🔍

Coalcliff

NSW 2508 • New South Wales

212
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
1.90 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalHistoricScenicPeacefulCommuter Belt
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About Coalcliff

Coalcliff is a small coastal locality in northern Wollongong, New South Wales, nestled at the base of the dramatic Illawarra Escarpment between the Pacific Ocean and the towering sandstone cliffs. Located approximately 60 kilometres south of Sydney CBD within the City of Wollongong, the suburb covers just 1.9 square kilometres and is one of the most geographically striking communities in the Illawarra region. With a population of around 212 residents and a median household income of approximately $55,600, Coalcliff has a close-knit character defined by its dramatic natural setting.

Coalcliff has a rich history dating back to 1797, when survivors of a shipwreck discovered coal deposits here — one of the earliest coal finds in Australia. The suburb has its own train station on the South Coast Line, providing direct connections to Wollongong and Sydney, making it surprisingly well-connected for such a small community. The Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area offers spectacular walking tracks directly above the town, and the nearby Sea Cliff Bridge — one of Australia's most photographed coastal roads — passes through the area, drawing visitors year-round.

Coalcliff falls under postcode 2508 and is governed by the Wollongong Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Cunningham, while state elections fall under the Heathcote electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2508
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Wollongong
Federal Electorate
Cunningham
State Electorate
Heathcote
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.23°, 150.97°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
1.90 km²
Population Density
111 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2508

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2508, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$55,662
Median 2023–24
$67,481
▲ 21.2% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$87,641

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2508; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Coalcliff
0.3 km
5 min
Stanwell Park
2 km
25 min

Bus Services

  • Limited services — Wollongong / Thirroul 20-30 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
60 km
By Train
Coalcliff Station to Sydney Central via South Coast Line (~65-75 min)
By Car (Peak)
65-90 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
55-65 min

🛣️ Lawrence Hargrave Drive (the Sea Cliff Bridge route) is the main road; M1 Princes Motorway further inland

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Coalcliff has no local shops or services; residents drive to Thirroul or Wollongong for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
212
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
216.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 5.9%
Motor vehicle theft
190.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Non-DV assault
342.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
11.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
371.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 5.5%
View all 62 offence types for Wollongong →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coalcliff known for? +

Coalcliff is known for its dramatic setting at the base of the Illawarra Escarpment, its history as one of Australia's earliest coal discovery sites (1797), the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge that runs through the area, and stunning coastal scenery along the Illawarra coastline.

How far is Coalcliff from Sydney? +

Coalcliff is approximately 60 kilometres south of Sydney CBD, typically a 65 to 90 minute drive via the M1 Princes Motorway or the scenic Lawrence Hargrave Drive.

Does Coalcliff have public transport? +

Yes — Coalcliff has its own train station on the South Coast Line, with services running to Wollongong and Sydney Central. It is well-connected by rail for such a small community, with the journey to Sydney taking approximately 65–75 minutes.

What is the population of Coalcliff? +

According to the 2021 Census, Coalcliff has a population of approximately 212 residents, making it one of the smallest but most scenically located suburbs in the Wollongong area.

Is Coalcliff a good place to live? +

Coalcliff is ideal for those seeking a dramatic coastal lifestyle with direct train access to Sydney and Wollongong. The combination of ocean, escarpment, and nearby bushwalking trails makes it highly appealing, though there are no local shops and daily errands require a car or train trip.

What is the postcode for Coalcliff? +

The postcode for Coalcliff, New South Wales is 2508.

Is Coalcliff a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Coalcliff is part of the Wollongong 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.