🔍

Benandarah

NSW 2536 • New South Wales

165
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
128.86 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralBushlandQuietSemi-RuralPeaceful
Advertisement

About Benandarah

Benandarah is a small rural locality on the South Coast of New South Wales, situated within the Shoalhaven City Council area approximately 20 kilometres north of Ulladulla. With a 2021 Census population of 165 residents spread across an expansive 128.6 square kilometres, the locality is characterised by its exceptionally low density, with the vast majority of its land encompassed by state forests and conservation reserves. The resident population has remained stable in recent years, attracting those seeking quiet bush-acreage lifestyle blocks in a heavily forested setting.

Benandarah's character is defined by its dense native bushland and surrounding state forests, offering residents and visitors access to extensive walking trails, abundant wildlife, and the natural experiences typical of the NSW South Coast hinterland. The locality has no commercial services of its own; residents rely on nearby Ulladulla for shopping, schools, and medical facilities, accessible via the Princes Highway. The area appeals to nature lovers, hobby farmers, and those seeking a tranquil retreat, with the broader Shoalhaven region's beaches and national parks a short drive away.

Benandarah falls under postcode 2536 and is governed by the Eurobodalla Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Gilmore, while state elections fall under the South Coast electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2536
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Eurobodalla
Federal Electorate
Gilmore
State Electorate
South Coast
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.67°, 150.13°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
128.86 km²
Population Density
1 /km²
Elevation
0m

📣 Ad

💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2536

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2536, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$38,266
Median 2023–24
$48,336
▲ 26.3% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$58,873

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2536; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited rural services — Ulladulla and surrounds Varies; infrequent services

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
280 km
By Train
No direct train service; nearest station Bomaderry (~55km); train to Sydney ~2.5 hours
By Car (Peak)
3.5–4 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
3–3.5 hours

🛣️ Located on NSW South Coast; Princes Highway is the main route north to Sydney

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

No commercial services in Benandarah; a car is essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
165
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
228.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 8.4%
Motor vehicle theft
145.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Non-DV assault
422.9 / 100k
2yr Down 20.2% 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
2.4 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
226 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 8.7%
View all 62 offence types for Eurobodalla →

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

📣 Ad

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Benandarah known for? +

Benandarah is known for its expansive state forest and bushland setting on the NSW South Coast. With over 100% of its area covered by parks and conservation reserves, it is one of the most densely forested localities in the Shoalhaven region, attracting nature lovers and those seeking a quiet rural lifestyle.

How far is Benandarah from Sydney? +

Benandarah is approximately 280 kilometres south of Sydney, making it a 3 to 3.5 hour drive off-peak via the Princes Highway. It is around 20 kilometres north of Ulladulla, the nearest major service town.

Does Benandarah have public transport? +

Benandarah has very limited public transport options. There is no rail service; the nearest train station is at Bomaderry (Nowra), approximately 55 kilometres north. A private car is essential for everyday life in the locality.

What is the population of Benandarah? +

According to the 2021 Census, Benandarah has a population of 165 residents, down slightly from 166 in 2016. It is a very small, stable community in a large forested area of approximately 128.6 square kilometres.

Is Benandarah a good place to live? +

Benandarah suits those who value a quiet, off-grid lifestyle surrounded by native bush and state forest. With no local services, residents depend on nearby Ulladulla for everyday needs, but gain a tranquil, low-density environment with excellent access to the natural beauty of the NSW South Coast.

What is the postcode for Benandarah? +

The postcode for Benandarah is 2536, shared with a number of South Coast localities in the Shoalhaven area including Ulladulla and surrounds.

Is Benandarah a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Benandarah is part of the Eurobodalla 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.