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Cabbage Tree Island (Ballina - NSW)

NSW 2430 • New South Wales

89
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
0.54 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRiversideQuietSemi-Rural
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About Cabbage Tree Island (Ballina - NSW)

Cabbage Tree Island is a small, secluded locality situated within the Manning River delta on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, approximately 15 kilometres north-east of Taree within the MidCoast Council area. Accessible primarily by water or via a single road bridge, this low-lying island community covers just 0.54 square kilometres and is surrounded by the tidal channels and wetlands of the Manning River estuary. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 89 residents, with a modest median household income reflecting the modest, semi-rural character of this tightly-knit waterfront locality.

Life on Cabbage Tree Island revolves around the river environment, with boating, fishing, and the natural beauty of the Manning River estuary being central to residents' daily lives. The nearest services and amenities, including shops, schools, and medical facilities, are found in Taree to the south-west and Old Bar to the south. The island's peaceful, water-surrounded setting makes it appealing to those seeking an unusual coastal-rural lifestyle well away from urban noise, though residents rely heavily on private vehicles to access the services of surrounding towns.

Cabbage Tree Island (Ballina - NSW) falls under postcode 2430 and is governed by the Mid-Coast Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Lyne, while state elections fall under the Port Macquarie electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2430
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Mid-Coast
Federal Electorate
Lyne
State Electorate
Port Macquarie
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-31.95°, 152.59°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
0.54 km²
Population Density
164 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2430

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2430, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$39,367
Median 2023–24
$49,146
▲ 24.8% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$59,181

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2430; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited community transport — Taree and surrounding areas 25-35 min by road

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
310 km
By Train
No direct train service; TrainLink coaches operate from Taree
By Car (Peak)
3 hr 30 min - 4 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 hr - 3 hr 30 min

🛣️ Taree is the nearest service hub; Pacific Highway (A1) provides access to Sydney; the island is accessible by road bridge from Old Bar Road

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

This remote island locality has no shops or services on-island; a car is essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
89
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest 2025 rates for the Mid-Coast Local Government Area, which contains Cabbage Tree Island (Ballina - NSW). Rates are per 100,000 residents; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods ending Dec 2025.

Break & enter (dwelling)
286.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 6.0%
Motor vehicle theft
215 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 3.8%
Non-DV assault
445.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 1.1%
Robbery (unarmed)
5.1 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
196.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 3.8%
View all 62 offence types for Mid-Coast →

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cabbage Tree Island known for? +

Cabbage Tree Island is known for its unique location within the tidal channels and wetlands of the Manning River delta, offering a peaceful, water-surrounded lifestyle on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. The area is popular for boating and fishing along the Manning River estuary.

How far is Cabbage Tree Island from Sydney? +

Cabbage Tree Island is approximately 310 kilometres north of Sydney CBD, a drive of around 3.5 to 4 hours via the Pacific Highway (A1). Taree, the nearest major service town, is about 15 kilometres to the south-west.

Does Cabbage Tree Island have public transport? +

Cabbage Tree Island has no train or bus services on-island. Limited community transport connects residents to Taree, and TrainLink coach services operate from Taree for connections to Sydney and further destinations. A car is the most practical way to get around.

What is the population of Cabbage Tree Island? +

According to the 2021 Census, Cabbage Tree Island has a population of 89 residents, making it one of the smallest inhabited localities on the NSW Mid North Coast.

Is Cabbage Tree Island a good place to live? +

Cabbage Tree Island suits those seeking a quiet, water-surrounded lifestyle with a strong connection to the Manning River environment. It offers a rare rural-coastal character, though residents must travel to Taree or Old Bar for everyday shopping, schooling, and medical services.

What is the postcode for Cabbage Tree Island? +

The postcode for Cabbage Tree Island is 2430, which it shares with nearby localities including Old Bar and Taree surrounds on the Mid North Coast.

Is Cabbage Tree Island a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Cabbage Tree Island is part of the Mid-Coast 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.