🔍

Wards River

NSW 2422 • New South Wales

178
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
90.82 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRiversideBushlandQuiet
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About Wards River

Wards River is a sparse rural locality in the MidCoast Council area of New South Wales, nestled among the foothills of the Great Dividing Range south of Gloucester. With a 2021 Census population of approximately 178 residents spread across 91 square kilometres, the locality is characterised by extensive grazing land, forested ridges, and the Wards River waterway from which it takes its name. The median household income for the postcode area is below the state average at around $34,000, reflecting the modest rural economy typical of this region.

Wards River offers a deeply rural lifestyle for those seeking peace, open land, and proximity to natural landscapes. The nearby town of Gloucester, approximately 20–25 kilometres to the north, serves as the regional hub for shopping, schools, medical services, and community life. The locality also sits on the doorstep of the spectacular Barrington Tops National Park and the Barrington Tops State Forest, making it appealing to bushwalkers, mountain bikers, and nature enthusiasts drawn to one of NSW's most accessible World Heritage wilderness areas.

Wards River falls under postcode 2422 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 Upper Hunter electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2422
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Mid-Coast
Federal Electorate
Lyne
State Electorate
Upper Hunter
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-31.97°, 151.87°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
90.82 km²
Population Density
2 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2422

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2422, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$34,329
Median 2023–24
$41,701
▲ 21.5% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$53,614

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2422; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular services — N/A N/A

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
280 km
By Train
No direct train service; drive to Dungog or Maitland for Hunter Line access
By Car (Peak)
20-30 min to Gloucester; approx. 3 hours to Sydney
By Car (Off-Peak)
20-25 min to Gloucester; approx. 2.75 hours to Sydney

🛣️ A car is essential; Bucketts Way connects to Gloucester and Taree to the north-east

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Wards River is a remote rural locality with no walkable services; all amenities require driving to Gloucester

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
178
▲ 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 Wards River. 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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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wards River known for? +

Wards River is a quiet rural locality known for its pastoral landscapes among the foothills of the Great Dividing Range and its proximity to the Barrington Tops National Park — a World Heritage wilderness area popular with bushwalkers and nature enthusiasts.

How far is Wards River from Gloucester? +

Wards River is approximately 20–25 kilometres south of Gloucester, making it a 20–30 minute drive to the nearest town centre with shopping, schools, and services.

Does Wards River have public transport? +

Wards River has no public transport services. There is no train or bus access; a car is essential, with Gloucester being the nearest service hub approximately 20–25 kilometres away.

What is the population of Wards River? +

According to the 2021 Census, Wards River has a population of approximately 178 residents across 91 square kilometres within the MidCoast Council area of New South Wales.

Is Wards River a good place to live? +

Wards River suits those seeking an affordable rural lifestyle in a scenic natural setting, with easy access to Gloucester for services and the Barrington Tops for outdoor recreation. It appeals to self-sufficient residents who value space, nature, and a quiet country atmosphere.

What is the postcode for Wards River? +

The postcode for Wards River, NSW is 2422.

Is Wards River a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Wards River 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.