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Bellbrook

NSW 2440 • New South Wales

339
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
396.11 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricRiversideHinterlandHeritage
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About Bellbrook

Bellbrook is a small heritage-listed mountain village in the Kempsey Shire of New South Wales, situated along the Macleay River approximately 43 kilometres north-west of Kempsey in the Macleay Valley Coast region. With a population of 339 at the 2021 Census — up 21 per cent from 2016 — the locality is experiencing modest growth while retaining its intimate rural character. Bellbrook sits on the traditional lands of the Thunghutti (Dunghutti) Aboriginal people, many of whom continue to live in the community, and the area has a median household income below the national average, reflective of its rural and remote setting.

Classified as a heritage village by the National Trust, Bellbrook is defined by the soothing call of bellbirds along Nulla Nulla Creek — a sound that inspired the village's name when it was gazetted in 1892. The historic Bellbrook Hotel, which opened in 1913 and was a watering hole for renowned country music legend Slim Dusty, remains a community focal point. The Macleay River runs alongside the village, offering swimming, fishing, and scenic beauty typical of the lush mid-north coast hinterland. The village shares its postcode with Kempsey and the coastal township of Crescent Head, with residents relying on Kempsey for essential services.

Bellbrook falls under postcode 2440 and is governed by the Kempsey Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Cowper, while state elections fall under the Oxley electorate.

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📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2440
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Kempsey
Federal Electorate
Cowper
State Electorate
Oxley
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-30.38°, 153.02°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
396.11 km²
Population Density
1 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2440

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2440, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$39,686
Median 2023–24
$48,150
▲ 21.3% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$54,886

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2440; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular scheduled bus service — N/A N/A

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
450 km
By Train
No local service; drive to Kempsey station then North Coast Line train (~6+ hrs total)
By Car (Peak)
5–6 hrs via Pacific Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
5 hrs via Pacific Highway

🛣️ Kempsey is the nearest service town (~43 km); car is essential for daily life

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Small village with very limited services; almost all errands require driving to Kempsey

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
339
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
781.9 / 100k
2yr Down 26.6% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
539.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 8.2%
Non-DV assault
687.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 3.5%
Robbery (unarmed)
12.6 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
353.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
View all 62 offence types for Kempsey →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bellbrook known for? +

Bellbrook is known as a National Trust-classified heritage village on the Macleay River, famous for the distinctive call of bellbirds that inspired its name, the historic Bellbrook Hotel once frequented by country music legend Slim Dusty, and its position on the traditional lands of the Thunghutti Aboriginal people.

How far is Bellbrook from Kempsey? +

Bellbrook is approximately 43 kilometres north-west of Kempsey, making it around a 45-minute drive through the Macleay Valley hinterland.

Does Bellbrook have public transport? +

Bellbrook has no public transport services. The nearest train station is in Kempsey on the North Coast Line, and a private vehicle is essential for getting around.

What is the population of Bellbrook? +

According to the 2021 Census, Bellbrook has a population of 339 residents, representing 21 per cent growth since the 2016 Census when 273 people lived in the village.

Is Bellbrook a good place to live? +

Bellbrook offers a quiet, historic rural lifestyle in one of NSW's most scenic hinterland settings along the Macleay River. It is well-suited to those seeking a close-knit community, natural beauty, and a slower pace of life, with Kempsey providing essential services about 43 kilometres away.

What is the postcode for Bellbrook? +

Bellbrook's postcode is 2440, which it shares with Kempsey, Crescent Head, and other localities in the Macleay Valley Coast area.

Is Bellbrook a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Bellbrook is part of the Kempsey 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.