Arakoon

NSW 2431 • New South Wales

445
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
24.79 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalHistoricHeritageQuietBushland

About Arakoon

Arakoon is a small coastal locality on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, situated adjacent to South West Rocks in Kempsey Shire, approximately 430 kilometres north of Sydney. With a population of 445, the area features a handful of residences, a caravan park, and a café, and is best known as the site of the heritage-listed Trial Bay Gaol and the iconic Smoky Cape Lighthouse. The locality occupies a scenic headland position between Trial Bay and Smoky Cape, offering dramatic coastal views and a strong connection to the region's convict and colonial history.

Arakoon sits largely within Arakoon National Park, providing residents and visitors with access to walking trails, secluded beaches, and rockpools along a pristine stretch of Mid North Coast coastline. The area is the original settlement site of what later became South West Rocks — a town that provides day-to-day services just minutes away. Arakoon attracts bushwalkers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking coastal solitude, drawn by the unspoiled natural environment, the gaol ruins, and the panoramic views from Smoky Cape.

Arakoon falls under postcode 2431 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Oxley electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2431
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-30.93°, 153.05°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
24.79 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited local services — South West Rocks / Kempsey 5–30 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
430 km
By Train
No direct train service; drive to Kempsey (~30 km) for limited NSW TrainLink intercity services
By Car (Peak)
4.5–5 hr to Sydney CBD
By Car (Off-Peak)
4–4.5 hr to Sydney CBD

🛣️ Pacific Motorway (M1) is the main route south to Sydney; Port Macquarie (~80 km) is the nearest regional centre

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

The locality has minimal local services; South West Rocks is a short drive for most daily needs, but a car is essential

🛒 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 Arakoon by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Arakoon Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
445
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 Arakoon known for? +

Arakoon is best known for the heritage-listed Trial Bay Gaol — a striking sandstone prison ruin dating from the 1870s — and the iconic Smoky Cape Lighthouse, one of the tallest lighthouses in New South Wales. The locality also sits within Arakoon National Park, offering excellent coastal walks and beaches.

How far is Arakoon from Sydney? +

Arakoon is approximately 430 kilometres north of Sydney, a drive of around 4.5 to 5 hours via the Pacific Motorway. The nearest regional city is Port Macquarie, about 80 kilometres to the south.

Does Arakoon have public transport? +

Arakoon has no regular rail service; a car is the most practical way to get around. Limited bus connections link nearby South West Rocks with Kempsey, where some NSW TrainLink intercity services are available.

What is the population of Arakoon? +

According to the 2021 Census, Arakoon has a population of 445 residents. The locality is small and spread across approximately 25 square kilometres of mostly national park land.

Is Arakoon a good place to live? +

Arakoon offers a rare combination of coastal beauty, national park surrounds, and historic character in a quiet, low-density setting. It suits those who value natural lifestyle over urban convenience, with South West Rocks nearby for essential services.

What is the postcode for Arakoon? +

The postcode for Arakoon is 2431, shared with South West Rocks and surrounding localities in the Kempsey Shire area.