🔍

Fernbrook

NSW 2453 • New South Wales

131
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
42.96 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAffordable
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About Fernbrook

Fernbrook is a small rural locality in the Bellingen Shire of New South Wales, set in the hinterland of the mid-North Coast. With a population of approximately 131 residents and a land area of nearly 43 square kilometres, it is a sparsely settled area of lush valleys, farmland, and remnant native forest in the foothills west of Coffs Harbour. The locality falls within the federal electorate of Page.

The Fernbrook community is typical of the Bellingen hinterland — a mix of small farms, hobby properties, and alternative-lifestyle acreages attracted by the region's clean environment and slower pace of life. The nearby Bellinger River and surrounding national parks offer excellent opportunities for camping, fishing, and bushwalking. Residents travel to Dorrigo or Bellingen township for everyday shopping and services, with the larger centre of Coffs Harbour accessible within an hour.

Fernbrook falls under postcode 2453 and is governed by the Bellingen Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Page, while state elections fall under the Oxley electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2453
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Bellingen
Federal Electorate
Page
State Electorate
Oxley
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-30.33°, 152.62°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
42.96 km²
Population Density
3 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2453

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2453, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$30,966
Median 2023–24
$39,940
▲ 29.0% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$50,420

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2453; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
550 km
By Train
Nearest station: Urunga/Coffs Harbour (~40-60 min drive); CountryLink to Sydney (~7 hrs)
By Car (Peak)
approx. 5.5 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
approx. 5.5 hrs

🛣️ Private vehicle essential; nearest services in Dorrigo (~25 min) or Bellingen (~45 min).

Walkability Car-Dependent

Very remote rural locality with no public transport services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
131
▲ 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 Fernbrook. 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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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Fernbrook NSW? +

Fernbrook is located in the Bellingen Shire hinterland of mid-North Coast NSW, west of Coffs Harbour in the foothills below the Dorrigo Plateau.

What is Fernbrook known for? +

Fernbrook is known for its quiet rural lifestyle, small farming community, and proximity to the Bellinger River and surrounding national parks and state forests.

What is the nearest town to Fernbrook? +

The nearest towns are Dorrigo (approximately 25 minutes) and Bellingen (approximately 45 minutes), with Coffs Harbour providing larger regional services within about an hour's drive.

Is Fernbrook a safe area? +

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

What is the population of Fernbrook? +

Fernbrook had a population of 131 at the 2021 Census.