🔍

Wanaaring

NSW 2840 • New South Wales

81
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
19852.41 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
OutbackRemoteRuralPeaceful

About Wanaaring

Wanaaring is a remote outback locality situated in far north-western New South Wales, approximately 980 kilometres from Sydney and 180 kilometres west of Bourke, on the banks of the Paroo River. The locality falls under the Bourke Shire Council area and represents one of the most isolated communities in the state, covering a vast 19,852 square kilometres of semi-arid outback country. With a 2021 Census population of 81 residents, Wanaaring is a tiny but resilient outback community sustained by pastoral grazing of cattle, sheep, and goats.

Wanaaring sits on the "Cut Line" outback road between Bourke and Tibooburra, making it a welcome stop for long-distance travellers crossing the remote north-west. The locality holds the Australian record for the highest minimum temperature, 36.6°C recorded in January 2019, testament to the extreme climate of the region. An all-weather airstrip serves the community, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service provides essential healthcare. The annual gymkhana and rodeo is a highlight of community life and raises funds for the RFDS, drawing visitors from surrounding outback stations.

Wanaaring falls under postcode 2840 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Barwon electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2840
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Parkes
State Electorate
Barwon
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-30.21°, 145.25°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
19852.41 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular bus service — Nearest town is Bourke (~180 km east) Approx. 2 hr by car

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
980 km
By Train
No train service; nearest rail is at Nyngan or Bourke with very limited services
By Car (Peak)
10 hr - 11 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
10 hr - 11 hr

🛣️ Extremely remote outback locality; car is the only practical transport. An all-weather airstrip east of the village serves light aircraft.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Wanaaring is an isolated outback community where a vehicle is essential for all needs; basic supplies require a 180 km drive to Bourke.

🛒 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 Wanaaring by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Wanaaring Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
81
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Income Comparison

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

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wanaaring known for? +

Wanaaring is known for its remote outback setting on the Paroo River, its annual gymkhana and rodeo supporting the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and for holding the Australian record for the highest minimum temperature (36.6°C in January 2019). The locality is a popular stop on the "Cut Line" road between Bourke and Tibooburra.

How far is Wanaaring from Bourke? +

Wanaaring is approximately 180 kilometres west of Bourke, the nearest major outback town, making it roughly a 2 hour drive on outback roads. It is approximately 980 kilometres from Sydney.

Does Wanaaring have public transport? +

Wanaaring has no public bus or rail services. The community is served by a local all-weather airstrip for light aircraft, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service provides essential medical access. A private vehicle is the only practical means of transport.

What is the population of Wanaaring? +

According to the 2021 Census, Wanaaring has a population of 81 residents. The locality covers an enormous 19,852 square kilometres of far north-western NSW outback country.

Is Wanaaring a good place to live? +

Wanaaring offers a genuinely remote outback lifestyle for those suited to extreme isolation, harsh climate, and a tight-knit pastoral community. It appeals to station workers and those who cherish the solitude of the Australian outback, but requires complete self-sufficiency as services are minimal.

What is the postcode for Wanaaring? +

The postcode for Wanaaring, NSW is 2840.