🔍

Stanwell Park

NSW 2508 • Rest of NSW

1,532
Population (2021)
$57,720
Median Income
3.04 km²
Area
$460/wk
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideBushlandLifestyleFamily-Friendly

About Stanwell Park

Stanwell Park is a small coastal village tucked between the Royal National Park escarpment and the Tasman Sea, approximately 55 kilometres south of Sydney CBD within the City of Wollongong. With a population of 1,532, the village is defined by its dramatic natural setting — a narrow coastal strip below towering sandstone cliffs, with the beach at its heart. Household incomes are above the state median, reflecting its desirability as a scenic lifestyle address for professionals and families commuting to Sydney or Wollongong.

Stanwell Park is internationally renowned as one of Australia's premier hang gliding and paragliding destinations, with Bald Hill lookout — just north of the village — drawing pilots and spectators year-round. The surf beach, Stanwell Creek, and surrounding bushland trails make it a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, while the historic Illawarra railway viaduct over Stanwell Creek adds heritage character. Despite its small size, the village has a café and local amenities; Thirroul, Bulli, and Helensburgh are nearby for more comprehensive shopping, and the Illawarra railway line connects residents to both Wollongong and Sydney.

Stanwell Park falls under postcode 2508 and is governed by Wollongong Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Heathcote electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2508
Urban Area
Wollongong
LGA / Council
Wollongong
Federal Electorate
Cunningham
State Electorate
Heathcote
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.23°, 150.98°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
3.04 km²
Elevation
59m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Stanwell Park
0.8 km
10 min
Coalcliff
2.5 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • Route 45 (Premier Illawarra) — Wollongong CBD 40–50 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
55 km
By Train
Approx. 1 hr 20 min to Sydney Central via T4 Illawarra Line (change at Waterfall or direct)
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 1 hr – 1 hr 30 min via Lawrence Hargrave Drive / Princes Motorway
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 50–60 min

🛣️ Lawrence Hargrave Drive offers a scenic coastal route; Sea Cliff Bridge nearby. Wollongong CBD is approx. 30 min south by car.

Walkability Car-Dependent

The beach and village café are within easy walking distance, but a car is needed for shopping, schools, and most services in neighbouring towns.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏛️ Heritage-Listed Places

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

Stanwell Park Rail Viaduct over Stanwell Creek
Illawarra railway 56.727 kms, Stanwell Park • SHR #01054
Otford railway tunnel (former)
Illawarra Railway, Otford • SHR #01219

🔍 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 Stanwell Park by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Stanwell Park Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$460
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,675
Avg Household Size
2.9 people
Median Age
45 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,410
Census 2021
1,532
▲ 8.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$43,576
Income 2021
$57,720
▲ 32.5% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,245
Born Overseas 244

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 78
  • 2. New Zealand 17
  • 3. Scotland 16
  • 4. Germany 13
  • 5. United States 13
  • 6. South Africa 12
  • 7. France 11
  • 8. Netherlands 9
  • 9. Egypt 7
  • 10. Ireland 7

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 696
Australian 554
Irish 249
Scottish 185
German 73
Italian 42
Dutch 37
Polish 31
Australian Aboriginal 26
French 23

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

920
Both parents born in Australia
301
Both parents born overseas
221
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
51.6%
Christianity
40.6%
Buddhism
1.3%
Hinduism
0.5%
Islam
0.3%
Judaism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
93 (6.1%)
5-14 years
168 (11.0%)
15-19 years
95 (6.2%)
20-24 years
76 (5.0%)
25-34 years
154 (10.1%)
35-44 years
163 (10.6%)
45-54 years
229 (14.9%)
55-64 years
246 (16.1%)
65-74 years
175 (11.4%)
75-84 years
75 (4.9%)
85+ years
52 (3.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stanwell Park known for? +

Stanwell Park is famous for its spectacular coastal scenery, world-class hang gliding and paragliding from Bald Hill lookout, and its pristine surf beach. The historic Stanwell Park rail viaduct over Stanwell Creek is a State Heritage–listed landmark.

How far is Stanwell Park from Sydney? +

Stanwell Park is approximately 55 kilometres south of Sydney CBD — about 50 minutes by car off-peak via the Princes Motorway and Lawrence Hargrave Drive, or around 1 hour 20 minutes by train on the T4 Illawarra Line.

Does Stanwell Park have public transport? +

Yes — Stanwell Park railway station is on the T4 Illawarra Line, providing regular services to Sydney Central and Wollongong. Bus services also connect the village to Wollongong. The station is about 800 metres from the beach.

What is the population of Stanwell Park? +

According to the 2021 Census, Stanwell Park has a population of 1,532, up from 1,410 in 2016, reflecting growing demand for coastal lifestyle properties in the Illawarra region.

Is Stanwell Park a good place to live? +

Stanwell Park is a dream address for those who value natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and a peaceful coastal lifestyle within commuting distance of Sydney and Wollongong. It suits families, retirees, surfers, and hang gliding enthusiasts, though the village has limited retail and relies on neighbouring towns for everyday services.

What is the postcode for Stanwell Park? +

The postcode for Stanwell Park, New South Wales is 2508.

What outdoor activities are near Stanwell Park? +

Stanwell Park offers hang gliding and paragliding from Bald Hill, surfing and swimming at Stanwell Park Beach, and extensive bushwalking in the Royal National Park. The scenic Lawrence Hargrave Drive and Sea Cliff Bridge are popular for cycling and walking.