🔍

Atholwood

NSW 2361 • New South Wales

68
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
454.46 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRemoteAgriculturalOutback
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About Atholwood

Atholwood is a vast and sparsely populated rural locality in the New England region of New South Wales, situated within the Inverell Shire local government area. With a population of just 68 residents in 2021 spread across approximately 454 square kilometres, it is one of the most thinly settled localities in northern New South Wales. The terrain is characterised by open grazing land and mixed farming country typical of the New England tablelands, with the nearest major service centre being Inverell, around 50 kilometres to the north-east.

Atholwood is a genuine working rural locality, with the landscape dominated by cattle grazing and dryland cropping operations across its sweeping pastoral properties. Residents are deeply connected to the agricultural rhythms of the New England region, with Inverell providing the closest access to schools, medical services, and retail shopping. The area has experienced significant population decline over recent decades as agricultural consolidation has reduced the number of people living on the land, and there are no commercial services or public facilities within the locality itself.

Atholwood falls under postcode 2361 and is governed by the Inverell Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Maranoa, while state elections fall under the Northern Tablelands electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2361
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Inverell
Federal Electorate
Maranoa
State Electorate
Northern Tablelands
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-29.20°, 151.14°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
454.46 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2361

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2361 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$32,525
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$37,702

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2361; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • NSW TrainLink coach (Inverell–Tamworth) — Tamworth (via Manilla) Approx. 2.5 hours from Inverell

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
550 km
By Train
No direct service — NSW TrainLink coach from Inverell to Tamworth, then train to Sydney (total approx. 7–8 hours)
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 6–7 hours to Sydney
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 5.5–6 hours to Sydney

🛣️ A car is the only practical form of transport for residents of Atholwood; Inverell is the nearest service town

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Atholwood is a remote pastoral locality with no services — a private vehicle is the only viable means of transport

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

  • 🏫
    Ashford Central School ICSEA 808
    6725 4101 51 Martyn Street
    GovernmentPrimary/Secondary CombinedCoedNon-Denominational
  • 🏫
    Bonshaw Public School ICSEA 951
    07 4653 5147 Texas St
    GovernmentPrimaryCoedNon-Denominational

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
68
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest 2025 rates for the Inverell Local Government Area, which contains Atholwood. Rates are per 100,000 residents; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods ending Dec 2025.

Break & enter (dwelling)
470.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 7.4%
Motor vehicle theft
165.9 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr —
Non-DV assault
619.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
5.5 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
320.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 5.1%
View all 62 offence types for Inverell →

Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Atholwood known for? +

Atholwood is a remote pastoral locality known for its extensive grazing and dryland farming properties in the New England tablelands. It is one of the largest and most sparsely populated localities in northern New South Wales.

How far is Atholwood from Sydney? +

Atholwood is approximately 550 kilometres north of Sydney, making it around a 5.5–7 hour drive. The nearest regional centre is Inverell, approximately 50 kilometres to the north-east.

Does Atholwood have public transport? +

There is no public transport within Atholwood. The nearest transport connection is in Inverell, approximately 50 kilometres away, where NSW TrainLink coach services connect to Tamworth. A private vehicle is essential.

What is the population of Atholwood? +

According to the 2021 Census, Atholwood has a population of 68 residents across approximately 454 square kilometres, reflecting its highly dispersed pastoral settlement pattern. The population has declined significantly from historical highs.

Is Atholwood a good place to live? +

Atholwood suits those who are committed to remote rural and agricultural lifestyles, with an appreciation for wide open spaces and the New England landscape. Access to services, schools, and employment requires regular travel to Inverell or further afield.

What is the postcode for Atholwood? +

The postcode for Atholwood, NSW is 2361, shared with Inverell and surrounding localities in the Inverell Shire.

Is Atholwood a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Atholwood is part of the Inverell LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.