🔍

Wattamolla

NSW 2232 • New South Wales

71
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
16.24 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalBushlandQuietTourist Hub
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About Wattamolla

Wattamolla is a protected coastal locality entirely within the Royal National Park, located approximately 35 kilometres south of Sydney CBD and falling under Sutherland Shire Council. The area covers around 16 square kilometres of rugged sandstone headland, eucalypt bushland, and a spectacular coastal lagoon, and had a recorded 2021 Census population of 71 — reflecting its status as a national park destination rather than a conventional residential suburb. The name Wattamolla derives from a Dharawal Aboriginal term meaning 'place near running water', a fitting description for this spot where Wattamolla Creek forms a sheltered lagoon metres from the open sea.

Wattamolla is best known for its beautiful beach and freshwater lagoon, a beloved day-trip destination for Sydneysiders who come for swimming, picnicking, snorkelling, and bushwalking along the Royal National Park's famous Coast Track. The beach is backed by a scenic waterfall where Wattamolla Creek cascades into the lagoon, making it one of the park's most photographed spots. There are no permanent shops or residential infrastructure; visitors reach Wattamolla via Wattamolla Road from Waterfall or Audley and pay a per-vehicle national park entry fee.

Wattamolla falls under postcode 2232 and is governed by the Sutherland Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Hughes, while state elections fall under the Miranda electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2232
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Sutherland
Federal Electorate
Hughes
State Electorate
Miranda
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.13°, 151.10°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
16.24 km²
Population Density
4 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2232

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2232, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$57,523
Median 2023–24
$71,455
▲ 24.2% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$87,285

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2232; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Waterfall station
9 km
N/A (drive)

Bus Services

  • No regular bus services — Royal National Park area N/A

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
35 km
By Train
No direct train access to Wattamolla; nearest station is Waterfall (T4 line), approx. 9 km away by road
By Car (Peak)
50-70 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
35-45 min

🛣️ Access via Wattamolla Road off Sir Bertram Stevens Drive within Royal National Park; national park vehicle entry fee applies

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

No shops or services exist within Wattamolla; the area is entirely within Royal National Park and accessed by car

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
71
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
82.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 6.2%
Motor vehicle theft
49.9 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 5.3%
Non-DV assault
243.5 / 100k
2yr Up 16.2% 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
6.3 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
101.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 9.8%
View all 62 offence types for Sutherland →

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wattamolla known for? +

Wattamolla is known for its beautiful coastal lagoon and beach within the Royal National Park, where Wattamolla Creek forms a calm, sheltered lagoon behind a sandy beach with a scenic waterfall. It is one of Sydney's most popular national park day-trip destinations for swimming, picnics, snorkelling, and bushwalking.

How far is Wattamolla from Sydney CBD? +

Wattamolla is approximately 35 kilometres south of Sydney CBD, typically a 35 to 70 minute drive depending on traffic, accessed via the Royal National Park road network.

Does Wattamolla have public transport? +

There is no public transport directly to Wattamolla. The nearest train station is Waterfall on the T4 Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra Line, approximately 9 kilometres away by road. Visitors typically drive and pay a Royal National Park vehicle entry fee.

What is the population of Wattamolla? +

The 2021 Census recorded 71 people associated with the Wattamolla locality; however, Wattamolla is not a conventional residential suburb and lies entirely within the Royal National Park with no permanent settlement.

Is Wattamolla a good place to visit? +

Wattamolla is highly regarded as a day-trip destination, offering calm lagoon swimming suitable for families, a scenic waterfall, and easy access to the Royal National Park's famous Coast Track. Entry requires a national park vehicle pass, and facilities are limited to a picnic area and toilets.

What is the postcode for Wattamolla? +

The postcode for Wattamolla is 2232, which covers parts of the Royal National Park and the broader Sutherland Shire area.

Is Wattamolla a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Wattamolla is part of the Sutherland 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.