Come By Chance
NSW 2832 • New South Wales
About Come By Chance
Come By Chance is a small rural locality in the Pilliga district of north-western New South Wales, situated approximately 100 kilometres north of Coonabarabran in the Walgett Shire. Once described as the only privately owned village in the Southern Hemisphere, it holds a unique place in Australian rural history. The surrounding landscape is characterised by open scrubland and grazing country on the edge of the Pilliga Scrub — a vast semi-arid woodland that covers much of north-western NSW. The locality had a population of around 187 at the 2006 census, reflecting its deeply remote character.
The name "Come By Chance" evokes the serendipitous way early settlers often discovered water and shelter in Australia's outback, and the locality retains that frontier spirit. Grazing is the dominant land use, with cattle and sheep stations occupying the surrounding land. Residents travel to Walgett (approximately 100 km to the north) or Coonabarabran to the south for most services, including schools, healthcare and shopping. The locality appeals to those drawn to remote rural life, the stillness of the Pilliga landscape, and the quirky charm of one of Australia's most memorably named places.
Come By Chance falls under postcode 2832 and is governed by the Walgett Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Parkes, while state elections fall under the Barwon electorate.
Location
Ad
Income
ATO taxable income Postcode 2832
Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2832, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.
Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2832; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.
Transport & Commute
Commute to Sydney CBD
🛣️ Walgett (~100 km north) is the nearest town with essential services. The Newell Highway (via Coonabarabran) provides the main route south toward Sydney.
A remote outback locality with no footpaths, shops or public transport. A vehicle — ideally 4WD for some local tracks — is essential.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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82 Arthur Street
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Walgett Community College - High School ICSEA 6776828 1022 Arthur St
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6828 1022 Arthur St
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Crime Statistics LGA-wide
These are the latest 2025 rates for the Walgett Local Government Area, which contains Come By Chance. Rates are per 100,000 residents; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods ending Dec 2025.
Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)