Median house price
$866k
+1.9% change
NSW · Shoalhaven Council
Callala Beach, 2540
Est. population · Jun 2025
762
Growth (1 yr)
+0.3%
Growth (5 yr)
-2.2%
Median age
58
Median income
$1,146/wk
Employment rate
42.4%
Median house price · October to December 2025
$866,000
Languages at home
6.3%non-English
Most common: Croatian
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Coastal
- Excellent transport
- Green suburb
- Education hub
- Café precinct
Suburb profile
Well away from Sydney, Callala Beach is a coastal smaller community built around sand, sea and space. Regional towns and local services do more of the everyday heavy lifting than the city. An older demographic makes it especially popular with retirees, with families and grandchildren still a visible part of community life.
Neighbourhood food and coffee spots add warmth to the local routine. Parks and open space are a real strength relative to many coastal suburbs, easy for walks, sport and weekend downtime. Buses are a genuine asset, linking residents to work, study and nearby neighbourhoods.
Housing is expensive relative to much of the state. Occasional new builds add variety while most of the suburb keeps its established look.
The desirability picture is below average, weighed down by softer community and employment, plus schools and education relative to similar coastal suburbs. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Callala Beach snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$571/wk
Houses $600 · Units $465
Population (ERP)
762
+0.3% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
66.1%
Census unoccupied dwellings
Livability profile
Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)
How it compares
Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles
Desirability
#81
among Coastal & beach · Mature
Safety
20th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
43rd
percentile in NSW
Advantage (IRSAD)
5/10
national SEIFA decile
School ICSEA
34th
percentile among schools with ICSEA
Population growth
Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years
Housing mix
Dwelling types from the 2021 Census
Risks & flags
Quick scan — open a section below for full context
Living here
Desirability
Ranks & confidence
- Desirability score
- 35.1/100 — Below average
- National rank
- 4661st in Australia
- State rank
- 1482nd in NSW
- Peer rank
- #81 among Coastal & beach · Mature suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #150 among Coastal & beach suburbs
- Data confidence
- 89%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- Flats / units (January to March 2026)
- $465
- Houses (January to March 2026)
- $600
- All types (January to March 2026)
- $571
- Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
- 300
- Median house price (October to December 2025)
- $866,000
- Median price change
- +1.9%
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 and sales tables — NSW Department of Communities and Justice · January to March 2026; October to December 2025 · Updated · Quarterly releases
Population
Estimated resident population
762(June 2025)
+0.3% annual · -2.2% over 5 years · 43th percentile in NSW
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- +0.3%
- 5-year growth
- -2.2%
- Change in 1 year
- +2
- Change in 5 years
- -17
- Growth rank in NSW
- 43th percentile
ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.
Methodology
Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.
The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~750), extrapolated at -0.1% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 777
- Median age
- 58
- Median household income / week
- $1,146
- Dwelling vacancy
- 66.1%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 647 of 979
- Median monthly mortgage
- $2,000
- Employment rate
- 42.4%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 330 / 0 / 0
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 · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
- Estimated Resident Population — Australian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries
Community & culture
No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Crime & safety
Reported offences decreased compared with the previous period.
Offence counts & rates
- Total offences (Jan 2025 to Dec 2025)
- 31
- Against the person
- 11
- Against property
- 12
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 40.7
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 71 residents
- State safety percentile
- 20th (lower crime is better)
- Decrease (daily rate)
- -5.8%
Most common offence types
- Breach Apprehended Violence Order135
- Domestic Violence Related Assault174
- Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment283
- Malicious Damage To Property261
- Non-Domestic Violence Related Assault146
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 · Jan 2024 to Dec 2024 → Jan 2025 to Dec 2025; Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 · Updated · Rolling 12-month windows
Family & Lifestyle
Schools & preschools
- Schools within 2 km
- 1
- Median school ICSEA
- 971
- Median ICSEA percentile
- 34th
School list
- Callala Public SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 971 · 34th percentile · LBOTE 8% · 151 students · Top SEA quarter 12% · 1.7 km awayView on My School →
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 · 2025 · Updated · Annual release
- School ICSEA scores — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · 2025 · Updated · Annual release
Public transport
36 public transport stops in this suburb
- Callala Beach Rd Opp Callala RSL Country Club
- Callala Beach Rd Opp Club Callala
- Callala RSL Country Club, Callala Beach Rd
- King George St Before Princess St
- Queen Mary St At Parkes Cres
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 · current · Updated · Nightly GTFS feed
Amenities
34 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
2 cafes · 1 pubs
Local character & venue list
Local character
- A car helps for daily errands
- Great for outdoor family life — 3 parks mapped in suburb
- Well connected by public transport — 36 public transport stops
- Walkability proxy
- 36/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 2.57
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 3.86
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 3.86
Food & drink(3)
- CalabrisellaCafe
- Coffee and Churros at Callala BeachCafe
38 Callala Beach Road
- Callala Beach RSLPub
Community(1)
- Callala Beach Community CentreCommunity centre
Sport & outdoors(5)
- Callala Beach Golf CourseGolf course
- Park (3)
- Sports field
Transport(14)
14 bus stops
Other(5)
- Callala Beach Rural Fire BrigadeFire station
Greenway Road, Callala Beach
- Parking (3)
- Post Box
- Public toilets
- Shelter (5)
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 3
- Parks (OSM)
- 3
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 — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Health access
- Nearest hospital
- Nowra Private Hospital (14.7 km)
- Nearest hospital type
- Hospital
- Nearest hospital emergency
- Emergency department
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Hospitals and GP clinics
Data sources & freshness
- Hospitals & clinics — OpenStreetMap + state health datasets · current · Updated
NDIS participation
- NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
- 16
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 21.0
Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.
