes Highway, serving as a practical gateway to the wider Nowra area. Residents have easy access to Nowra's town centre shopping, schools, and the Shoalhaven River, while the natural highlights of the South Coast — including Jervis Bay, Booderee National Park, and Seven Mile Beach — are within an hour's drive. Bus services connect the suburb to central Nowra and regional destinations, though most residents rely on private vehicles, particularly for the approximately 2.5-hour drive to Sydney. The suburb's mix of housing affordability and coastal accessibility makes it a practical base for Shoalhaven workers and families.

South Nowra falls under postcode 2541 and is governed by Shoalhaven Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Kiama electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2541
Urban Area
Shoalhaven
LGA / Council
Shoalhaven
Federal Electorate
Gilmore
State Electorate
Kiama
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.91°, 150.60°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
8.62 km²
Elevation
42m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • NSW TrainLink Regional Coach / Nowra Bus Company — Sydney (Central Station) and Nowra CBD 2 hr 30 min to Sydney; 10-15 min to Nowra CBD

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
170 km
By Train
No direct rail. NSW TrainLink coaches run to Sydney (~2.5hr); some routes connect to rail at Berry or Kiama
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 30 min - 3 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr - 2 hr 30 min

🛣️ Princes Highway is the main route north. Freeway upgrades ongoing along the South Coast corridor

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most residents need a car for daily errands; some local shops and services accessible along the Princes Highway corridor

🛒 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 South Nowra by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View South Nowra Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$398
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,000
Avg Household Size
2.8 people
Median Age
33 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
4.2%

28 state housing + 17 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,928
Census 2021
3,165
▲ 64.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$34,164
Income 2021
$43,160
▲ 26.3% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,493
Born Overseas 500

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. India 140
  • 2. England 98
  • 3. Philippines 41
  • 4. New Zealand 31
  • 5. Nepal 22
  • 6. Sri Lanka 17
  • 7. Scotland 15
  • 8. United States 11
  • 9. China 9
  • 10. Germany 8

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,364
English 1,199
Australian Aboriginal 300
Irish 282
Scottish 256
Indian 141
German 107
Filipino 59
Italian 56
Dutch 50

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,965
Both parents born in Australia
655
Both parents born overseas
367
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
46.3%
No Religion
40.6%
Hinduism
3.7%
Buddhism
0.9%
Sikhism
0.9%
Islam
0.8%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
265 (8.4%)
5-14 years
507 (16.0%)
15-19 years
174 (5.5%)
20-24 years
193 (6.1%)
25-34 years
527 (16.7%)
35-44 years
480 (15.2%)
45-54 years
318 (10.0%)
55-64 years
260 (8.2%)
65-74 years
267 (8.4%)
75-84 years
125 (3.9%)
85+ years
54 (1.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is South Nowra known for? +

South Nowra is known as a practical, affordable suburban base on the Princes Highway in the City of Shoalhaven, with a mix of residential and light industrial uses. It serves as a southern gateway to Nowra and provides easy access to the South Coast's natural attractions including Jervis Bay, Booderee National Park, and the Shoalhaven River.

How far is South Nowra from Sydney? +

South Nowra is approximately 170 kilometres south of Sydney, making it a 2.5 to 3-hour drive via the Princes Highway or Hume/South Western Highway and Nowra Road.

Does South Nowra have public transport? +

South Nowra is served by local bus services connecting to Nowra CBD, and NSW TrainLink regional coach services run between Nowra and Sydney. There is no passenger train station in Nowra; the nearest rail connection is at Berry or the Kiama line terminus at Bomaderry, around 14 kilometres north of Nowra.

What is the population of South Nowra? +

According to the 2021 Census, South Nowra has a population of 3,165 residents. The suburb has a relatively young median age of 33 and a diverse community that includes a notable Indian population and around 9.8% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents.

Is South Nowra a good place to live? +

South Nowra offers affordable housing within easy reach of Nowra's services and the natural beauty of the South Coast. It suits families and workers employed in the Shoalhaven region, and those who value beach and bushland access, though Sydney commuters should be prepared for the long drive or coach journey.

What is the postcode for South Nowra? +

The postcode for South Nowra is 2541, shared with Nowra and several other nearby localities in the Shoalhaven area.