Far West, NSW
About the Far West region
This region of NSW is a vast one, encompassing about 30% of the state's land in its semi-arid western reaches. With its rolling red sand dunes, vast stretches of desert, wide open spaces and untouched natural beauty, the Far West region epitomises the Australian outback at its best. It is home to the major regional and mining centre of Broken Hill, along with a host of other, smaller townships.
The traditional owners of the lands of the Far West region are the Barkandji people, who hold a native title claim to some 128,000 km² of land in the region.
Local councils
NSW's Far West region includes 2 municipalities: Broken Hill City Council and Central Darling Shire Council.
Climate information
The climate of the Far West varies across the region. In summer, average temperatures range from 22–24 °C in its southern reaches to 28–30 °C in the north, while in winter, average temperatures range from 12–14 °C in the north to 8–10 °C in the south-east.
Rainfall is also variable. Much of the region is semi-arid and receives just 200-400 mm annually, on average, while parts of its eastern reaches receive over 400 mm and the area along the South Australian border receives less than 200 mm.
Population
The estimated population of the Far West region is reported as 48,100. Although it is the largest region of NSW by area, it has the smallest population.
Education
The Far West region is home to a number of primary and secondary schools. These primarily clustered in key regional centres such as Broken Hill, but there are also schools servicing more remote communities.
Residents who wish to pursue tertiary qualifications can choose to study courses from leading Australian universities without leaving the region at the Country University Centre Far West. They can also enrol at one of the region's numerous TAFE campuses.
Employment and local businesses
Despite its small population, the Far West region boasts a significant regional economy, with a Gross Regional Product of $2.8 billion as of 2011. This represents 32 per cent more economic output per person than the NSW regional average. The region's economy is primarily supported by its agriculture and mining sectors, which together contribute almost 40% to the local economy.
Housing
Median house price varies across the Far West region, but its largest city, Broken Hill, has a median of $151,634. The region has a median weekly house rental (for a 3-bedroom home) of $100 in Central Darling and $190 in Broken Hill. Both the house purchase and rental prices are well below the NSW median values.
Events
Where: Broken Hill, NSW
When: Annually, in September
What: The desert comes alive every year with this outrageous local festival, which brings together some of the country's most famous cultural personalities, DJs, showgirls and drag kings & queens for three days of fun. Comedy, cabaret, live music and other performances will be on display, paying homage to the iconic film and musical 'Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.' The Main Drag in Drag parade in Town Square in particular is not to be missed.
Where: White Cliffs, NSW
When: Annually, in April
What: This laid-back country rodeo is one of the last events of its kind, and has been running for over a century. Residents of the region and curious visitors from elsewhere are invited to take part in the exciting gymkhana competitions that run all weekend and marvel at the thrilling rodeo that is the highlight of the event.
Where: Broken Hill, NSW
When: Annually, on St. Patrick's Day in March
What: This race meeting has been bringing together everything that is best about outback Australian racing for over 55 years, and is showing no sign of slowing down. Crowds of more than 4,000 spectators turn out every year for the 8-race program, and with more than $100,000 up for grabs in prize money, the environment is always electric. With a glamorous Fashions on the Field competition, plenty of gourmet food and live entertainment on offer, there's something for everyone at this country race day.
Additional Information
Far West has 3 subregions. Use the list below or the map above to learn more about individual subregions.
Far West Schools
- Government Schools
- Independent Schools
Combined
- Ivanhoe Central School IVANHOE NSW 2878
- Menindee Central School MENINDEE NSW 2879
- Wilcannia Central School WILCANNIA NSW 2836
Primary
- Alma Public School BROKEN HILL NSW 2880
- Broken Hill North Public School BROKEN HILL NSW 2880
- Broken Hill Public School BROKEN HILL NSW 2880
- Burke Ward Public School BROKEN HILL NSW 2880
- Morgan Street Public School BROKEN HILL NSW 2880
- Railway Town Public School BROKEN HILL NSW 2880
- School of the Air BROKEN HILL NSW 2880
- Tibooburra Outback Public School TIBOOBURRA NSW 2880
- Wanaaring Public School WANAARING NSW 2840
- White Cliffs Public School WHITE CLIFFS NSW 2836
Secondary
- Broken Hill High School BROKEN HILL NSW 2880
- Willyama High School BROKEN HILL NSW 2880
Primary
- Sacred Heart Parish School BROKEN HILL NSW 2880
- St Therese's Community Parish School WILCANNIA NSW 2836
Special
- ALESCO Learning Centre Far West BROKEN HILL NSW 2880
- Eagle Arts and Vocational College, Broken Hill Campus BROKEN HILL NSW 2880
Far West Census Information
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Dwelling Type
What types of residential properties are available in Far West?
Source: ABS 2016 Census GCP -
Tenure Type
Which residential properties in Far West are owned, mortgaged or rented out?
Source: ABS 2016 Census GCP -
Change in Residence
Did people in Far West change address in the last year?
Source: ABS 2016 Census GCP -
Working Population
What age groups are most strongly represented in Far West?
Source: ABS 2016 Census GCP -
Top 5 Industries
What industries do people in Far West work in?
- Health care and social assistance
- Retail trade
- Accommodation and food services
- Mining
- Education and training
Source: ABS 2016 Census GCP -
Family Size
How many people live in a household in Far West?
Source: ABS 2016 Census GCP
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