Tongarra
NSW 2527 • New South Wales
About Tongarra
Tongarra is a quiet rural locality in the City of Shellharbour, situated in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, approximately 30 kilometres west-southwest of Wollongong and 121 kilometres south of Sydney. With a population of 141 at the 2021 census, it remains essentially untouched by urban development, retaining its pastoral and semi-rural character. The locality sits at an elevation of around 55 metres and is nestled between the Macquarie Pass escarpment and the developing growth corridor to the east. It neighbours Albion Park to the east and Calderwood to the north.
Tongarra offers a peaceful alternative for those seeking rural seclusion while remaining within reach of the Illawarra's coastal lifestyle and employment centres. Wollongong, with its beaches, university, hospital, and retail precincts, is a 30-minute drive away, and Albion Park offers everyday conveniences much closer. The Shellharbour LGA is experiencing steady population growth, and fringe localities like Tongarra sit adjacent to this expansion, though the locality itself has been preserved from subdivision.
Tongarra falls under postcode 2527 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Shellharbour electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Nearest Train Stations
Bus Services
- Premier Illawarra local routes — Albion Park / Shellharbour / Wollongong 25-45 min
Commute to Sydney CBD
🛣️ Wollongong CBD (30 km, ~30 min drive) is the more practical employment centre
Rural locality with very limited footpaths or public amenity; a private vehicle is required for daily needs.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Albion Park High School ICSEA 964Church Street
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Albion Park Rail Public School ICSEA 894Tongarra Rd
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234 Calderwood Road
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Mount Terry Public School ICSEA 982Terry St
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16 Macquarie Street
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251 Tongarra Road
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Tullimbar Public School ICSEA 1005Exeter Place
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 Tongarra by offence type, year and trend.
📊 View Tongarra Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Tongarra" under Suburb