🔍

Rainbow Reach

NSW 2440 • New South Wales

84
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
14.88 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRiversideQuietSemi-Rural
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About Rainbow Reach

Rainbow Reach is a small rural locality in the Kempsey Shire on New South Wales' Mid North Coast, situated along the lower reaches of the Macleay River approximately 20 kilometres north-east of Kempsey. The locality covers about 15 square kilometres of riverine and agricultural land and had a population of 84 at the 2021 Census, spread across around 35 dwellings. The area falls within the broader Macleay Valley Coast region and is part of the federal electorate of Cowper.

The Macleay River is the defining natural feature of Rainbow Reach, with the locality's name itself evoking the scenic river environment that draws fishing enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil semi-rural retreat. The nearby coastal town of South West Rocks, about 25 kilometres to the north-east, offers beaches, shops, and tourist amenities, while Kempsey provides the area's main commercial and community services including schools, a hospital, and supermarkets. Rainbow Reach appeals to residents who value low-density rural living close to both river and coastal environments on the Mid North Coast.

Rainbow Reach falls under postcode 2440 and is governed by the Kempsey Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Cowper, while state elections fall under the Oxley electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2440
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Kempsey
Federal Electorate
Cowper
State Electorate
Oxley
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-30.38°, 153.02°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
14.88 km²
Population Density
6 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2440

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2440, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$39,686
Median 2023–24
$48,150
▲ 21.3% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$54,886

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2440; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

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

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
395 km
By Train
No direct train from Rainbow Reach. From Kempsey station, CountryLink trains run to Sydney Central (approx. 6 hrs).
By Car (Peak)
4.5-5 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
4-4.5 hrs

🛣️ A car is essential. The Pacific Highway (A1) is the main route south to Sydney. Kempsey is the nearest service town.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Rainbow Reach has no local shops or services; all daily errands require a drive to Kempsey or nearby towns.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
84
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
781.9 / 100k
2yr Down 26.6% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
539.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 8.2%
Non-DV assault
687.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 3.5%
Robbery (unarmed)
12.6 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
353.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
View all 62 offence types for Kempsey →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rainbow Reach known for? +

Rainbow Reach is a peaceful rural locality known for its position along the lower Macleay River in Kempsey Shire. The area attracts fishing enthusiasts and those seeking a quiet semi-rural lifestyle close to the Mid North Coast's river and coastal environments.

How far is Rainbow Reach from Kempsey? +

Rainbow Reach is approximately 20 kilometres north-east of Kempsey, the nearest town with a full range of services including supermarkets, schools, and a hospital. South West Rocks, a popular coastal town, is about 25 kilometres to the north-east.

Does Rainbow Reach have public transport? +

Rainbow Reach has no rail service and very limited public bus access. Residents rely on private vehicles for all travel, with Kempsey being the nearest centre for services and public transport connections.

What is the population of Rainbow Reach? +

According to the 2021 Census, Rainbow Reach had a population of 84 residents across approximately 35 dwellings. It is a very small, low-density rural locality within Kempsey Shire on the Mid North Coast of NSW.

Is Rainbow Reach a good place to live? +

Rainbow Reach is well-suited to those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle near the Macleay River, with easy access to the coast and river for recreation. It is best for those comfortable with car-dependent living and a short drive to Kempsey for services.

What is the postcode for Rainbow Reach? +

The postcode for Rainbow Reach is 2440, which it shares with Kempsey and numerous other localities in the Macleay Valley Coast region of New South Wales.

Is Rainbow Reach a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Rainbow Reach is part of the Kempsey 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.