NSW · Ballina Council
Wollongbar, 2477
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Updated
Desirability score
- High desirability
- Excellent transport
- Green suburb
Suburb profile
Wollongbar anchors everyday life in Ballina, a regional mid-sized suburb with its own identity and rhythm. The community is self-contained in the best sense. Local life comes first, with the region opening up beyond. Residents are mostly families and working professionals, with plenty of young families in the mix.
Local shops, markets and community spots keep everyday life grounded in the town itself. Green space is a real strength, with parks and playgrounds woven through the suburb. Public transport is a genuine asset, linking residents to work, study and nearby neighbourhoods.
Property is in demand, reflecting the appeal of living in a place people actively choose. Active development is adding new homes and refreshed pockets throughout the suburb.
On the desirability index, the suburb rates good overall, led by housing affordability and growth momentum, while local dining and lifestyle amenities and safety sit closer to the middle of the pack for similar regional towns.
Population
- Population
- 3,261
- Median age
- 40
- Median household income / week
- $1,639
- Dwelling vacancy
- 5.6%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 72 of 1,277
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,842
- Employment rate
- 61.8%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 70 / 88 / 102
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 Census release
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Housing
- Flats / units (January to March 2026)
- $530
- Houses (January to March 2026)
- $750
- All types (January to March 2026)
- $700
- Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
- 59
Median weekly rent from NSW DCJ rent tables. Figures can be unreliable where few bonds were lodged in the quarter.
Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)
Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum
Data sources & freshness
- DCJ rent tables — NSW Department of Communities and Justice · Period: January to March 2026 · Updated on site · Quarterly releases
Crime & safety
- Total offences (Jan 2025 to Dec 2025)
- 132
- Against the person
- 34
- Against property
- 66
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 40.5
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 96 residents
- State safety percentile
- 15.5th (lower crime is better)
- Increase (daily rate)
- +3.4%
Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.
Reported offences by period
Most common offence types
- Domestic Violence Related Assault37
- Fraud33
- Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment40
- Malicious Damage To Property62
- Steal From Motor Vehicle47
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Crime rate and year-on-year trend
Data sources & freshness
- BOCSAR postcode crime statistics — NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Period: Jan 2024 to Dec 2024 → Jan 2025 to Dec 2025; Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 · Updated on site · Rolling 12-month windows
Schools & preschools
- Schools & preschools
- 1
- Median school ICSEA
- 1,028
- Wollongbar Public SchoolPrimary
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA
Data sources & freshness
- ACARA school locations — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · Period: 2025 · Updated on site · Annual ACARA release
- School ICSEA scores — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · Period: 2025 · Updated on site · Annual ACARA release
Public transport
200 public transport stops in this suburb
- Cerreto Cct Opp Lyle Park Rugby Field
- Dalmacia Dr At County Ct
- Midway Av Opp Tupelo Av
- Rifle Range Rd After Midway Av
- Rubiton St Opp Rubiton St Reserve
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Public transport stop coverage
Data sources & freshness
- Timetables Complete GTFS stops (© Transport for NSW, CC BY 4.0) — Transport for NSW — Open Data Hub · Period: current · Updated on site · GTFS static feed (updated nightly)
Planning & development
Development applications from NSW Planning Portal (lodged 2020–2026).
104 planning-related records
2026· 15 proposals
June 2026
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Carport; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Rainwater tanks; Swimming pool; Residential Accommodation8 CALLICOMA COURT WOLLONGBAR 2477Under Assessment
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation1 18 DALMACIA DRIVE WOLLONGBAR 2477Under Assessment
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah (screened enclosures); Residential Accommodation37 MILLBROOK TERRACE WOLLONGBAR 2477Under Assessment
- Subdivision28 DUNDEE AVENUE WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure30 RIFLE RANGE ROAD WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
May 2026
- Dwelling house; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Driveways and hard stand spaces; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Fences6 RIFLE RANGE ROAD WOLLONGBAR 2477Under Assessment
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool32 STANLEY PARK ROAD WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Carport; Residential Accommodation; Supporting Development16 FRANCIS AVENUE WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
April 2026
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Swimming pool6 MILLBROOK TERRACE WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
March 2026
- Demolition; Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Residential Accommodation30 RIFLE RANGE ROAD WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Swimming pool41 AVALON AVENUE WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
February 2026
- Secondary dwelling; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Non-standard Housing; Residential Accommodation21 RUBITON STREET WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
January 2026
- Demolition; Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space; Supporting Development150 SNEATHS ROAD WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Fences; Garage, carport or carparking space; Business identification sign; Centre-based child care10 DUNDEE AVENUE WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Swimming pool53 MCLEANS RIDGES ROAD WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
2025· 14 proposals
December 2025
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation14 BOLWARRA CIRCUIT WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
November 2025
- Shed; Erection of a new structure40 MILLBROOK TERRACE WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
