🔍

Lake Bathurst

NSW 2580 • New South Wales

218
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
204.66 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralLakesideHistoricQuietBirdwatching

About Lake Bathurst

Lake Bathurst is a small rural locality in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, situated approximately 27 kilometres south-east of Goulburn within the Goulburn Mulwaree Council area. Named after the Earl Bathurst by surveyor James Meehan in the early colonial era, both the shallow lake and the surrounding locality carry a rich history dating to the early 1800s. The locality spans around 205 square kilometres with a population of approximately 218 residents, reflecting its sparsely settled, pastoral character.

The defining feature of the locality is Lake Bathurst itself — a shallow, ephemeral lake whose surface area fluctuates between 2 and 10 square kilometres depending on rainfall and evaporation rates. Recognised by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area, the lake provides vital habitat for Australasian shovellers and a diverse range of waterbirds. The town of Goulburn, approximately 27 kilometres to the north-west, provides all essential services including schools, hospitals, and shopping, while the peaceful pastoral setting appeals to birdwatchers, rural lifestyle seekers, and history enthusiasts.

Lake Bathurst falls under postcode 2580 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Monaro electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2580
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Hume
State Electorate
Monaro
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.73°, 149.73°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
204.66 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Goulburn Approx. 30-40 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
230 km
By Train
No direct train; Goulburn is the nearest station on the Main South line
By Car (Peak)
2.5-3 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
2-2.5 hrs

🛣️ Hume Highway and Federal Highway provide main road access; Canberra is approx. 75 km south-east

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for all daily needs; there are no shops or services in the Lake Bathurst locality itself

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
218
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

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

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lake Bathurst known for? +

Lake Bathurst is known for its shallow, ephemeral lake — recognised by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area — which provides habitat for Australasian shovellers and other waterbirds. The locality also has a long colonial history, named in the early 1800s after the Earl Bathurst.

How far is Lake Bathurst from Goulburn? +

Lake Bathurst is approximately 27 kilometres south-east of Goulburn, making it around a 25 to 35 minute drive. Canberra lies approximately 75 kilometres to the south-east.

Does Lake Bathurst have public transport? +

Lake Bathurst has no rail service and very limited public transport options. A car is the primary means of getting around; Goulburn to the north-west is the nearest town with rail connections on the Main South Line to Sydney.

What is the population of Lake Bathurst? +

According to the 2021 Census, Lake Bathurst has a population of approximately 218 residents, consistent with its character as a quiet, sparsely settled rural locality.

Is Lake Bathurst a good place to live? +

Lake Bathurst appeals to those seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle with beautiful open landscapes and outstanding birdwatching opportunities. Residents rely on Goulburn for everyday services, making it best suited to those comfortable with rural self-sufficiency.

What is the postcode for Lake Bathurst? +

The postcode for Lake Bathurst is 2580, shared with Goulburn and several surrounding localities in the Southern Tablelands region.