For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.
Data sources & freshness
- NDIS participants by SA2 — National Disability Insurance Agency · 2026-Q1 · Updated · Quarterly SA2 counts allocated to suburb boundaries
Weather
Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
- Usual max / min
- 24° / 17°
- Rainfall
- 301 mm · ~38 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 21° / 15°
- Rainfall
- 396 mm · ~50 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 16° / 10°
- Rainfall
- 292 mm · ~36 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 20° / 13°
- Rainfall
- 274 mm · ~34 rainy days
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Temperature and humidity comfort
Data sources & freshness
- Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated
Future & Planning
Planning & development
Development applications from NSW Planning Portal.
2026· 19 proposals
July 2026
- Secondary dwelling; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure92 LENNOX ROAD CALLALA BEACH 2540Under Assessment
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure8 SILKWOOD WALK CALLALA BEACH 2540Under Assessment
June 2026
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Carport; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support28 ROSKELL ROAD CALLALA BEACH 2540Under Assessment
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure72 WATTS ROAD CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
May 2026
- Demolition; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation8 CALLALA BEACH ROAD CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation40 CALLALA BEACH ROAD CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
- Demolition; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)80 KING GEORGE STREET CALLALA BEACH 2540Additional Information Requested
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure101 QUEEN MARY STREET CALLALA BEACH 2540Under Assessment
April 2026
- Shed; Erection of a new structure144 QUEEN MARY STREET CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
- Demolition; Shed; Erection of a new structure7 KING GEORGE STREET CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure60 ROSKELL ROAD CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure72 WATTS ROAD CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
March 2026
- Shed; Erection of a new structure41 QUEEN MARY STREET CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
February 2026
- Secondary dwelling; Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia111 QUEEN MARY STREET CALLALA BEACH 2540Deferred Commencement
- Shed; Erection of a new structure69 ROSKELL ROAD CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure6 SILKWOOD WALK CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
- Demolition8 PARKES CRESCENT CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure1 SIR HENRY CRESCENT CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
January 2026
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation8 PARKES CRESCENT CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
2025· 23 proposals
December 2025
- Dual occupancy; Demolition; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached)16 QUAY ROAD CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
- Dual occupancy; Demolition; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)73 QUAY ROAD CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
November 2025
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure18 GREENWAY ROAD CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
- Subdivision68A QUEEN MARY STREET CALLALA BEACH 2540Under Assessment
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Minor building alterations (external); Supporting Development114A Quay Rd CALLALA BEACH - Lot CP SP 80080Determined
- Secondary dwelling; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation35 KING GEORGE STREET CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
October 2025
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure6 SILKWOOD WALK CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
- Shop top housing; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure3 PARKES CRESCENT CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
September 2025
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure17 QUAY ROAD CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
August 2025
- Demolition; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure43 KING GEORGE STREET CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation8 ROSKELL ROAD CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
July 2025
- Shed; Erection of a new structure41 QUEEN MARY STREET CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
June 2025
- Demolition; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Carport; Residential Accommodation1 58 GREENWAY ROAD CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
May 2025
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure60 ROSKELL ROAD CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool116A QUAY ROAD CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
April 2025
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Awnings, blinds and canopies57 QUAY ROAD CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure48 GREENWAY ROAD CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure36 QUAY ROAD CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
- Demolition; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure8 QUAY ROAD CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure14 KING GEORGE STREET CALLALA BEACH 2540Deferred Commencement
March 2025
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation86 WATTS ROAD CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
- Demolition; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure137 QUAY ROAD CALLALA BEACH 2540Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation8 ROSKELL ROAD CALLALA BEACH 2540Operational consent issued
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 · 2026 · Updated · Daily feed (from Oct 2018)
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 · current · Updated
Politics & representation
- Federal electorate
- Gilmore
- Member of Parliament
- Fiona PHILLIPS (Australian Labor Party)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 128,995
- Turnout (2025)
- 92.5%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +5.0 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 44.9%Labor 55.1%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 11.3 km away).
Coalition 40.4%Labor 59.6%
4.4 percentage points more Labor-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +4.4 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- Callala BayLabor 60.5% · Coalition 39.5% TPP (2025)1.9 km away
- Callala BeachLabor 59.4% · Coalition 40.6% TPP (2025)2.3 km away
- HuskissonLabor 60.0% · Coalition 40.0% TPP (2025)4.5 km away
- VincentiaLabor 59.7% · Coalition 40.3% TPP (2025)8.2 km away
- CulburraLabor 59.2% · Coalition 40.8% TPP (2025)9.7 km away
Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.
Data sources & freshness
- Federal election results — Australian Electoral Commission · Updated · 2025 election with by-election overlays
Socio-economic
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 5/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 5/10
ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).
What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?
IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.
IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.
A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
More in Shoalhaven Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of New South Wales.