🔍

Upper Orara

NSW 2450 • New South Wales

863
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
110.03 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralBushlandRiversideSemi-RuralRemote

About Upper Orara

Upper Orara is a sparsely settled rural locality in the Clarence Valley Council area of New South Wales, situated in the forested hinterland approximately 20 to 25 kilometres west of Coffs Harbour. With a population of 863 spread across a large 110 square kilometre area, the locality has one of the lowest population densities in the region, with residents primarily living on rural residential and farming properties. Median household incomes are modest at around $42,184, consistent with the broader rural character of the Clarence Valley and Northern Rivers district.

The locality takes its name from the upper reaches of the Orara River, a significant tributary of the Clarence River that rises in the Dorrigo Plateau near the Great Dividing Range, and the surrounding landscape is dominated by cattle and dairy farming, subtropical rainforest pockets, and bushland. Residents enjoy a genuine country lifestyle with access to the scenic Orara Valley Trail for cycling and walking, while Coffs Harbour provides the nearest comprehensive services including shopping, schools, and medical facilities approximately 25 to 35 minutes by road. Upper Orara suits those drawn to rural acreage living within reach of the coastal amenities of Coffs Harbour.

Upper Orara falls under postcode 2450 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Coffs Harbour electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2450
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Page
State Electorate
Coffs Harbour
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-30.10°, 152.66°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
110.03 km²
Elevation
0m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

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

🏡House
$970K
6 sales · ▼ 9.3% vs 2024

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

Nearest Train Stations

Coffs Harbour
22 km
N/A (drive only)

Bus Services

  • No scheduled bus services within locality — Coffs Harbour (nearest hub) 25-35 min by car

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
570 km
By Train
Drive to Coffs Harbour station (~22 km) then train to Sydney (~6 hr on North Coast Xplorer)
By Car (Peak)
5 hr 30 min – 6 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
5 hr 15 min – 5 hr 45 min

🛣️ A remote rural locality; Pacific Highway (M1) is the main corridor south to Sydney via Coffs Harbour

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for all daily needs; there are no walkable services within the locality and no bus connections

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
863
▲ 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 Upper Orara known for? +

Upper Orara is known for its scenic position along the Orara River valley in the hinterland west of Coffs Harbour. The area is popular with cyclists and walkers via the Orara Valley Trail, and is home to cattle and dairy farming properties amid subtropical rainforest.

How far is Upper Orara from Coffs Harbour? +

Upper Orara is approximately 20 to 25 kilometres west of Coffs Harbour, making it around a 25 to 35 minute drive via the Orara Way.

Does Upper Orara have public transport? +

Upper Orara has no scheduled public transport services within the locality. Residents rely entirely on private vehicles; the nearest public transport hub is Coffs Harbour, approximately 20-25 kilometres away.

What is the population of Upper Orara? +

According to the 2021 Census, Upper Orara has a population of 863 residents across a large area of 110 square kilometres, making it a very sparsely settled rural locality in the Clarence Valley.

Is Upper Orara a good place to live? +

Upper Orara is ideally suited to those seeking a rural acreage lifestyle in a scenic hinterland setting. It appeals to farmers, nature enthusiasts, and those who value space and quiet while remaining within reasonable reach of Coffs Harbour's services and coast.

What is the postcode for Upper Orara? +

The postcode for Upper Orara is 2450, which it shares with Coffs Harbour and several other localities in the Coffs Harbour area of the Mid North Coast of New South Wales.

What is the median house price in Upper Orara? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $970,000, down 9.3% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.