🔍

Little Forest

NSW 2538 • New South Wales

185
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
24.76 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralBushlandSemi-RuralPeaceful
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About Little Forest

Little Forest is a rural locality within the City of Shoalhaven on New South Wales' South Coast, approximately 51 kilometres west of Nowra and around 175 kilometres south of Sydney. The locality covers around 24.8 square kilometres and sits below the escarpment of Little Forest Plateau, which forms part of Morton National Park. As of the 2021 Census, Little Forest had a population of 185 residents, with a below-average median household income reflecting its rural character.

The area borders the rural communities of Milton to the south and Yatte Yattah to the east, with the Morton National Park escarpment providing a dramatic natural backdrop. Residents enjoy the tranquillity of the bush-fringed South Coast hinterland, with the beaches and services of Ulladulla and Mollymook accessible within a short drive. Little Forest appeals to those seeking a semi-remote lifestyle surrounded by national park and South Coast bushland.

Little Forest falls under postcode 2538 and is governed by the Shoalhaven Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Gilmore, while state elections fall under the South Coast electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2538
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Shoalhaven
Federal Electorate
Gilmore
State Electorate
South Coast
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.37°, 150.32°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
24.76 km²
Population Density
7 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2538

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2538, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$36,554
Median 2023–24
$46,468
▲ 27.1% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$66,104

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2538; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular bus service — N/A N/A

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
175 km
By Train
No direct service; drive to Bomaderry then train to Sydney (~2.5 hrs by train)
By Car (Peak)
2.5-3 hours (via Princes Highway)
By Car (Off-Peak)
2-2.5 hours

🛣️ Princes Highway is the main arterial route; Nowra is the nearest regional centre

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Remote rural locality with no local services; a car is essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
185
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
223.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 6.6%
Motor vehicle theft
175.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 2.2%
Non-DV assault
461.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 1.7%
Robbery (unarmed)
8.1 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
245.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 6.0%
View all 62 offence types for Shoalhaven →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Little Forest known for? +

Little Forest is known for its bush setting beneath the Little Forest Plateau escarpment, forming part of the Morton National Park boundary on NSW's South Coast near Milton.

How far is Little Forest from Nowra? +

Little Forest is approximately 51 kilometres west of Nowra, the main regional centre for the Shoalhaven area, accessible via local South Coast roads.

Does Little Forest have public transport? +

Little Forest has no public transport. There is no rail or bus service to the locality; the nearest train station is Bomaderry (Nowra), approximately 55 kilometres away.

What is the population of Little Forest? +

According to the 2021 Census, Little Forest has a population of 185 people across approximately 24.8 square kilometres of rural and bushland terrain.

Is Little Forest a good place to live? +

Little Forest suits those seeking a peaceful, semi-remote lifestyle in the South Coast hinterland. The area is ideal for nature lovers, with Morton National Park nearby and coastal towns a short drive away.

What is the postcode for Little Forest? +

The postcode for Little Forest, NSW is 2538.

Is Little Forest a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Little Forest is part of the Shoalhaven 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.