Wamberal

NSW 2260 • Greater Sydney

6,991
Population (2021)
$49,088
Median Income
8.77 km²
Area
$500/wk
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideFamily-FriendlyAffluent

About Wamberal

Wamberal is a coastal suburb of around 7,000 people on the Central Coast of New South Wales, situated 88 kilometres north of Sydney and 4 kilometres north of Terrigal. Part of the Central Coast Council local government area, Wamberal takes its name from an Aboriginal word meaning 'where the sea breaks', reflecting its striking oceanfront setting adjacent to Wamberal Lagoon. The suburb has two distinct character areas: a coastal strip with Wamberal Beach and the lagoon estuary featuring medium-to-high-density housing, and a semi-rural hinterland of acreage lots and bushland reserves. The Tasman Sea coastline and lagoon system provide a dramatic natural backdrop to everyday life.

Wamberal offers a laid-back coastal lifestyle popular with beach lovers, young families, and sea-change seekers. Wamberal Beach is a patrolled surf beach attracting swimmers and surfers, while the lagoon is ideal for kayaking and birdwatching. The suburb is close to Terrigal's busy café strip, restaurants, and shops, ensuring residents have easy access to amenities without living in a town centre. Transport to Sydney is via the Central Coast & Newcastle Line from Gosford or Woy Woy stations, making it a viable option for commuters who value beachside living.

Wamberal falls under postcode 2260 and is governed by Central Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Terrigal electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2260
Urban Area
Gosford - East
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-33.41°, 151.44°
Statistical Area
Greater Sydney
Area
8.77 km²
Elevation
95m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Gosford Station
12 km
Drive required

Bus Services

  • 68, 72 — Gosford Station via Terrigal 30-40 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
88 km
By Train
~1 hr 20 min from Gosford to Central
By Car (Peak)
90-120 min via M1 Pacific Motorway
By Car (Off-Peak)
70-80 min

🛣️ Drive to Gosford (~15 min) then train to Sydney Central

Walkability Car-Dependent

Car needed for most errands; walkable to beach and lagoon areas

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🌳 Parks & Reserves

There are 4 parks and reserves in Wamberal.

🔍 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 Wamberal by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Wamberal Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$500
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,500
Avg Household Size
2.9 people
Median Age
40 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
6,550
Census 2021
6,991
6.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$41,496
Income 2021
$49,088
18.3% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 5,687
Born Overseas 1,074

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 360
  • 2. New Zealand 130
  • 3. South Africa 64
  • 4. Scotland 36
  • 5. India 33
  • 6. Germany 29
  • 7. United States 29
  • 8. Italy 24
  • 9. Canada 21
  • 10. China 20

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 3,142
Australian 2,990
Irish 915
Scottish 808
German 233
Italian 213
Australian Aboriginal 165
Dutch 98
Welsh 97
Greek 88

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

4,294
Both parents born in Australia
1,341
Both parents born overseas
1,104
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
49.9%
No Religion
43.3%
Buddhism
0.8%
Hinduism
0.4%
Islam
0.4%
Judaism
0.1%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
396 (5.7%)
5-14 years
1,042 (14.9%)
15-19 years
527 (7.5%)
20-24 years
359 (5.1%)
25-34 years
624 (8.9%)
35-44 years
913 (13.1%)
45-54 years
1,039 (14.9%)
55-64 years
900 (12.9%)
65-74 years
714 (10.2%)
75-84 years
355 (5.1%)
85+ years
131 (1.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What beach is in Wamberal? +

Wamberal Beach is a patrolled surf beach on the Tasman Sea coast. The suburb also borders Wamberal Lagoon, a popular spot for kayaking and birdwatching.

How far is Wamberal from Sydney? +

Wamberal is about 88 km north of Sydney, approximately 70–90 minutes by car via the M1 Pacific Motorway, or around 1 hour 20 minutes by driving to Gosford Station and catching the train to Central.

What does Wamberal mean? +

Wamberal is an Aboriginal word meaning 'where the sea breaks', a fitting name for this coastal suburb on the Central Coast.

What schools are in Wamberal? +

Wamberal Public School is the local government primary school. The Central Coast Montessori Preschool is also located in the suburb, with secondary students typically attending schools in Gosford or Terrigal.

Is Wamberal near Terrigal? +

Yes, Wamberal is directly adjacent to Terrigal, separated by the Terrigal Lagoon Estuary. Terrigal's shops, restaurants, and cafés are just a few minutes away.