🔍

Kembla Heights

NSW 2526 • New South Wales

88
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
6.08 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralBushlandHistoricPeacefulSemi-Rural
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About Kembla Heights

Kembla Heights is a small locality on the Illawarra Escarpment in the City of Wollongong, situated in the escarpment hinterland west of Wollongong, approximately 8 kilometres from the Wollongong CBD. The locality forms part of a scenic tourist corridor along Harry Graham Drive and upper Cordeaux Road that links the escarpment villages between Mount Kembla and Mount Keira. With a 2021 Census population of 88 residents spread across approximately 6 square kilometres, it remains a quiet, lightly settled area whose history is closely tied to the region's coal mining and industrial heritage.

The area is historically significant as the site of Australia's first shale oil and kerosene works, established in the 1860s, and near the site of the 1902 Mt Kembla Mine Disaster, one of Australia's worst industrial accidents. Today, Kembla Heights retains a rural-residential character with bushland blocks and escarpment views, appealing to those who value tranquillity close to urban Wollongong. The Route 36 Premier Illawarra bus service connects the locality to Wollongong city centre, and residents have easy access to the shops, schools, and amenities of Wollongong via a short drive down the escarpment.

Kembla Heights falls under postcode 2526 and is governed by the Wollongong Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Whitlam, while state elections fall under the Wollongong electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2526
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Wollongong
Federal Electorate
Whitlam
State Electorate
Wollongong
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.38°, 150.78°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
6.08 km²
Population Density
14 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2526

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2526, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$50,956
Median 2023–24
$62,806
▲ 23.3% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$76,910

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2526; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Unanderra
4.5 km
N/A (car required)

Bus Services

  • Route 36 — Wollongong CBD (Crown St) Approx. 30–40 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
80 km
By Train
Drive to Unanderra or Wollongong station, then South Coast Line T4 to Sydney Central – approx. 90 min from Wollongong
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 90–110 min to Sydney CBD via M1 Princes Motorway
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 75–90 min to Sydney CBD

🛣️ Wollongong CBD is approximately 8 km east; Route 36 bus connects to Wollongong; car recommended for escarpment access

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Kembla Heights is an escarpment locality with no local shops or services; a car is required for all daily needs

🛒 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 Wollongong Local Government Area, which contains Kembla Heights. Rates are per 100,000 residents; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods ending Dec 2025.

Break & enter (dwelling)
216.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 5.9%
Motor vehicle theft
190.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Non-DV assault
342.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
11.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
371.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 5.5%
View all 62 offence types for Wollongong →

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kembla Heights known for? +

Kembla Heights is known for its historical significance as the site of Australia's first kerosene shale works (1860s) and its proximity to the 1902 Mt Kembla Mine Disaster, in which 96 people lost their lives. Today it is appreciated for its peaceful escarpment setting and scenic bush character on the fringes of Wollongong.

How far is Kembla Heights from Wollongong CBD? +

Kembla Heights is approximately 8 kilometres west of the Wollongong CBD via Harry Graham Drive and the escarpment road. The drive takes approximately 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.

Does Kembla Heights have public transport? +

The Route 36 Premier Illawarra bus service connects Kembla Heights to Wollongong city centre, with a journey time of approximately 30–40 minutes. The nearest train station is Unanderra, approximately 4.5 kilometres away, on the South Coast (T4) line to Sydney.

What is the population of Kembla Heights? +

According to the 2021 Census, Kembla Heights has a population of 88 residents, reflecting its character as a small, lightly developed escarpment locality within the City of Wollongong LGA.

Is Kembla Heights a good place to live? +

Kembla Heights appeals to those seeking a quiet, semi-rural lifestyle with bushland surroundings and escarpment views, while remaining within easy reach of Wollongong's full range of urban services. It suits people comfortable with limited local amenities and a reliance on a private vehicle for most daily needs.

What is the postcode for Kembla Heights? +

The postcode for Kembla Heights is 2526, shared with several other localities in the Wollongong area including Unanderra, Cordeaux Heights, and Mount Kembla.

Is Kembla Heights a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Kembla Heights is part of the Wollongong 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.