🔍

Copeland

NSW 2422 • New South Wales

74
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
45.63 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricBushlandRemote
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About Copeland

Copeland is a small historic locality in the Mid-Coast region of New South Wales, situated approximately 19 kilometres west of Gloucester in the foothills of the Barrington Tops. The area was first put on the map by the discovery of gold in 1876, which drew thousands of miners and saw a population peak of over 1,100 people — a far cry from the 74 residents recorded in the 2021 Census. Today Copeland is a quiet rural community covering around 45 square kilometres, characterised by forested hills, creek country, and a handful of properties.

Copeland is best known today for the Copeland Tops State Conservation Area, which protects rare dry rainforest that forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. The historic Mountain Maid gold mine, now managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, offers guided tours through the old mining precinct and is a popular drawcard for visitors. The nearest services are in Gloucester, which provides schools, shopping, and healthcare, while the broader Barrington Tops region offers outstanding bushwalking, wildlife watching, and nature-based tourism.

Copeland falls under postcode 2422 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 Upper Hunter electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2422
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Mid-Coast
Federal Electorate
Lyne
State Electorate
Upper Hunter
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-31.97°, 151.87°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
45.63 km²
Population Density
2 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2422

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2422, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$34,329
Median 2023–24
$41,701
▲ 21.5% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$53,614

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2422; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Gloucester Station
19 km
N/A — car required

Bus Services

  • Newcombe Coach Lines school services — Gloucester Approx. 25 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
280 km
By Train
Drive to Gloucester Station then NSW TrainLink XPT to Sydney Central (approx. 4 hr 30 min)
By Car (Peak)
3 hr 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 hr 15 min

🛣️ Pacific Highway via Maitland or New England Highway provides main road access to Sydney

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Copeland is a remote rural locality with no local shops or public transport — a car is essential for all daily needs, with Gloucester being the nearest service centre

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
74
▲ 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 Copeland. 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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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Copeland known for? +

Copeland is known for its rich gold mining history — gold was discovered here in 1876, and the area once hosted over 1,000 miners. Today visitors come to explore the Mountain Maid gold mine (now part of Copeland Tops State Conservation Area) and the rare dry rainforests of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area.

How far is Copeland from Gloucester? +

Copeland is approximately 19 kilometres west of Gloucester in NSW, a drive of around 25 minutes along rural roads through the Barrington Tops foothills.

Does Copeland have public transport? +

There is no regular public transport to Copeland. Newcombe Coach Lines provides school bus services to the area, and the nearest rail connection is Gloucester Station (approximately 19 km away), which is served by NSW TrainLink XPT services. A private vehicle is essential.

What is the population of Copeland? +

According to the 2021 Census, Copeland has a population of approximately 74 residents, a significant decrease from its gold rush peak when the population exceeded 1,000 people in the late 1800s.

Is Copeland a good place to live? +

Copeland is best suited to those who value a quiet, remote bush lifestyle close to outstanding natural areas, including the Barrington Tops and Copeland Tops State Conservation Area. Everyday services require a 25-minute drive to Gloucester, so self-sufficiency is important.

What is the postcode for Copeland? +

The postcode for Copeland is 2422, shared with Gloucester and surrounding localities in the Mid-Coast region of New South Wales.

Is Copeland a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Copeland 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.