Bowraville
NSW 2449 • Rest of NSW
About Bowraville
Bowraville is a small historic town on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales, situated 17 kilometres inland from Nambucca Heads in the Nambucca Valley. With a population of around 1,160 residents, the town has a distinctive character shaped by its rich timber-getting heritage and significant Aboriginal community, with 24% of residents identifying as Indigenous Australians. Set at a low elevation surrounded by lush subtropical hinterland, Bowraville retains a charming rural village atmosphere with heritage buildings lining its main street.
The town punches above its weight culturally, with the beautifully restored Bowraville Theatre (a 1930s cinema), a folk museum, and war memorial museum drawing visitors from across the region. The main street features a handful of cafes, artisan shops, and the iconic pub, giving it a creative country-town feel that attracts tree-changers and artists alongside farming families. Bowraville is the gateway to spectacular hiking in the surrounding Nambucca State Forest and offers a peaceful, affordable lifestyle for retirees, creative types, and families who prefer village living close to the coast.
Bowraville falls under postcode 2449 and is governed by Nambucca Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Oxley electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Nearest Train Stations
Bus Services
- S323 — Bowraville to Nambucca Heads via Macksville 25-35 min
- 357 — Macksville to Bowraville loop 15-20 min
- 360 — Macksville to Coffs Harbour via Nambucca Heads (connecting) 1h 15min
Commute to Sydney
🛣️ Most residents commute locally to Macksville or Nambucca Heads (15-20 min drive); Coffs Harbour regional centre is 50 min away
Village centre is compact and walkable with shops and services on the main street; car essential for reaching Macksville, Nambucca Heads, and schools outside town
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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220 Bellingen Road
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Bowraville Central School ICSEA 861High St
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2 Carbin Street
Heritage-Listed Places
There is 1 heritage-listed place in or near Bowraville, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.
Housing Costs 2021 Census
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 38
- 2. Nepal 17
- 3. Philippines 10
- 4. Thailand 7
- 5. Germany 6
- 6. Scotland 6
- 7. New Zealand 4
- 8. India 3
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)