🔍

Sofala

NSW 2795 • New South Wales

111
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
85.41 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
HistoricHeritageRuralGold RushTourism

About Sofala

Sofala is a historic village in New South Wales, located 255 kilometres north-west of Sydney and 45 kilometres north of Bathurst, beside the Turon River within Bathurst Regional Council. With a population of just 111 at the 2021 census, Sofala is widely regarded as one of Australia's oldest surviving gold rush towns, preserving a remarkable streetscape of 19th-century buildings. Gold was first discovered at nearby Summerhill Creek in 1851, and within months Sofala had become a bustling alluvial mining camp.

Today Sofala is a cherished heritage and tourism destination, attracting visitors who come to explore its authentically preserved colonial buildings, pan for gold along the Turon River, and experience the atmosphere of a living museum. The Royal Hotel — one of the oldest continually licensed pubs in New South Wales — anchors the village's social life. The surrounding Bathurst-Ilford Road offers scenic drives through pastoral valleys, and the village hosts a popular Gold Rush festival. Sofala appeals to those drawn to history, quiet rural living, and creative retreats away from urban centres.

Sofala falls under postcode 2795 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Orange electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2795
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Calare
State Electorate
Orange
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-33.82°, 149.47°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
85.41 km²
Elevation
0m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

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

🏡House
$813K
6 sales · vs 2024 n/a

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.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • School / limited regional services — Bathurst ~55 min by car (45km)

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
255 km
By Train
Nearest station: Bathurst (~45km away) on the Main Western Line
By Bus
Not practical for regular commuting
By Car (Peak)
~3 hrs to Sydney; ~45 min to Bathurst
By Car (Off-Peak)
~2 hrs 45 min to Sydney

🛣️ Bathurst is the functional hub for services, employment, and rail connections. Only local traffic passes through Sofala.

Walkability Car Dependent

A very small village where walking around the heritage precinct is possible, but all services beyond the Royal Hotel require a car. Roads are mostly unsealed in surrounding areas.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
111
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
N/A
Personal Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sofala known for? +

Sofala is a historic village in New South Wales, located 255 kilometres north-west of Sydney and 45 kilometres north of Bathurst, beside the Turon River within Bathurst Regional Council.

How far is Sofala from Sydney CBD? +

Sofala is approximately 255 kilometres from Sydney CBD. The drive takes around ~3 hrs to Sydney; ~45 min to Bathurst during peak hour and ~2 hrs 45 min to Sydney off-peak. By train, the journey takes approximately Nearest station: Bathurst (~45km away) on the Main Western Line.

Does Sofala have public transport? +

Sofala is served by bus routes (School / limited regional services) connecting to Bathurst with a travel time of approximately ~55 min by car (45km). There is no train or metro station in the suburb.

What is the population of Sofala? +

According to the 2021 Census, Sofala has a population of approximately 111 residents. It is one of the smaller localities in NSW.

Is Sofala a good place to live? +

Sofala appeals to those who value a relaxed rural lifestyle, open space, and a small community atmosphere. Everyday services require travel to the nearest town, so a private vehicle is a must.

What is the postcode for Sofala? +

The postcode for Sofala in NSW is 2795.

What is the median house price in Sofala? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $812,500. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.