🔍

Sandy Beach

NSW 2456 • Rest of NSW

2,913
Population (2021)
$81,484
Median Household Income
13.47 km²
Area
$420/wk
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideFamily-FriendlyRelaxed

About Sandy Beach

Sandy Beach is a coastal urban locality situated approximately 16 kilometres north of Coffs Harbour within the Coffs Harbour City Council area. With a population of 2,913 residents and a median age of just 35, the suburb has a youthful demographic profile and has attracted families and young couples drawn to its beachside setting. The median household income of $1,567 per week is in line with regional averages, and housing stock is primarily freestanding homes on generous blocks with a relaxed holiday-town character.

Sandy Beach lives up to its name with direct access to a pristine stretch of the Solitary Islands coastline, popular for swimming, surfing, and fishing. The suburb is served by the Pacific Highway and local connector roads, with Coffs Harbour city centre providing the full range of shopping, schools, and medical services. The local community includes a significant Indigenous population, and the relaxed northern NSW lifestyle — with National Parks, beaches, and a warm climate — makes it a popular choice for families and seachangers alike.

Sandy Beach falls under postcode 2456 and is governed by Coffs Harbour Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Coffs Harbour electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2456
Urban Area
Coffs Harbour
LGA / Council
Coffs Harbour
Federal Electorate
Page
State Electorate
Coffs Harbour
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-30.15°, 153.19°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
13.47 km²
Elevation
7m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

Median sale prices in Sandy Beach for 2025. Based on every residential settlement recorded by the NSW Valuer General in 2025.

🏡House
$915K
55 sales · ▲ 12.6% vs 2024

Source: NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information. Strata-titled sales are counted as units; all others as houses. Suburbs with fewer than 5 sales in a category are omitted.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$420
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,810
Avg Household Size
2.7 people
Median Age
35 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Coffs Harbour
16 km
Not walkable

Bus Services

  • Busways regional services — Coffs Harbour CBD 25-35 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
530 km
By Train
Train from Coffs Harbour station (~6.5 hrs to Sydney Central)
By Car (Peak)
5.5–6 hrs to Sydney CBD
By Car (Off-Peak)
5–5.5 hrs to Sydney CBD

🛣️ Pacific Highway (now dual carriageway) is the main road link; Coffs Harbour is the nearest major service centre (16km south)

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Sandy Beach has no local shops or services — residents rely on a car for all errands, with Coffs Harbour the nearest retail centre

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
419.7 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
304 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 6.6%
Non-DV assault
593.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 2.6%
Robbery (unarmed)
17.2 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
428.3 / 100k
2yr Down 20.4% 10yr Stable
View all 62 offence types for Coffs Harbour →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,287
Census 2021
2,913
▲ 27.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$29,952
Personal Income 2021
$39,676
▲ 32.5% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$39,676 / yr
$763/wk
Household
$81,484 / yr
$1567/wk
Family
$89,232 / yr
$1716/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,358
Born Overseas 397

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. India 93
  • 2. England 82
  • 3. New Zealand 37
  • 4. South Africa 20
  • 5. Scotland 16
  • 6. Germany 15
  • 7. Taiwan 15
  • 8. Philippines 14
  • 9. Indonesia 7
  • 10. Malaysia 7

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,198
English 1,173
Irish 331
Scottish 323
Australian Aboriginal 183
German 135
Indian 78
Italian 53
Dutch 42
Polish 26

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,891
Both parents born in Australia
519
Both parents born overseas
340
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
50.1%
Christianity
33.7%
Sikhism
5.4%
Islam
0.9%
Buddhism
0.8%
Hinduism
0.5%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
210 (7.2%)
5-14 years
445 (15.3%)
15-19 years
164 (5.6%)
20-24 years
126 (4.3%)
25-34 years
461 (15.8%)
35-44 years
406 (13.9%)
45-54 years
319 (11.0%)
55-64 years
351 (12.0%)
65-74 years
304 (10.4%)
75-84 years
91 (3.1%)
85+ years
33 (1.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sandy Beach known for? +

Sandy Beach is known for its beautiful stretch of coastline along the Solitary Islands Marine Park region, offering excellent swimming, surfing, and fishing. The suburb sits within one of the most scenic sections of the NSW North Coast.

How far is Sandy Beach from Coffs Harbour? +

Sandy Beach is approximately 16 kilometres north of Coffs Harbour city centre, a drive of around 15–20 minutes via the Pacific Highway.

Does Sandy Beach have public transport? +

Sandy Beach is served by Busways regional bus services connecting it to Coffs Harbour, but services are infrequent. The nearest train station is Coffs Harbour, approximately 16km south; a car is the most practical way to get around.

What is the population of Sandy Beach? +

According to the 2021 Census, Sandy Beach has a population of 2,913 residents, with a notably young median age of 35 — reflecting its appeal to young families and couples.

Is Sandy Beach a good place to live? +

Sandy Beach is ideal for those seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle close to nature, with direct beach access and the amenities of Coffs Harbour a short drive away. It suits families, retirees, and seachangers who prioritise lifestyle over urban convenience.

What is the postcode for Sandy Beach? +

The postcode for Sandy Beach, NSW is 2456.

What is the average income in Sandy Beach? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Sandy Beach is about $763 per week (around $39,700 per year). The median household income is $1,567 per week and the median family income is $1,716 per week.

What is the median house price in Sandy Beach? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $915,000, up 12.6% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of Sandy Beach? +

The median age in Sandy Beach is 35. The largest age group is 25–34 (461 residents, around 16%). Around 28% of residents are under 20 and about 15% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Sandy Beach a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Sandy Beach is part of the Coffs Harbour 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.

How much is rent in Sandy Beach? +

In Sandy Beach, the median weekly rent is $420, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,810 (2021 Census).