Harwood

NSW 2465 • New South Wales

346
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
23.59 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRiversideAgriculturalHistoric

About Harwood

Harwood is a historic sugar-cane farming village on the Clarence River in northern New South Wales, located 5 kilometres north-east of Maclean and approximately 42 kilometres north-east of Grafton within the Clarence Valley Council area. The locality occupies a low-lying island setting on the Clarence River delta, with a 2021 Census population of 346 across approximately 24 square kilometres. The village has been shaped by over a century of sugar cane production, with the Harwood Sugar Mill — first established in 1874 — remaining a defining landmark of the local economy and landscape.

Life in Harwood is defined by the rhythm of the river, the cane farming seasons, and the relaxed pace of far-north coast NSW. The Pacific Highway passes through the village, connecting it to the services of Maclean and the regional centre of Grafton to the south-west. The Clarence River provides excellent recreational opportunities including fishing, boating, and birdwatching, while the nearby beaches of Yamba and Iluka are within a short drive. Harwood suits those drawn to a quiet, semi-rural island lifestyle in one of Australia's most productive river delta regions.

Harwood falls under postcode 2465 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Clarence electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2465
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-29.41°, 153.24°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
23.59 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • NSW TrainLink coach and local Clarence Valley bus services — Maclean, Grafton, Yamba 10 min to Maclean, 45 min to Grafton

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
652 km
By Train
No local rail; NSW TrainLink coach to Grafton (~50km) then train, approx 7–8h total
By Car (Peak)
7h – 8h via Pacific Highway (M1)
By Car (Off-Peak)
6h 30min – 7h

🛣️ Pacific Highway (A1) passes through the village; Harwood Bridge connects over the Clarence River

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Small island village with limited walkable services; a car is needed for shopping and most daily needs, though the village itself is compact

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🔍 Crime Statistics

NSW crime data is provided by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). Use the interactive tool below to explore recorded crime incidents in Harwood by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Harwood Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Harwood" under Suburb

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
346
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harwood known for? +

Harwood is best known for its long history of sugar cane production and the Harwood Sugar Mill, which has operated since 1874 and remains one of the most recognisable landmarks on the Clarence River. The village also sits at the crossing of the Pacific Highway over the Clarence River, served by the historic Harwood Bridge completed in 1966.

How far is Harwood from Sydney? +

Harwood is approximately 652 kilometres north-north-east of Sydney, making it around a 7 to 8-hour drive via the Pacific Highway. It is much closer to the regional cities of Grafton (42km) and Coffs Harbour (100km).

Does Harwood have public transport? +

Harwood is served by limited Clarence Valley bus services connecting it to Maclean, Grafton, and Yamba. There is no rail station in Harwood; the nearest NSW TrainLink stop is Grafton, approximately 50 kilometres to the south-west.

What is the population of Harwood? +

Harwood had a population of 346 at the 2021 Census, a compact community living on Harwood Island within the Clarence River delta, covering approximately 24 square kilometres.

Is Harwood a good place to live? +

Harwood offers a peaceful, semi-rural island lifestyle on the Clarence River, ideal for those who love fishing, the river environment, and a close-knit community feel. Maclean is just 5 kilometres away for everyday services, and the beaches of Yamba are a short drive east.

What is the postcode for Harwood? +

The postcode for Harwood is 2465, which also covers nearby localities including Maclean and other parts of the Clarence River delta area.