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Tarbuck Bay

NSW 2428 • New South Wales

194
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
5.29 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
LakesideCoastalPeacefulHoliday LifestyleRural
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About Tarbuck Bay

Tarbuck Bay is a small lakeside locality on the north-western shore of Smiths Lake, situated within the Mid-Coast Council area of New South Wales, approximately 250 kilometres north of Sydney. Compact in size at just over 5 square kilometres, the locality has a population of around 194 residents and forms part of the broader Pacific Palms and Smiths Lake coastal community. The area falls within the Myall Lakes electorate, close to the Myall Lakes National Park.

The locality's position on Smiths Lake makes it a draw for fishing, kayaking, and water-based recreation, while the nearby beaches of Pacific Palms and Boomerang Beach are just a short drive away. Essential services, including a general store and café, are available in the Smiths Lake village, with Forster — about 15 kilometres to the north — offering supermarkets, schools, and medical facilities. Tarbuck Bay suits those seeking a relaxed lakeside or holiday lifestyle in one of NSW's most scenic coastal lake systems.

Tarbuck 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
-32.20°, 152.45°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
5.29 km²
Population Density
37 /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

  • Limited regional bus services — Forster / Taree Approx. 15–20 min to Forster

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
250 km
By Train
No direct service; drive to Taree (~60 km), then NSW TrainLink to Sydney (~3.5 hrs)
By Car (Peak)
3 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hrs 45 min

🛣️ Access via Pacific Motorway (M1) and Myall Way; Forster is the nearest serviced town

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Small community with limited local services; most errands require driving to Smiths Lake village or Forster

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
194
▲ 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 Tarbuck 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 Tarbuck Bay known for? +

Tarbuck Bay is known for its quiet position on the north-western shore of Smiths Lake, offering waterfront living, fishing, and access to the natural beauty of the Myall Lakes region and nearby Pacific Palms beaches.

How far is Tarbuck Bay from Sydney? +

Tarbuck Bay is approximately 250 kilometres north of Sydney, making it around a 2 hours 45 minute to 3 hour drive via the Pacific Motorway.

Does Tarbuck Bay have public transport? +

Tarbuck Bay has limited public transport options. There is no rail service; the nearest train station is at Taree, approximately 60 kilometres away. Limited regional bus services connect the area to Forster. A car is strongly recommended.

What is the population of Tarbuck Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Tarbuck Bay has a population of approximately 194 residents, with 74 dwellings, reflecting its character as a small lakeside community.

Is Tarbuck Bay a good place to live? +

Tarbuck Bay is ideal for those seeking a relaxed waterfront lifestyle away from city hustle, with fishing, boating, and bushland walks at the doorstep. It suits retirees, holiday home owners, and nature lovers, with Forster providing access to broader services.

What is the postcode for Tarbuck Bay? +

The postcode for Tarbuck Bay, NSW is 2428, shared with Smiths Lake, Pacific Palms, and surrounds.

Is Tarbuck Bay a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Tarbuck 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.