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Montecollum

NSW 2482 • New South Wales

67
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
3.36 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralNatureWellnessHistoricFamily-Friendly
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About Montecollum

Montecollum is a tiny rural hamlet in the Byron Shire of New South Wales, situated approximately 22 kilometres from Byron Bay and within the lush hinterland of the Northern Rivers region. Covering just 3.4 square kilometres of rolling sub-tropical farmland, the locality recorded a population of around 67 at the 2021 census. It sits on the traditional lands of the Arakwal people of the Bundjalung Nation. The name Montecollum likely derives either from Latin words meaning 'high mountain column', a type of feldspar mineral, or from the Bundjalung word 'munggulam'.

Montecollum is best known as the home of the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens, a well-regarded tourist attraction featuring one of the world's largest crystal collections, stunning subtropical gardens, and spiritual wellness experiences that draw visitors from across Australia and internationally. The surrounding hinterland lifestyle is deeply connected to the alternative, wellness and artistic communities that characterise the broader Byron Shire. Bangalow, approximately 10 kilometres to the east, provides the nearest shops, cafes and schools, while Lismore (~40 km) and Byron Bay (~22 km) offer broader services. The area appeals strongly to those seeking a creative, nature-oriented hinterland lifestyle.

Montecollum falls under postcode 2482 and is governed by the Byron Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Richmond, while state elections fall under the Lismore electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2482
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Byron
Federal Electorate
Richmond
State Electorate
Lismore
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.55°, 153.43°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
3.36 km²
Population Density
20 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2482

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2482, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$32,787
Median 2023–24
$39,782
▲ 21.3% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$56,633

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2482; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Casino
55 km
NSW TrainLink North Coast line (Sydney–Casino) – limited stops

Bus Services

  • Blanch's Bus Service — Bangalow / Byron Bay / Lismore 20–45 min to Bangalow or Byron Bay

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
770 km
By Train
~10 hrs (drive to Casino ~55 km, then NSW TrainLink to Central)
By Bus
Greyhound coach to Sydney ~12 hrs
By Car (Peak)
~8 hrs to Sydney via Pacific Highway/M1
By Car (Off-Peak)
~7.5 hrs

🛣️ Byron Bay (~22 km) and Bangalow (~10 km) are the practical local hubs. Gold Coast (75 km) and its airport are quicker for air travel than Sydney. Brisbane is about 2 hrs by car, making it a more realistic urban connection.

Walkability Car Dependent

Montecollum is a very small hamlet with no walkable shops. A car is needed for all daily needs. The Crystal Castle draws visitors but offers no general retail. Bangalow is the nearest township with cafes, shops and services.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
67
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
240.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
293.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 5.6%
Non-DV assault
682.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
5.3 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
465.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 5.6%
View all 62 offence types for Byron →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montecollum known for? +

Montecollum is a tiny rural hamlet in the Byron Shire of New South Wales, situated approximately 22 kilometres from Byron Bay and within the lush hinterland of the Northern Rivers region.

How far is Montecollum from Sydney CBD? +

Montecollum is approximately 770 kilometres from Sydney CBD. The drive takes around ~8 hrs to Sydney via Pacific Highway/M1 during peak hour and ~7.5 hrs off-peak. By train, the journey takes approximately ~10 hrs (drive to Casino ~55 km, then NSW TrainLink to Central).

Does Montecollum have public transport? +

Montecollum is served by Casino station (55 km, approximately null walk) on the NSW TrainLink North Coast line (Sydney–Casino) – limited stops. Local bus services including Blanch's Bus Service also connect residents to Bangalow / Byron Bay / Lismore.

What is the population of Montecollum? +

According to the 2021 Census, Montecollum has a population of approximately 67 residents. It is one of the smaller localities in NSW.

Is Montecollum a good place to live? +

Montecollum 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 Montecollum? +

The postcode for Montecollum in NSW is 2482.

Is Montecollum a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Montecollum is part of the Byron 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.