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Wardell

NSW 2477 • New South Wales

830
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
32.35 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RiversideRuralHistoricCoastalQuiet
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About Wardell

Wardell is a historic village in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, situated on the banks of the Richmond River within the Ballina Shire local government area. Located approximately 18 kilometres south of Ballina, 724 kilometres north of Sydney, and 200 kilometres south of Brisbane, Wardell occupies a scenic rural riverside setting along the Pacific Highway. With a population of around 830, the village has a distinct community character and below-average median household income reflecting its rural and coastal-hinterland setting.

Wardell is defined by the Richmond River and the iconic lift span bridge that crosses it — one of the village's most photographed landmarks. The area attracts those drawn to the relaxed pace of Northern Rivers life, with easy access to the beaches of Ballina and Lennox Head, the hinterland of the Richmond Valley, and the vibrant Byron Bay region nearby. The Pacific Highway provides good road connections, while the surrounding countryside offers fishing, boating, and birdwatching opportunities along the Richmond River floodplain.

Wardell falls under postcode 2477 and is governed by the Ballina Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Richmond, while state elections fall under the Lismore electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2477
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Ballina
Federal Electorate
Richmond
State Electorate
Lismore
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.91°, 153.43°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
32.35 km²
Population Density
26 /km²
Elevation
0m

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🏷️ Property Prices 2025

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

🏡House
$783K
18 sales · ▲ 15.9% 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.

💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2477

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2477, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$41,399
Median 2023–24
$51,310
▲ 23.9% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$63,911

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2477; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Blanch's Bus Service — Ballina and Lennox Head 20–30 min

Commute to Ballina CBD

Distance
18 km
By Train
No rail service to Wardell or Ballina
By Car (Peak)
20–30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
15–20 min

🛣️ Pacific Highway provides direct access to Ballina, Byron Bay, and Lismore; Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is approximately 20 km away

Walkability Car-Dependent

Wardell is a small village where basic amenities are limited; a car is needed for most errands and commuting to Ballina

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
830
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
367.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
237.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 12.3%
Non-DV assault
369.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
8.3 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
381.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 1.9%
View all 62 offence types for Ballina →

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wardell known for? +

Wardell is known for its peaceful riverside setting on the Richmond River and the historic lift span bridge that spans it. The village is part of the Northern Rivers region, popular for its relaxed lifestyle, proximity to beaches, and connection to the wider Byron Bay hinterland area.

How far is Wardell from Ballina? +

Wardell is approximately 18 kilometres south of Ballina, typically a 15–30 minute drive via the Pacific Highway.

Does Wardell have public transport? +

Wardell has limited bus services via Blanch's Bus Service connecting it to Ballina and Lennox Head. There is no rail service; the nearest airport is Ballina Byron Gateway, approximately 20 kilometres away.

What is the population of Wardell? +

Wardell has a population of approximately 830 residents, making it a small rural village within the Ballina Shire of New South Wales.

Is Wardell a good place to live? +

Wardell suits those seeking a quiet, affordable lifestyle in the Northern Rivers region, with the Richmond River on the doorstep, Ballina's beaches a short drive away, and the Byron Bay hinterland easily accessible. It appeals to those who value nature, space, and the laid-back character of the Northern Rivers.

What is the postcode for Wardell? +

The postcode for Wardell, New South Wales, is 2477.

What is the median house price in Wardell? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $782,500, up 15.9% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

Is Wardell a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Wardell is part of the Ballina 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.