Wollongbar

NSW 2477 • Rest of NSW

3,261
Population (2021)
$41,184
Median Income
17.63 km²
Area
$420/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlyGrowth SuburbTree-ChangeRegionalSubtropical

About Wollongbar

Wollongbar is a growing town in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, located on the Bruxner Highway between Lismore and Alstonville at an elevation of 166 metres. The 2021 census recorded a population of 2,988, reflecting significant growth of over 40% since 2016, driven by internal migration from larger cities seeking a quieter lifestyle in the Northern Rivers hinterland. The town enjoys a warm subtropical climate with lush green surrounds and views across the fertile Richmond River valley.

Wollongbar appeals strongly to families, young professionals, and tree-changers who value green space, community, and relatively affordable housing compared to nearby Byron Bay and Ballina. Wollongbar Public School is a cornerstone of community life, and local sporting clubs and community gardens add to the village-like feel. The town relies primarily on car transport, with Lismore (10 km) and Ballina (30 km) providing hospital, major shopping, and airport access.

Wollongbar falls under postcode 2477 and is governed by Ballina Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ballina electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2477
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Rural
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.82°, 153.41°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
17.63 km²
Elevation
165m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • 640,645 — Lismore CBD 15–20 min
  • 650 — Alstonville / Ballina 15–25 min

Commute to Lismore CBD

Distance
10 km
By Bus
15–20 min
By Car (Peak)
12–15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
10–12 min

🛣️ No rail service in the area; Lismore is the regional centre; Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is ~35 km away

Walkability Car-Dependent

Very limited walkable infrastructure; a car is essential for most daily activities

🛒 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 Wollongbar by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Wollongbar Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$420
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,842
Avg Household Size
2.6 people
Median Age
40 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.6%

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,828
Census 2021
3,261
15.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$33,644
Income 2021
$41,184
22.4% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,804
Born Overseas 355

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 96
  • 2. New Zealand 42
  • 3. South Africa 27
  • 4. Chile 13
  • 5. Malaysia 12
  • 6. Germany 10
  • 7. India 10
  • 8. Zimbabwe 10
  • 9. Philippines 9
  • 10. Wales 9

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,498
Australian 1,360
Irish 431
Scottish 424
German 172
Australian Aboriginal 154
Italian 138
Dutch 49
Chinese 34
Welsh 26

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,356
Both parents born in Australia
443
Both parents born overseas
363
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
51.6%
No Religion
42.3%
Buddhism
0.9%
Hinduism
0.2%
Islam
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
179 (5.5%)
5-14 years
470 (14.4%)
15-19 years
223 (6.8%)
20-24 years
169 (5.2%)
25-34 years
345 (10.6%)
35-44 years
400 (12.3%)
45-54 years
424 (13.0%)
55-64 years
393 (12.1%)
65-74 years
373 (11.4%)
75-84 years
226 (6.9%)
85+ years
61 (1.9%)

Nearby Suburbs