🔍

Tarrawanna

NSW 2518 • Rest of NSW

2,184
Population (2021)
$35,048
Median Income
2.51 km²
Area
105m
Elevation
Family-FriendlyVillage FeelEscarpmentQuietEstablished

About Tarrawanna

Tarrawanna is a quiet residential suburb nestled at the base of the Illawarra Escarpment, 7 kilometres north of the Wollongong CBD in the City of Wollongong. With a population of 2,184 (2021 census) and a median age of 48, this is a settled, family-oriented community on the traditional lands of the Dharawal people. The name is believed to derive from an Aboriginal word meaning "place of many trees."

The suburb has a charming village centre with cafés, food outlets, a microbrewery, and a hairdresser, creating a genuine community hub. Families are drawn to the safe, leafy streets, Tarrawanna Public School, and easy access to escarpment bushwalking trails with panoramic views. Annual events like the Tarrawanna Village Fair and Art Show foster strong community bonds. The elevated position gives many homes escarpment views, while beaches are just a short drive away.

Tarrawanna falls under postcode 2518 and is governed by Wollongong Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Keira electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2518
Urban Area
Wollongong
LGA
Wollongong
Federal Electorate
Cunningham
State Electorate
Keira
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.38°, 150.88°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
2.51 km²
Elevation
105m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Fairy Meadow
2.5 km
30 min
Corrimal
2 km
25 min
Balgownie (no station)
1.5 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • 3, 7, 8 — Wollongong CBD via Fairy Meadow and Corrimal 15-25 min
  • 90 — Wollongong to Thirroul express 20 min

Commute to Wollongong

Distance
7 km
By Train
15-20 min (from Fairy Meadow or Corrimal stations)
By Bus
15-25 min (Routes 3, 7, 8)
By Car (Peak)
15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
10 min

🛣️ No train station in Tarrawanna itself—Corrimal and Fairy Meadow stations are closest. Buses run regularly along Princes Highway.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Village shops walkable; bus stops on Princes Highway for Wollongong; car helpful but not essential for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing Costs 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$340
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,167
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
48 years

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,069
Census 2021
2,184
▲ 5.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$25,376
Income 2021
$35,048
▲ 38.1% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,663
Born Overseas 456

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 78
  • 2. Italy 54
  • 3. New Zealand 31
  • 4. Scotland 22
  • 5. North Macedonia 21
  • 6. India 19
  • 7. Netherlands 19
  • 8. United States 14
  • 9. Germany 13
  • 10. South Africa 13
  • 11. Lebanon 12
  • 12. Philippines 12
  • 13. China 10
  • 14. Turkey 10
  • 15. Chile 9

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 756
English 738
Scottish 226
Irish 222
Italian 219
German 70
Dutch 64
Macedonian 57
Australian Aboriginal 44
Greek 39

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,113
Both parents born in Australia
640
Both parents born overseas
299
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
55.6%
No Religion
32.7%
Islam
2.0%
Buddhism
1.3%
Hinduism
0.9%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
94 (4.3%)
5-14 years
245 (11.2%)
15-19 years
108 (4.9%)
20-24 years
107 (4.9%)
25-34 years
209 (9.6%)
35-44 years
232 (10.6%)
45-54 years
274 (12.5%)
55-64 years
279 (12.8%)
65-74 years
217 (9.9%)
75-84 years
258 (11.8%)
85+ years
161 (7.4%)

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