🔍

Otford

NSW 2508 • New South Wales

396
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
6.84 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalBushlandQuietNational ParkScenic
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About Otford

Otford is a scenic coastal hamlet nestled at the base of the Illawarra Escarpment, situated approximately 60 kilometres south of Sydney CBD within the Wollongong City Council area. The compact locality covers just under 7 square kilometres and recorded a population of 396 in the 2021 Census, spread across 125 dwellings. Otford sits at the southern gateway of the Royal National Park — one of the world's oldest national parks — and is bordered by dramatic sandstone cliffs, lush rainforest gullies, and the Pacific Ocean.

Otford is well-regarded as one of Sydney's most accessible bush escapes, attracting bushwalkers, surfers, and nature lovers who come for the Royal National Park walking trails, the clifftop Coast Track, and the quiet seclusion of Otford Beach. The locality has its own train station on the South Coast Line, providing a direct rail link to Sydney's central stations for residents and day-trippers alike. With no commercial strip of its own, Otford retains an unspoiled village character; residents head to nearby Helensburgh or Thirroul for shopping and services, making it a favourite among those who prioritise natural beauty over urban convenience.

Otford falls under postcode 2508 and is governed by the Wollongong Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Cunningham, while state elections fall under the Heathcote electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2508
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Wollongong
Federal Electorate
Cunningham
State Electorate
Heathcote
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.23°, 150.97°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
6.84 km²
Population Density
58 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2508

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2508, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$55,662
Median 2023–24
$67,481
▲ 21.2% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$87,641

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2508; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Otford
0.5 km
6 min

Bus Services

  • Limited local services — Helensburgh / Coalcliff 10 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
60 km
By Train
Approx. 1 hr 20 min to Sydney Central via South Coast Line (changing at Sutherland or direct on some services)
By Car (Peak)
70–90 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
55–70 min

🛣️ Princess Highway (A1) and Lawrence Hargrave Drive provide scenic road access; Royal National Park road is also accessible

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Otford has no shops or services; a car or train is needed for all errands, though the train station provides good access to larger centres

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
396
▲ 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 Otford. 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 Otford known for? +

Otford is known for its dramatic natural setting at the base of the Illawarra Escarpment, its position at the southern gateway to Royal National Park, and the iconic Coast Track bushwalk. It is also renowned for its scenic clifftop views and secluded feel despite being less than an hour from Sydney.

How far is Otford from Sydney? +

Otford is approximately 60 kilometres south of Sydney CBD. The drive takes around 55 to 70 minutes off-peak, while the South Coast Line train from Otford station to Sydney Central takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.

Does Otford have public transport? +

Yes — Otford has its own train station on the South Coast Line, providing regular services to Sydney Central and Wollongong. This makes it surprisingly well connected by rail for such a small and remote-feeling locality.

What is the population of Otford? +

According to the 2021 Census, Otford has a permanent population of 396 residents across approximately 125 dwellings. Its popularity as a weekend destination means visitor numbers regularly exceed the permanent population on weekends.

Is Otford a good place to live? +

Otford is ideal for those who prioritise natural beauty, outdoor lifestyle, and tranquillity over urban convenience. The combination of Royal National Park access, a train station, and a truly unspoiled coastal character makes it highly sought after, particularly among professionals who can work remotely or commute.

What is the postcode for Otford? +

The postcode for Otford is 2508, which it shares with Helensburgh and other localities in the northern Illawarra area.

Is Otford a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Otford 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.