🔍

Sunshine Bay

NSW 2536 • Rest of NSW

1,439
Population (2021)
$31,460
Median Income
1.33 km²
Area
$370/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRetiree-HavenBeachsidePeacefulQuiet

About Sunshine Bay

Sunshine Bay is a small coastal suburb on the New South Wales South Coast, situated within the urban area of Batemans Bay in the Eurobodalla Council area, approximately 280 kilometres south of Sydney. With a 2021 population of 1,439 and a notably high median age of 56, Sunshine Bay is characterised by its significant retiree and older resident population, with median weekly household income of $1,138 — well below the national average. The suburb covers 1.3 square kilometres at a low coastal elevation of 16 metres, offering a quiet residential setting adjacent to the Clyde River estuary and the Pacific Ocean.

Sunshine Bay sits directly alongside Batemans Bay and enjoys proximity to the beaches, boat ramps, and coastal walking tracks that make the Eurobodalla region a popular retirement and holiday destination. The town centre of Batemans Bay provides supermarkets, medical services, cafes, and retail shopping within easy reach. Public transport options are limited, making a car essential, but the relaxed pace of life, affordable housing, and stunning natural environment — including the Murramarang National Park to the north — make Sunshine Bay an appealing choice for retirees and sea-changers. The suburb has a strong Anglican and Catholic community, reflecting the demographic of its largely established residents.

Sunshine Bay falls under postcode 2536 and is governed by Eurobodalla Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bega electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2536
Urban Area
Batemans Bay
LGA / Council
Eurobodalla
Federal Electorate
Gilmore
State Electorate
Bega
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.74°, 150.21°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
1.33 km²
Elevation
16m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • NSW TrainLink regional coaches and local Eurobodalla bus services — Batemans Bay town centre / Canberra 5-10 min to Batemans Bay centre

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
280 km
By Train
No direct train service; NSW TrainLink coach service available from Batemans Bay
By Car (Peak)
3.5-4.5 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
3-3.5 hours

🛣️ Princes Highway is the main route to Sydney; Canberra is approx 150 km inland (2–2.5 hr drive) and a more practical day-trip destination

Walkability Car-Dependent

Small coastal suburb where a car is needed for most errands; Batemans Bay town centre is a short drive away

🛒 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 Sunshine Bay by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Sunshine Bay Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$370
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,650
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
56 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
4.3%

16 state housing + 12 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,221
Census 2021
1,439
▲ 17.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$26,156
Income 2021
$31,460
▲ 20.3% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,096
Born Overseas 251

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 84
  • 2. India 16
  • 3. New Zealand 15
  • 4. Philippines 14
  • 5. Germany 11
  • 6. Scotland 11
  • 7. South Africa 8
  • 8. Croatia 6
  • 9. Thailand 6
  • 10. United States 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 628
Australian 573
Irish 191
Scottish 141
Australian Aboriginal 96
German 52
Italian 37
Filipino 18
Croatian 17
Dutch 15

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

899
Both parents born in Australia
301
Both parents born overseas
162
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
56.5%
No Religion
33.8%
Sikhism
0.8%
Buddhism
0.4%
Islam
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
60 (4.2%)
5-14 years
134 (9.3%)
15-19 years
53 (3.7%)
20-24 years
40 (2.8%)
25-34 years
134 (9.3%)
35-44 years
109 (7.6%)
45-54 years
158 (11.0%)
55-64 years
215 (14.9%)
65-74 years
273 (19.0%)
75-84 years
211 (14.7%)
85+ years
47 (3.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sunshine Bay known for? +

Sunshine Bay is known for its relaxed coastal lifestyle, proximity to Batemans Bay's beaches and estuarine waterways, and its appeal as a retirement and sea-change destination on the NSW South Coast.

How far is Sunshine Bay from Sydney? +

Sunshine Bay is approximately 280 kilometres south of Sydney CBD via the Princes Highway, making it a 3.5–4.5 hour drive depending on traffic — particularly heavy during holiday periods on the South Coast.

Does Sunshine Bay have public transport? +

Public transport in Sunshine Bay is limited to local Eurobodalla bus services and NSW TrainLink regional coaches from Batemans Bay. There is no rail service to the area, and a car is essential for daily life.

What is the population of Sunshine Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Sunshine Bay has a population of 1,439 residents. The suburb has a median age of 56, significantly higher than the Australian average, reflecting its popularity as a retirement destination.

Is Sunshine Bay a good place to live? +

Sunshine Bay is an excellent choice for retirees, remote workers, and sea-changers who prioritise coastal beauty, quiet streets, and a relaxed pace of life. The distance from Sydney and limited local services make it less suitable for those who commute regularly to a major city.

What is the postcode for Sunshine Bay? +

The postcode for Sunshine Bay is 2536, shared with Batemans Bay and surrounding suburbs.