Goonellabah
Suburb profile, market snapshot and recent listings for Goonellabah, NSW 2480.
About Goonellabah
Welcome to Goonellabah
Perched on the plateau above Lismore in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Goonellabah is a well-established residential suburb known for its elevated outlooks, family-friendly streets and easy access to the region's commercial heart. It sits just a few minutes' drive from the Lismore CBD, close enough for a quick commute but with a distinctly quieter, greener feel of its own.
With a population of 13,351 and a median age of 41, Goonellabah has long been a magnet for families and those looking to move up from inner Lismore without leaving the area altogether. It borders Chilcotts Grass, Lismore Heights, Lindendale, Tregeagle and East Lismore, giving residents a good spread of nearby options for schooling, shopping and recreation while keeping Goonellabah itself firmly suburban in character.
Lifestyle & dining
Life in Goonellabah tends to revolve around the home and the outdoors rather than a single café strip, which suits the suburb's family-oriented population. Its elevated position offers some pleasant rural and hinterland views from many streets, and the short hop into Lismore proper opens up a wider choice of cafés, pubs and restaurants for those wanting more variety.
The suburb's own shopping precinct covers the day-to-day essentials, while Lismore's CBD, only minutes away, fills in the gaps with its bigger retail and hospitality scene. It's a lifestyle that favours convenience and space over inner-city buzz, appealing to people who want room to move without sacrificing access to services.
Schools & families
Education is one of Goonellabah's strong suits, with a genuine range of options within the suburb and close by. Goonellabah Public School serves local primary-aged children, while secondary students have access to The Rivers Secondary College's Kadina High Campus. Blue Hills College and Summerland Christian College add further choice for families wanting an independent or faith-based education, making Goonellabah a practical base for households at every stage of the school journey.
This depth of schooling options, combined with the suburb's quiet residential streets and reasonably priced housing, is a big part of why Goonellabah continues to attract young families and those relocating from other parts of the Northern Rivers.
Getting around
Goonellabah's position on the ridge above Lismore means most residents rely on cars to get around, with a straightforward drive down into the Lismore CBD for work, shopping or connecting to regional bus and rail services. The suburb links easily to neighbouring Lismore Heights, East Lismore, Tregeagle and Lindendale, making local trips between these communities simple.
For those travelling further afield, Lismore's regional transport hub provides bus connections throughout the Northern Rivers, while the Bruxner Highway and other arterial roads give reasonable access towards the coast and inland towns.
Parks & recreation
Being on higher ground, Goonellabah offers residents a change of scenery from the Lismore floodplain below, along with parks and reserves that take advantage of the views and open space. Sporting grounds and recreational facilities in and around the suburb cater to junior and community sport, a natural fit for a suburb with such a strong family presence.
The surrounding Northern Rivers landscape, from hinterland drives to nearby nature reserves, is also within easy reach for weekend outings, giving residents plenty of options beyond the suburb's own green spaces.
The property market
Goonellabah's property market centres firmly on houses, which make up 66% of current listings, followed by land at 27%, with apartments and units at 5% and townhouses at 3%. This mix reflects the suburb's suburban, family-home character rather than higher-density living.
The median house price currently sits at $680,000, having grown 7.7% recently, a sign of steady demand in the area. Units and apartments carry a median of $460,000, offering a notably more affordable entry point for buyers not chasing a full house block. Median rent across the suburb is $650 per week, reflecting solid rental demand that tracks alongside the broader Lismore region. For buyers priced out of Lismore's inner suburbs, Goonellabah's blend of space, schooling and comparatively accessible pricing continues to make it an appealing alternative.
Market snapshot
Goonellabah property market
Median sale price
$680k
House · 3 bed
Median rent
$650
per week
Gross rental yield
5.0%
annual rent ÷ sale price
Typical price range
Entry
$475k
Median
$680k
Premium
$840k
Days on market
34
Auction clearance
0%
Sold this year
162
Median sold price trend · House 3 bed
Compound growth +3.5% / yr over 4 yrs
Median price by bedrooms · House
Property types on market
Share of current listings in Goonellabah by dwelling type.
Who lives here
Demographics
ABS Census 2021 figures for Goonellabah, NSW 2480.
Population
13,351
residents (2021)
Median age
41
years
Household income
$1,318
median, per week
Median rent
$320
per week
Median mortgage
$1,560
per month
Mortgage / income
27%
comfortable
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2021. Suburb-level (SAL) aggregates.
Education
Schools in Goonellabah
Government school catchment
Independent & Catholic schools
Recent results
Recently sold in Goonellabah
$1.10m
8 Earls Court
Sold ~July 2026
$640k
623 Ballina Road
Sold ~July 2026
$1.10m
8 Earls Court
Sold ~July 2026
$294k
120 Invercauld Road
Sold ~July 2026
$1.11m
34 Napier Street
Sold ~July 2026
$660k
1/5 Alice Street
Sold ~July 2026
$880k
32 Hillcrest Avenue
Sold ~July 2026
$799k
22 Highfield Terrace
Sold ~July 2026
Sold prices as published on the original listing; some may reflect the last advertised price. Dates are approximate.
Explore the area
Properties & amenities in Goonellabah
Compare the area
Price map around Goonellabah
Every listing for sale near Goonellabah, coloured by price — so you can see how it stacks up against the streets and suburbs next door.
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Common questions
Goonellabah suburb FAQ
What is the median property price in Goonellabah?
The median house price in Goonellabah, NSW is $680k for a 3-bedroom home. Over the past year, median sold prices have risen about 7.7%.
How much is rent in Goonellabah?
The median weekly rent in Goonellabah is around $650 per week.
Is Goonellabah a good place to live?
Goonellabah is the eastern suburb of Lismore, New South Wales, Australia, and is on the Bruxner Highway. Goonellabah is an established residential suburb in NSW, with a population of around 13,351 and 4 schools in the area.
What is the population of Goonellabah?
Goonellabah has a population of 13,351 (ABS 2021 Census), with a median age of 41.
What schools are in Goonellabah?
There are 4 schools in or near Goonellabah, including Blue Hills College, Summerland Christian College and Goonellabah Public School.
How long do homes take to sell in Goonellabah?
Properties in Goonellabah take around 34 days to sell on average, with an auction clearance rate of about 0%.
How much do you need to buy in Goonellabah?
Entry-level properties in Goonellabah start around $475k, while premium homes reach $840k.
What suburbs are near Goonellabah?
Suburbs near Goonellabah include Chilcotts Grass, Lismore Heights, Lindendale, Tregeagle and East Lismore.
Fresh to market
New this week in Goonellabah
Comfortable Living with Potential to Make It Your Own
PACKED WITH POTENTIAL - SPACIOUS FAMILY LIVING ON A HUGE 980 SQM BLOCK!
LOWSET DUPLEX UNIT- GREAT LOCATION
Spacious Family Home with Views, Versatility and Room to Grow
Available now
Properties in Goonellabah
Sought-After Duplex Living in a Prime Location
PACKED WITH POTENTIAL - SPACIOUS FAMILY LIVING ON A HUGE 980 SQM BLOCK!
BRAND NEW
Prime renovator: stroll to the shops and Aquatic Centre
Comfortable Living with Potential to Make It Your Own
PRICES INCLUDE COMPLIANCE TO ACCESSIBILITY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS OF THE LATEST NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION CODE
ASPIRE SUBDIVISION
WOW What A Family Home
