🔍

Shallow Bay

NSW 2428 • New South Wales

68
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
23.04 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalRemoteBushlandQuietRural
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About Shallow Bay

Shallow Bay is a small coastal locality on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, situated within the MidCoast Council area approximately 200 kilometres north of Newcastle and 40 kilometres east of Taree. The locality covers approximately 23 square kilometres and is tucked between the waters of Myall Lakes and the surrounding national park lands, giving it a distinctly remote and natural character. With a population of just 68 residents recorded in the 2021 Census, Shallow Bay is one of the most sparsely populated localities on the mid-north coast, with no significant commercial development.

The locality is enveloped by Myall Lakes National Park, one of Australia's largest coastal national parks and a Ramsar-listed wetland of international significance, offering exceptional opportunities for bushwalking, birdwatching, kayaking, and fishing. The broader Myall Lakes area is renowned for its tranquil lakes, pristine beaches, and coastal forests, attracting nature-lovers and holiday makers throughout the year. Nearby townships including Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest, and Bulahdelah provide access to essential services, shops, and boat ramps. This remote, nature-immersed setting makes Shallow Bay best suited to those seeking a quiet holiday retreat or a genuinely off-the-beaten-track lifestyle close to one of NSW's great coastal wilderness areas.

Shallow Bay falls under postcode 2428 and is governed by the Mid-Coast Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Lyne, while state elections fall under the Myall Lakes electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2428
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Mid-Coast
Federal Electorate
Lyne
State Electorate
Myall Lakes
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-32.22°, 152.42°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
23.04 km²
Population Density
3 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2428

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2428, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$36,437
Median 2023–24
$45,834
▲ 25.8% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$60,951

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2428; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No scheduled bus services — N/A N/A

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
230 km
By Train
No direct service; drive to Dungog or Maitland for Hunter Line trains
By Car (Peak)
3 hr - 3 hr 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr 45 min - 3 hr

🛣️ Car is essential. Access via The Lakes Way and Bulahdelah. Pacific Motorway (M1) available from Bulahdelah.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Shallow Bay has no shops or services; all daily errands require driving to Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest, or Bulahdelah.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
68
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
286.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 6.0%
Motor vehicle theft
215 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 3.8%
Non-DV assault
445.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 1.1%
Robbery (unarmed)
5.1 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
196.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 3.8%
View all 62 offence types for Mid-Coast →

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shallow Bay known for? +

Shallow Bay is known for its secluded setting within Myall Lakes National Park, one of Australia's largest coastal national parks and a Ramsar-listed wetland. The area offers outstanding opportunities for birdwatching, kayaking, fishing, and exploring pristine coastal lakes and bush.

How far is Shallow Bay from Sydney CBD? +

Shallow Bay is approximately 230 kilometres north of Sydney CBD. The drive typically takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours and 30 minutes depending on traffic and the route taken via the Pacific Motorway and The Lakes Way.

Does Shallow Bay have public transport? +

There is no public transport serving Shallow Bay. The locality is remote and car-dependent; the nearest towns with basic services are Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, accessible by road or via the ferry crossing at Bombah Point within the national park.

What is the population of Shallow Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Shallow Bay has a population of 68 residents. It is one of the most sparsely populated localities in the MidCoast Council area due to its position within and adjacent to national park land.

Is Shallow Bay a good place to live? +

Shallow Bay appeals strongly to those seeking an extremely quiet, nature-focused lifestyle away from urban centres. Its position on the edge of Myall Lakes National Park makes it exceptional for wildlife and water-based recreation, but its remoteness means residents must travel for all services, schools, and shopping.

What is the postcode for Shallow Bay? +

The postcode for Shallow Bay, NSW is 2428.

Is Shallow Bay a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Shallow Bay is part of the Mid-Coast 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.