🔍

Manobalai

NSW 2333 • New South Wales

76
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
147.53 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralFarmingRemoteLow DensityPastoral
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About Manobalai

Manobalai is a sparsely populated rural locality in the Upper Hunter Valley of New South Wales, covering an extensive 147.5 km² of pastoral land north-east of the township of Merriwa, within postcode 2333. With just 76 residents in the 2021 census, it is one of the Hunter region's most thinly settled localities, dominated by large sheep and cattle properties across rolling plains and dry sclerophyll bushland. The area falls within the federal division of Hunter and the state electorate of Upper Hunter, reflecting its deep agricultural heritage.

Life in Manobalai revolves around primary industry — predominantly broadacre cropping, wool, and beef production — with residents well-adapted to the rhythms of rural isolation and seasonal farming. The nearby towns of Merriwa and Scone provide access to schools, healthcare, supermarkets, and agricultural services within a manageable drive. The broader Upper Hunter Valley offers a rich cultural calendar of rodeos, campdrafts, and rural shows, along with the region's famous equine industry. Those who choose Manobalai do so for the expansive rural vistas, quiet roads, and the enduring traditions of bush life.

Manobalai falls under postcode 2333 and is governed by the Muswellbrook Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Hunter, while state elections fall under the Upper Hunter electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2333
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Muswellbrook
Federal Electorate
Hunter
State Electorate
Upper Hunter
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-32.25°, 150.70°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
147.53 km²
Population Density
1 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2333

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2333, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$52,274
Median 2023–24
$62,307
▲ 19.2% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$78,319

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2333; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Scone
55 km
Armidale–Sydney (NSW TrainLink)
Muswellbrook
65 km
Armidale–Sydney (NSW TrainLink)

Bus Services

  • Limited school bus — Merriwa / Scone 45–60 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
270 km
By Train
Drive to Scone (~55 km), then NSW TrainLink ~3 hr 45 min
By Bus
No direct service
By Car (Peak)
3 hr – 3 hr 30 min via New England Hwy
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr 50 min via New England Hwy

🛣️ Entirely car-dependent for daily needs. Merriwa is the closest town (~30 km). Sydney is not practical for daily commuting.

Walkability Car Dependent

Manobalai is a remote rural locality with no services, footpaths, or public transport. All residents require private vehicles for everyday needs including groceries and schooling.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
76
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
481.7 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 7.0%
Motor vehicle theft
267.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Non-DV assault
606.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 1.2%
Robbery (unarmed)
17.8 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
356.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 8.2%
View all 62 offence types for Muswellbrook →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Manobalai known for? +

Manobalai is a sparsely populated rural locality in the Upper Hunter Valley of New South Wales, covering an extensive 147.

How far is Manobalai from Sydney CBD? +

Manobalai is approximately 270 kilometres from Sydney CBD. The drive takes around 3 hr – 3 hr 30 min via New England Hwy during peak hour and 2 hr 50 min via New England Hwy off-peak. By train, the journey takes approximately Drive to Scone (~55 km), then NSW TrainLink ~3 hr 45 min.

Does Manobalai have public transport? +

Manobalai is served by Scone station (55 km, approximately null walk) on the Armidale–Sydney (NSW TrainLink). Local bus services including Limited school bus also connect residents to Merriwa / Scone.

What is the population of Manobalai? +

According to the 2021 Census, Manobalai has a population of approximately 76 residents. It is one of the smaller localities in NSW.

Is Manobalai a good place to live? +

Manobalai suits those seeking a very quiet rural or remote lifestyle with minimal neighbours and close proximity to natural landscapes. Amenities are extremely limited locally, and a car is essential for all daily needs.

What is the postcode for Manobalai? +

The postcode for Manobalai in NSW is 2333.

Is Manobalai a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Manobalai is part of the Muswellbrook 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.