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Swanhaven

NSW 2540 • New South Wales

196
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
2.13 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalRetireesBeachside
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About Swanhaven

Swanhaven is a small coastal village in the City of Shoalhaven, New South Wales, situated on the tranquil shores of Swan Lake approximately 5 kilometres south of Sussex Inlet. Covering just over 2 square kilometres, the locality had a population of around 193 people in the 2016 census and is known for its peaceful waterfront setting on the Tasman Sea lagoon system. Swanhaven sits within the broader Jervis Bay and South Coast holiday region, attracting retirees and weekenders drawn to its relaxed, off-the-beaten-track character.

The village is a popular destination for fishing, kayaking and birdwatching, with Swan Lake providing sheltered waters teeming with bream, flathead and diverse waterbird species including the black swans after which the lake is named. Most residents are retirees or permanent sea-changers who value the quiet, community-oriented lifestyle and easy access to the natural environment. Nowra, the regional centre of Shoalhaven about 40 kilometres north, provides hospitals, shopping, schools and transport connections, while the iconic beaches of Jervis Bay are just a short drive away.

Swanhaven falls under postcode 2540 and is governed by the Shoalhaven Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Gilmore, while state elections fall under the Unclassified (OT) electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2540
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Shoalhaven
Federal Electorate
Gilmore
State Electorate
Unclassified (OT)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.86°, 150.62°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
2.13 km²
Population Density
92 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2540

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2540, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$41,687
Median 2023–24
$51,296
▲ 23.1% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$63,661

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2540; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Bomaderry Station (Nowra)
38 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • Shoalhaven Connect / On Demand — Sussex Inlet / Nowra Approx 10 min to Sussex Inlet, 50 min to Nowra

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
170 km
By Train
NSW TrainLink from Bomaderry (~38 km) to Sydney Central approx 3 hrs
By Car (Peak)
Approx 2.5–3 hrs via Princes Hwy
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx 2 hrs via Princes Hwy

🛣️ Car is the primary transport mode. Sussex Inlet (~5 km north) has a small local shopping strip and petrol station.

Walkability Car Dependent

Small coastal village with limited footpaths. Walking within the village is pleasant, but a car is needed for shops, schools or medical services in Sussex Inlet or Nowra.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
196
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
223.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 6.6%
Motor vehicle theft
175.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 2.2%
Non-DV assault
461.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 1.7%
Robbery (unarmed)
8.1 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
245.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 6.0%
View all 62 offence types for Shoalhaven →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Swanhaven NSW? +

Swanhaven is a small coastal village in the City of Shoalhaven, NSW, located on Swan Lake about 5 km south of Sussex Inlet and 170 km south of Sydney.

What is Swan Lake in Swanhaven known for? +

Swan Lake is a sheltered coastal lagoon popular for fishing, kayaking, birdwatching and boating. The lake is home to black swans, pelicans and a range of waterbirds.

Is Swanhaven a good place to retire? +

Yes, Swanhaven is a popular retirement destination offering a peaceful waterfront lifestyle, friendly community and affordable property prices compared to larger coastal towns on the NSW South Coast.

How far is Swanhaven from Nowra? +

Swanhaven is approximately 38–40 km south of Nowra (Bomaderry), the regional centre of Shoalhaven, which offers hospitals, shopping and a train station on the South Coast Line.

What is the nearest train station to Swanhaven? +

The nearest train station is Bomaderry (Nowra) on the NSW TrainLink South Coast Line, about 38 km north of Swanhaven.

Is Swanhaven a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Swanhaven is part of the Shoalhaven 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.

What is the population of Swanhaven? +

Swanhaven had a population of 196 at the 2021 Census.