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Barren Grounds

NSW 2577 • New South Wales

0
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
16.16 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralCoastal

About Barren Grounds

Barren Grounds is a small rural locality on the Illawarra Escarpment in New South Wales, situated approximately 20 kilometres west of Kiama in the Whitlam electorate. The locality is best known as the location of the Barren Grounds Nature Reserve, a nationally significant wetland and heathland protected area managed by NSW National Parks. The surrounding landscape is dominated by high-altitude coastal heath, sedge swamps, and rainforest pockets, providing critical habitat for threatened species including the Eastern Ground Parrot.

Barren Grounds attracts birdwatchers, bushwalkers, and nature enthusiasts from across the Illawarra and Southern Highlands, with the nature reserve offering walking trails and birdwatching hides. The locality has no resident population to speak of, functioning primarily as conservation land above the escarpment. Kiama and Berry provide the nearest amenities, while Wollongong is accessible within 40 minutes by car along the Illawarra Highway.

Barren Grounds falls under postcode 2577 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Kiama electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2577
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Whitlam
State Electorate
Kiama
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.60°, 150.41°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
16.16 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
100 km
By Train
No train service; Kiama Station (~20km) on the South Coast Line
By Car (Peak)
~1 hr 40 min to Sydney CBD
By Car (Off-Peak)
~1 hr 20 min

🛣️ Car essential; accessed via Jamberoo Mountain Road or Macquarie Pass; Wollongong ~40 min

Walkability Car-Dependent

Conservation locality with no public transport; walking trails within the nature reserve only

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🌳 Parks & Reserves

There is 1 park or reserve in Barren Grounds.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
0
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

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

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barren Grounds NSW? +

Barren Grounds is a small locality on the Illawarra Escarpment in NSW, best known for the Barren Grounds Nature Reserve, a protected heathland and wetland area west of Kiama.

What is the Barren Grounds Nature Reserve known for? +

The Barren Grounds Nature Reserve is a nationally significant birdwatching destination, protecting coastal heath and sedge swamps that are critical habitat for the threatened Eastern Ground Parrot and other rare species.

How do I get to Barren Grounds NSW? +

Barren Grounds is accessed via Jamberoo Mountain Road or Macquarie Pass, approximately 20 kilometres west of Kiama. The nearest train station is Kiama on the NSW South Coast Line.

Are there walks at Barren Grounds? +

Yes, the Barren Grounds Nature Reserve features several walking trails and a birdwatching hide, making it a popular day trip from Kiama, Wollongong, and the Southern Highlands.