🔍

Darkwood

NSW 2454 • New South Wales

237
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
142.72 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRemoteBushlandRiversidePeaceful
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About Darkwood

Darkwood is a remote rural locality in the Bellinger Valley of the Mid-North Coast region of New South Wales, situated on the banks of the Bellinger River approximately 400 kilometres north-northeast of Sydney. Falling within the Bellingen Council local government area, the locality spans a large 142 square kilometres of hilly terrain at around 104 metres elevation. With a population of 237, it is a sparsely settled community of rural landholders and lifestyle farmers drawn to its secluded, bushland character.

Darkwood offers a deeply rural lifestyle surrounded by eucalypt forests, river flats, and escarpment country on the edge of Dorrigo National Park. The Bellinger River provides opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and fishing, and the area is popular with those seeking an off-grid or small-scale farming lifestyle. The nearest town is Bellingen, which offers essential services, cafes, and a vibrant arts community, while Coffs Harbour provides full regional facilities including hospitals, retail, and an airport.

Darkwood falls under postcode 2454 and is governed by the Bellingen Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Cowper, while state elections fall under the Oxley electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2454
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Bellingen
Federal Electorate
Cowper
State Electorate
Oxley
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-30.46°, 152.84°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
142.72 km²
Population Density
2 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2454

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2454, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$37,096
Median 2023–24
$45,385
▲ 22.3% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$58,728

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2454; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Bellingen / Coffs Harbour Varies

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
400 km
By Train
No direct train service; nearest station is Coffs Harbour (~60 km away)
By Car (Peak)
4.5–5 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
4–4.5 hours

🛣️ Extremely remote; vehicle essential. Bellingen (~30 km) is the nearest service town.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

No walkable services — a private vehicle is essential for all daily needs in this remote rural locality

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
237
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
271.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 6.2%
Motor vehicle theft
225.9 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr —
Non-DV assault
466.9 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 6.9%
Robbery (unarmed)
7.5 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
286.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
View all 62 offence types for Bellingen →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Darkwood known for? +

Darkwood is known for its remote, unspoilt bushland setting along the Bellinger River in the Bellingen Valley. It attracts lifestyle farmers and nature enthusiasts drawn to its riverside scenery, proximity to Dorrigo National Park, and quiet, off-grid character.

How far is Darkwood from Sydney CBD? +

Darkwood is approximately 400 kilometres north-northeast of Sydney CBD, making it roughly a 4.5 to 5 hour drive via the Pacific and Waterfall Way highways.

Does Darkwood have public transport? +

Public transport in Darkwood is extremely limited. There is no rail service; the nearest train station is in Coffs Harbour, around 60 kilometres away. A private vehicle is essential for all travel in and around the locality.

What is the population of Darkwood? +

According to the 2021 Census, Darkwood has a population of 237 residents. It is a sparsely settled rural locality spread over approximately 142 square kilometres of hilly Bellinger Valley terrain.

Is Darkwood a good place to live? +

Darkwood suits those seeking a genuinely rural lifestyle away from urban pressures — ideal for small-scale farming, bushland living, and river access. It is not suited to those needing reliable public transport, proximity to services, or commuter convenience.

What is the postcode for Darkwood? +

The postcode for Darkwood, NSW is 2454, which it shares with neighbouring localities in the Bellingen area including Bellingen itself.

Is Darkwood a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Darkwood is part of the Bellingen 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.