🔍

Tharwa

ACT 2620 • Australian Capital Territory

82
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
3.97 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
HistoricRuralPeacefulRiverside

About Tharwa

Tharwa is a historic village in the southern Australian Capital Territory, situated on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River approximately 35 kilometres south of the Canberra CBD. Proclaimed in 1862, it is the oldest official settlement in the ACT, with a 2021 Census population of just 82 residents across 31 dwellings. The village serves as the gateway to Namadgi National Park, which covers nearly half the territory, and the median tax income of $62,839 reflects its appeal to established residents and professionals seeking a rural lifestyle close to the capital.

Tharwa's defining landmark is the heritage-listed Tharwa Bridge, a four-span Allan truss timber bridge opened in 1895 — the oldest surviving bridge in the ACT. Residents enjoy direct access to the Murrumbidgee River for swimming, fishing, and kayaking, while the Namadgi Visitor Centre is located just 2 kilometres south of the village. The historic Tharwa General Store, Saint Edmund's Anglican Church, and nearby Cuppacumbalong Homestead contribute to its strong heritage character. The village hosts the annual Tharwa Bush Fair and community markets, maintaining a close-knit rural atmosphere within reach of Canberra's urban amenities.

Tharwa falls under postcode 2620 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Kurrajong electorate.

📍 Location

State
Australian Capital Territory
Postcode
2620
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Eden-Monaro
State Electorate
Kurrajong
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-35.32°, 149.26°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
3.97 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular ACTION bus service — N/A N/A

Commute to Canberra CBD (Civic)

Distance
35 km
By Train
No direct train or light rail service
By Car (Peak)
40-55 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
35-45 min

🛣️ Via Tharwa Drive and Tuggeranong Parkway. Car essential — no regular public transport to the village.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A tiny historic village with a general store but no supermarket, medical centre, or regular public transport — car essential for all major errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
82
▲ 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 Tharwa known for? +

Tharwa is known as the oldest official settlement in the ACT, proclaimed in 1862. Its defining landmark is the heritage-listed Tharwa Bridge (1895), the oldest surviving bridge in the territory, and it serves as the gateway to Namadgi National Park.

How far is Tharwa from Canberra CBD? +

Approximately 35 kilometres south of Canberra CBD (Civic), reached via Tharwa Drive and Tuggeranong Parkway in around 40–55 minutes depending on traffic.

Does Tharwa have public transport? +

Tharwa has no regular ACTION bus service. The village falls within the ACT's rural services zone, and residents are effectively car-dependent for all daily travel.

What is the population of Tharwa? +

According to the 2021 Census, Tharwa has a population of 82 residents across 31 dwellings, making it one of the smallest inhabited localities in the ACT.

Is Tharwa a good place to live? +

Tharwa offers a unique semi-rural heritage lifestyle within reach of Canberra. It suits those who value historical character, river access, proximity to Namadgi National Park, and a quiet village atmosphere, though residents need to be comfortable with car dependence and bushfire risk.

What is the postcode for Tharwa? +

The postcode for Tharwa is 2620.