Gunning Gap

NSW 2871 • New South Wales

88
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
202.81 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalOutbackPastoral
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About Gunning Gap

Gunning Gap is a sparsely populated rural locality in the Forbes Shire Council area of New South Wales, situated within the Central Tablelands region approximately 350 kilometres west of Sydney. The locality covers around 203 square kilometres of undulating agricultural land, with a small recorded population of around 88 people spread across large farming properties. It takes its name from a low pass in the surrounding plains, and the area is characteristic of the wheat-belt and sheep-grazing country that defines this part of inland NSW. The nearest substantial service town is Forbes, roughly 35–45 kilometres to the north.

Life in Gunning Gap revolves around primary production, with cropping, wool, and livestock farming the dominant activities across its expansive paddocks. There are no shops, schools, or formal community services within the locality itself; residents travel to Forbes or Parkes (approximately 60 km) for supplies, health services, and education. The landscape is typical of the Central West: wide open skies, long sightlines across golden plains, and the quiet rhythms of agricultural life. Road access is via unsealed and local rural roads connecting to the Newell Highway corridor.

Gunning Gap falls under postcode 2871 and is governed by the Forbes Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Riverina, while state elections fall under the Orange electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2871
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-33.48°, 147.81°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
202.81 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2871

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2871, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$42,232
Median 2023–24
$55,428
31.2% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$63,827

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2871; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Forbes Railway Station
38 km
Not walkable

Bus Services

  • NSW TrainLink Coach — Forbes / Parkes / Sydney Forbes ~40 min by road

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
350 km
By Train
No direct train; NSW TrainLink coach to Forbes then train/coach approx. 5–6 hrs
By Bus
Not practical for daily commute
By Car (Peak)
approx. 3.5–4 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
approx. 3.5 hrs

🛣️ Forbes is the primary service hub ~38 km away; Parkes ~60 km; Newell Highway provides main regional connectivity

Walkability Car-Dependent

No footpaths or public infrastructure; private vehicle essential for all trips.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
88
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
570.2 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
408.8 / 100k
Non-DV assault
677.8 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
21.5 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
1,043.6 / 100k

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gunning Gap known for? +

Gunning Gap is a sparsely populated rural locality in the Forbes Shire Council area of New South Wales, situated within the Central Tablelands region approximately 350 kilometres west of Sydney.

How far is Gunning Gap from Sydney CBD? +

Gunning Gap is approximately 350 kilometres from Sydney CBD. The drive takes around approx. 3.5–4 hrs during peak hour and approx. 3.5 hrs off-peak. By train, the journey takes approximately No direct train; NSW TrainLink coach to Forbes then train/coach approx. 5–6 hrs.

Does Gunning Gap have public transport? +

Gunning Gap is served by Forbes Railway Station station (38 km, approximately Not walkable walk) on the CountryLink/freight corridor – limited passenger services. Local bus services including NSW TrainLink Coach also connect residents to Forbes / Parkes / Sydney.

What is the population of Gunning Gap? +

According to the 2021 Census, Gunning Gap has a population of approximately 88 residents. It is one of the smaller localities in NSW.

Is Gunning Gap a good place to live? +

Gunning Gap suits those seeking a very quiet rural or remote lifestyle with minimal neighbours and close proximity to natural landscapes. Amenities are extremely limited locally, and a car is essential for all daily needs.

What is the postcode for Gunning Gap? +

The postcode for Gunning Gap in NSW is 2871.

Is Gunning Gap a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Gunning Gap is part of the Forbes 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.