🔍

Tocumwal

NSW 2714 • Rest of NSW

2,862
Population (2021)
$29,224
Median Income
388.21 km²
Area
$250/wk
Median Rent
RiversideRetiree-HavenRuralPeacefulAffordable

About Tocumwal

Tocumwal is a small Murray River town on the New South Wales–Victoria border, approximately 270 kilometres north of Melbourne and 720 kilometres south-west of Sydney within the Berrigan Shire. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 2,862, and the suburb's demographic profile is distinctly mature — with a median age of 59, Tocumwal is one of regional New South Wales's most pronounced retirement destinations. The median household income of $1,067 per week reflects its rural service town character, where the low cost of living — including median rents of just $250 per week — is a significant drawcard.

Tocumwal's greatest asset is its wide, sandy Murray River beaches, which make it a popular destination for fishing, water skiing, houseboating, and relaxed riverside camping. The town has a loyal caravan and tourist community, and its historic airport — a major Royal Australian Air Force base during World War II — adds a layer of historical significance still evident in local heritage sites. There is no passenger rail service; residents rely on road transport, with Cobram across the Murray in Victoria just minutes away providing additional retail services, and coach connections available to Albury and Melbourne.

Tocumwal falls under postcode 2714 and is governed by Berrigan Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Murray electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2714
Urban Area
Central Murray
LGA / Council
Berrigan
Federal Electorate
Farrer
State Electorate
Murray
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.79°, 145.51°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
388.21 km²
Elevation
107m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • NSW TrainLink / Transdev coach — Albury / Melbourne (via Cobram and Shepparton) Approx 3h to Melbourne

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
270 km
By Train
No direct rail service; coach to Melbourne via Cobram and Shepparton takes approx 3 hours
By Car (Peak)
2h 45min - 3h 15min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2h 30min - 2h 45min

🛣️ Hume Freeway / Murray Valley Highway the main route south; Cobram (VIC) is the nearest cross-border service town

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most errands require a car though the compact town centre has basic services within walking distance for residents near the main street

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏛️ Heritage-Listed Places

There are 3 heritage-listed places in or near Tocumwal, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Tocumwal road and rail bridge over Murray River
Narrandera-Tocumwal railway • SHR #01061
Tocumwal Railway Station group
Narrandera-Tocumwal railway Tocumwal • SHR #01270
World War II Aeroplane Hangar, Tocumwal
243 McCullochs Road, Tocumwal • SHR #02054

🔍 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 Tocumwal by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Tocumwal Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$250
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
59 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1%

3 state housing + 8 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,682
Census 2021
2,862
▲ 6.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$25,168
Income 2021
$29,224
▲ 16.1% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,315
Born Overseas 255

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 77
  • 2. New Zealand 34
  • 3. Germany 23
  • 4. Netherlands 19
  • 5. Philippines 15
  • 6. Scotland 12
  • 7. Italy 6
  • 8. Iraq 5
  • 9. Ireland 5
  • 10. United States 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,218
Australian 1,136
Irish 408
Scottish 336
German 115
Australian Aboriginal 58
Dutch 51
Italian 45
New Zealander 24
Chinese 16

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,994
Both parents born in Australia
308
Both parents born overseas
259
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
51.2%
No Religion
36.3%
Buddhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
119 (4.2%)
5-14 years
284 (9.9%)
15-19 years
111 (3.9%)
20-24 years
78 (2.7%)
25-34 years
200 (7.0%)
35-44 years
242 (8.5%)
45-54 years
274 (9.6%)
55-64 years
408 (14.3%)
65-74 years
670 (23.4%)
75-84 years
364 (12.7%)
85+ years
116 (4.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tocumwal known for? +

Tocumwal is best known for its wide, sandy Murray River beaches — a favourite spot for fishing, water skiing, houseboating, and camping. The town also has significant WWII history through its airport, which was one of Australia's largest RAAF bases during the war.

How far is Tocumwal from Melbourne? +

Tocumwal is approximately 270 kilometres north of Melbourne CBD, typically a 2.5–3 hour drive via the Hume Freeway and Murray Valley Highway.

Does Tocumwal have public transport? +

Tocumwal has limited public transport. There is no passenger rail service, but coach services connect the town to Albury and Melbourne. A car is the primary mode of transport for most residents.

What is the population of Tocumwal? +

According to the 2021 Census, Tocumwal has a population of 2,862. The town has a notably mature age profile, with a median age of 59, reflecting its popularity as a retirement and lifestyle destination.

Is Tocumwal a good place to live? +

Tocumwal offers an exceptionally relaxed riverside lifestyle with very affordable housing — median rents of $250 per week — and a strong sense of community. It suits retirees and those seeking a slow-paced rural lifestyle near the Murray River, though its distance from major cities means limited access to specialised services.

What is the postcode for Tocumwal? +

The postcode for Tocumwal, NSW is 2714.