🔍

Warialda

NSW 2402 • Rest of NSW

1,480
Population (2021)
$26,780
Median Income
1196.86 km²
Area
$230/wk
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalHistoricQuietCommuter Belt

About Warialda

Warialda is a rural service town in the Gwydir Shire of northern New South Wales, situated at an elevation of 394 metres on the Northern Tablelands, approximately 580 kilometres north-west of Sydney and 170 kilometres west of Armidale. The locality covers an extensive statistical area of nearly 1,200 square kilometres, with a population of 1,480 at the 2021 Census. With a median household income of $964 per week and a median age of 51 — among the highest of the suburbs surveyed — Warialda's community reflects an older, deeply rooted rural population centred on farming, grazing, and local services.

Warialda serves as the administrative centre of Gwydir Shire and provides essential services to the surrounding agricultural district, including a hospital, schools, supermarket, and sporting facilities. The town is set in classic New England-style countryside, with merino wool and beef cattle farming defining the local economy and landscape. Life in Warialda moves at a distinctly country pace, with a strong Anglican and community church tradition, local events such as the Warialda Show, and a close-knit social fabric that reflects generations of rural heritage.

Warialda falls under postcode 2402 and is governed by Gwydir Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Northern Tablelands electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2402
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Gwydir
Federal Electorate
New England
State Electorate
Northern Tablelands
Type
Rural
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-29.40°, 150.52°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
1196.86 km²
Elevation
394m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • NSW TrainLink Regional Coach — Inverell / Moree / Armidale (connections to Sydney) Varies; Moree approx. 1.5 hrs, Armidale approx. 2.5 hrs

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
580 km
By Train
No direct rail service. NSW TrainLink coaches connect to Armidale or Moree where train/coach services to Sydney are available; total journey approx. 9-11 hours.
By Car (Peak)
6-7 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
6-7 hours

🛣️ Via New England Highway (A15) through Armidale and Tamworth. Most residents fly or make multi-day trips for Sydney visits. Nearest major centre is Inverell (~75km east).

Walkability Car-Dependent

Within the Warialda town centre, some errands can be done on foot; however, the broader locality is highly car-dependent and remote from major services

🛒 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 Warialda by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Warialda Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$230
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,000
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
51 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.8%

0 state housing + 5 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,590
Census 2021
1,480
▼ 6.9% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$24,700
Income 2021
$26,780
▲ 8.4% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,294
Born Overseas 61

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 22
  • 2. Germany 6
  • 3. New Zealand 6
  • 4. India 4
  • 5. Malta 3
  • 6. South Africa 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 725
English 613
Scottish 158
Irish 132
Australian Aboriginal 105
German 61
Maori 9
Italian 8
Chinese 7
Hungarian 7

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,229
Both parents born in Australia
62
Both parents born overseas
69
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
64.5%
No Religion
27.1%
Islam
0.5%
Buddhism
0.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
69 (4.7%)
5-14 years
185 (12.5%)
15-19 years
72 (4.9%)
20-24 years
56 (3.8%)
25-34 years
141 (9.5%)
35-44 years
114 (7.7%)
45-54 years
174 (11.8%)
55-64 years
217 (14.7%)
65-74 years
231 (15.6%)
75-84 years
158 (10.7%)
85+ years
53 (3.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Warialda known for? +

Warialda is known as the principal town of Gwydir Shire, serving as a service hub for the surrounding merino wool and beef cattle farming district of northern NSW. The town is also noted for its annual Warialda Show and its role as a quiet, authentic example of New England rural life.

How far is Warialda from Sydney? +

Warialda is approximately 580 kilometres north-west of Sydney CBD, a drive of around 6 to 7 hours via the New England Highway through Armidale and Tamworth.

Does Warialda have public transport? +

Public transport in Warialda is limited. NSW TrainLink regional coaches connect Warialda to Inverell, Moree, and Armidale, from where rail connections to Sydney are available. There is no direct rail service, and a car is essential for most residents.

What is the population of Warialda? +

According to the 2021 Census, Warialda has a population of 1,480 residents, a decrease from 1,590 in 2016. The town's older demographic profile, with a median age of 51, reflects broader trends of rural population ageing in inland NSW.

Is Warialda a good place to live? +

Warialda suits those who embrace rural life, offering a genuine country town experience with low housing costs, a strong sense of community, and the natural beauty of the Northern Tablelands. It is particularly appealing to those involved in agriculture or seeking a quiet lifestyle far from metropolitan centres.

What is the postcode for Warialda? +

The postcode for Warialda, New South Wales is 2402.