Iluka

NSW 2466 • Rest of NSW

1,764
Population (2021)
$43,368
Median Household Income
12.79 km²
Area
$300/wk
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideRuralRetireesHistoric

About Iluka

Iluka is a picturesque coastal village located at the northern mouth of the Clarence River in the Clarence Valley region of New South Wales, approximately 720 kilometres north of Sydney. Positioned on a narrow peninsula bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the Clarence River, and Bundjalung National Park, it has a resident population of around 1,700 people. The town is renowned for its pristine beaches, world-class fishing, and the Iluka Rainforest Walk, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed patch of subtropical rainforest. Its remote and unspoiled character has made it one of the most sought-after coastal escapes on the NSW north coast.

Life in Iluka revolves around the water — whether fishing off the breakwall, surfing at Iluka Beach, or exploring the tidal flats of Bundjalung National Park. The village has a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere with a strong community of long-term residents alongside a growing number of sea-changers and retirees who have relocated for the lifestyle. Local amenities include a supermarket, cafes, a pub, and a boat ramp, with larger services available in Grafton (50 km south) or the twin town of Yamba just across the river. Iluka is particularly popular in summer when holidaymakers and surfers flock to its renowned beaches.

Iluka falls under postcode 2466 and is governed by Clarence Valley Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Clarence electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2466
Urban Area
Yamba - Surrounds
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-29.40°, 153.36°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
12.79 km²
Elevation
14m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

Median sale prices in Iluka for 2025. Based on every residential settlement recorded by the NSW Valuer General in 2025.

🏡House
$808K
56 sales · ▼ 2.4% vs 2024
🏢Unit / Apartment
$545K
31 sales · ▲ 7.9% vs 2024

Source: NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information. Strata-titled sales are counted as units; all others as houses. Suburbs with fewer than 5 sales in a category are omitted.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$300
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
1.9 people
Median Age
62 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Grafton Station
52 km
N/A (drive)

Bus Services

  • Busways regional coach — Grafton / Maclean ~55 min to Grafton

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
715 km
By Train
Not practical — nearest station Grafton (52 km away)
By Car (Peak)
~8 hours to Sydney CBD
By Car (Off-Peak)
~7.5 hours

🛣️ Iluka is a remote coastal village; most residents drive. Yamba is accessible via free ferry.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most daily errands require a car; the village centre is walkable for locals.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

  • 🏫
    6646 6149 21-27 Charles Street
    GovernmentPrimaryCoedNon-Denominational

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
460.4 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
333.7 / 100k
Non-DV assault
503.2 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
5.4 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
373 / 100k

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,718
Census 2021
1,764
2.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$22,204
Personal Income 2021
$25,324
14.1% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$25,324 / yr
$487/wk
Household
$43,368 / yr
$834/wk
Family
$55,640 / yr
$1070/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,460
Born Overseas 152

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 48
  • 2. New Zealand 26
  • 3. United States 16
  • 4. Netherlands 6
  • 5. Papua New Guinea 4
  • 6. South Africa 4
  • 7. Wales 4
  • 8. India 3
  • 9. Italy 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 867
Australian 624
Irish 274
Scottish 241
German 83
Australian Aboriginal 48
Italian 37
Dutch 19
Chinese 12
Welsh 11

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,311
Both parents born in Australia
178
Both parents born overseas
148
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
54.9%
No Religion
36.2%
Buddhism
0.9%
Sikhism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
49 (2.8%)
5-14 years
119 (6.7%)
15-19 years
54 (3.1%)
20-24 years
36 (2.0%)
25-34 years
76 (4.3%)
35-44 years
109 (6.2%)
45-54 years
172 (9.8%)
55-64 years
373 (21.1%)
65-74 years
442 (25.1%)
75-84 years
265 (15.0%)
85+ years
70 (4.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Iluka NSW known for? +

Iluka is famous for its Iluka Rainforest Walk — a UNESCO World Heritage-listed subtropical rainforest — as well as its beaches, fishing, and the Bundjalung National Park on its doorstep.

How do you get to Iluka NSW? +

Iluka is accessed by road via the Pacific Highway, turning off at Woodburn. From Yamba (just across the Clarence River), a free ferry runs regularly. The nearest train station is Grafton, about 52 km away.

Is Iluka good for fishing? +

Yes — Iluka is regarded as one of the best fishing destinations on the NSW north coast. The Clarence River mouth, the breakwall, and offshore reefs attract anglers year-round for species including jewfish, bream, flathead, and tuna.

What schools are in Iluka? +

Iluka Public School (K-6) is the local primary school. Secondary students typically travel to Maclean High School in Maclean, about 20 km away.

What is the average income in Iluka? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Iluka is about $487 per week (around $25,300 per year). The median household income is $834 per week and the median family income is $1,070 per week.

What is the median house price in Iluka? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $807,500, down 2.4% on the previous year, and the median unit/apartment price is $545,000, up 7.9% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of Iluka? +

The median age in Iluka is 62. The largest age group is 65–74 (442 residents, around 25%). Around 13% of residents are under 20 and about 44% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Iluka a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Iluka is part of the Clarence Valley 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 Iluka? +

Iluka had a population of 1,764 at the 2021 Census, up 2.7% from 1,718 in 2016.

How much is rent in Iluka? +

In Iluka, the median weekly rent is $300, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,300 (2021 Census).