October 2025
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Fences44 BOLWARRA CIRCUIT WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
September 2025
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation42 SIMPSON AVENUE WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
July 2025
- Pub; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure52 SIMPSON AVENUE WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
June 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support24 SCARLETT COURT WOLLONGBAR 2477Withdrawn
May 2025
- Demolition; Educational establishment; Erection of a new structure; Tertiary institution61 SNEATHS ROAD WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
April 2025
- Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah1 QUEENS PARK COURT WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure26 DALMACIA DRIVE WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
March 2025
- Subdivision6 SELKIRK PLACE WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation226 LINDENDALE ROAD WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
February 2025
- Subdivision10 WOLLONGBAR DRIVE WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure10 CERRETO CIRCUIT WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure104 NORMAN JONES LANE WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
2024· 11 proposals
November 2024
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Swimming pool1320 BRUXNER HIGHWAY WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
October 2024
- Demolition; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Barbecues and other outdoor cooking structures3 ANALEI STREET WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
September 2024
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation7 YEATES COURT WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
August 2024
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Veterinary hospital1243 BRUXNER HIGHWAY WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
July 2024
- Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Swimming pool11 TECTONA PLACE WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Swimming pool60 CHESWORTH LANE WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
June 2024
- Home business; Erection of a new structure; Shipping containers98 LINDENDALE ROAD WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure11 MIDWAY AVENUE WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
- Dual occupancy24 DUNDEE AVENUE WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
May 2024
- Shed; Erection of a new structure7 FRANCIS AVENUE WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
April 2024
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Swimming pool15 MILLBROOK TERRACE WOLLONGBAR 2477Determined
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- Online DA development application register — NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure · Period: 2020–2026 · Updated on site · Daily open-data feed (applications from Oct 2018)
Amenities
31 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
- BottlemartAlcohol
- Bbq
- Ballina Rd before Lindendale RdBus stop
- Bruxner Hwy after Converys LaneBus stop
- Lismore Rd at Rifle Range Rd (Wollongbar Coach Stop)Bus stop
- Lismore Rd opp Range Rd (Wollongbar Coach Stop)Bus stop
- Plateau Dr at Bolwarra CctBus stop
- Plateau Dr at Delva RdBus stop
- Plateau Dr before Callicoma CtBus stop
- Rifle Range Rd at Plateau DrBus stop
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe).
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
Parks & reserves
3 parks and public open space in this suburb
- Campbell Avenue ReservePark
- Central Park ReservePark
- Wollongbar District ParkPark
Data sources & freshness
- Parks & reserves — State government + ABS LGA boundaries · Period: current · Updated on site
Health access
- Hospitals & GP clinics
- 4
- Emergency department
- Not in suburb
- Advantage PharmacySimpson Avenuepharmacy
- Lamas & Brownoptometrist
- Wollongbar Dental Practicedentist
- Wollongbar Medical Practicedoctor
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Hospitals and GP clinics
Data sources & freshness
- Hospitals & clinics — OpenStreetMap + state health datasets · Period: current · Updated on site
Socio-economic (SEIFA)
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 7/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 7/10
SEIFA indexes from ABS 2021. Decile 10 = most advantaged / least disadvantaged in Australia.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 SEIFA release
Childcare
2 childcare services from OpenStreetMap
- The Learning CottageSmiths Lanekindergarten
- Wollongbar Community PreschoolHall Courtkindergarten
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
Childcare centre count
Data sources & freshness
- Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · Period: current · Updated on site
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- Overlay applies
Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via NSW bush fire prone land mapping.
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Bushfire hazard overlays
Data sources & freshness
- Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · Period: current · Updated on site
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 6
- Parks (OSM)
- 6
OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.
Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)
Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap green cover features — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
Desirability Index
- Desirability score
- 61.4/100 — Good
- State standing
- Top 13% of New South Wales' suburbs
- National rank
- 721st in Australia
- State rank
- 264th in NSW
- Peer rank
- #19 among Country & regional · Established suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #37 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 89%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived score) · Period: current · Updated on site · Derived from source metrics
Recent changes
- Advantage PharmacyamenitiesUnit 6 54 Simpson Avenue, Wollongbarpharmacy
- Australia Postamenitiespost_box
- Ballina Rd before Lindendale Rdamenitiesbus_stop
- Bbqamenitiesbbq
- Bottlemartamenitiesalcohol
- Bruxner Hwy after Converys Laneamenitiesbus_stop
- Cafe 53amenitiescafe
- Fitness Stationamenitiesfitness_station
- Foodworksamenitiessupermarket
- Lismore Rd at Rifle Range Rd (Wollongbar Coach Stop)amenitiesbus_stop
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
More in Ballina Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of New South Wales.