Maclean
Suburb profile, market snapshot and recent listings for Maclean, NSW 2463.
About Maclean
Welcome to Maclean
Maclean sits on the banks of the Clarence River in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, about a five-hour drive north of Sydney and a short hop off the Pacific Highway between Grafton and Yamba. Known as the "Scottish Town of Australia" for its tartan-painted power poles and Highland Gathering, it's a working river town with a strong sense of place, ringed by cane fields, fishing grounds and the smaller communities of Townsend, Ashby, Ilarwill, James Creek and Harwood.
With a population of 2,778 and a median age of 56, Maclean has the settled, unhurried feel typical of a mature riverside town. It tends to suit downsizers, retirees and those wanting a slower pace of life within reach of both the coast at Yamba and the regional hub of Grafton, though its affordability and river lifestyle are increasingly drawing younger families and remote workers too.
Lifestyle & dining
Life in Maclean revolves around the river and the main street, where cafes, pubs and a handful of local eateries serve the town without any pretence of being anything other than a genuine country community. The annual Highland Gathering each Easter is the town's big drawcard, filling the streets with pipe bands and drawing visitors from across the region, but day to day it's a quiet, friendly place built around fishing, boating and watching the prawn trawlers come and go.
Shopping
Maclean's compact town centre covers most everyday needs, with a supermarket, bakeries, pharmacies and specialty stores lining the main street. For bigger shopping trips, residents head to Grafton or south to Yamba and Ballina, both an easy drive away, making Maclean a convenient base without the pressure of a large commercial centre on your doorstep.
Getting around
The Pacific Highway runs close to town, putting Grafton around twenty minutes away and Yamba's beaches a similarly short drive to the east, with Ballina and its airport further south again. Maclean also sits on the North Coast rail line, giving it a passenger service connecting to larger centres, while local roads link easily to the surrounding villages of Townsend, Ashby, Ilarwill, James Creek and Harwood, most of which are minutes away across the river.
Schools & families
Families are well served locally, with Maclean Public School and Maclean High School both based in town, giving children a full run of schooling options without needing to travel. This local schooling, combined with the town's community feel, is part of what keeps multiple generations of the same families in the area.
Parks & recreation
The Clarence River is Maclean's biggest recreational asset, offering fishing, boating and riverside walks right on the town's doorstep, along with a public pool, sporting fields and parklands used for local competition and weekend gatherings. The surrounding cane country and nearby coastline add bushwalking, birdwatching and beach access into the mix for those willing to drive a little further.
The property market
Maclean's housing market centres on established houses, which make up 81% of current listings, with land sales accounting for the remaining 19% for those looking to build. The median house price sits at $677k, having grown 5.0% recently, while renters can expect to pay a median of $580 a week, figures that reflect a market still well below capital-city benchmarks but gaining attention for its river setting and relative affordability. That combination of solid recent growth and comparatively accessible entry prices has made Maclean a point of interest for both owner-occupiers and investors looking beyond the more heavily bought coastal towns nearby.
Market snapshot
Maclean property market
Median sale price
$677k
House · 3 bed
Median rent
$580
per week
Gross rental yield
4.5%
annual rent ÷ sale price
Typical price range
Entry
$508k
Median
$677k
Premium
$878k
Days on market
50
Auction clearance
0%
Sold this year
50
Median sold price trend · House 3 bed
Compound growth +1.8% / yr over 4 yrs
Median price by bedrooms · House
Property types on market
Share of current listings in Maclean by dwelling type.
Who lives here
Demographics
ABS Census 2021 figures for Maclean, NSW 2463.
Population
2,778
residents (2021)
Median age
56
years
Household income
$965
median, per week
Median rent
$330
per week
Median mortgage
$1,387
per month
Mortgage / income
33%
stretched (>30%)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2021. Suburb-level (SAL) aggregates.
Education
Schools in Maclean
Government school catchment
Recent results
Recently sold in Maclean
$475k
5 Central Avenue
Sold ~July 2026
$575k
1 Rannoch Avenue
Sold ~June 2026
$750k
18 Union Street
Sold ~June 2026
$730k
85 River Street
Sold ~June 2026
$349k
10 Hogues Lane
Sold ~June 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 Maclean
Compare the area
Price map around Maclean
Every listing for sale near Maclean, coloured by price — so you can see how it stacks up against the streets and suburbs next door.
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Nearby suburbs
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Common questions
Maclean suburb FAQ
What is the median property price in Maclean?
The median house price in Maclean, NSW is $677k for a 3-bedroom home. Over the past year, median sold prices have risen about 5.0%.
How much is rent in Maclean?
The median weekly rent in Maclean is around $580 per week.
Is Maclean a good place to live?
Maclean is a town in Clarence Valley local government area in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia. Maclean is an established residential suburb in NSW, with a population of around 2,778 and 2 schools in the area.
What is the population of Maclean?
Maclean has a population of 2,778 (ABS 2021 Census), with a median age of 56.
What schools are in Maclean?
There are 2 schools in or near Maclean, including Maclean Public School and Maclean High School.
How long do homes take to sell in Maclean?
Properties in Maclean take around 50 days to sell on average, with an auction clearance rate of about 0%.
How much do you need to buy in Maclean?
Entry-level properties in Maclean start around $508k, while premium homes reach $878k.
What suburbs are near Maclean?
Suburbs near Maclean include Townsend, Ashby, Ilarwill, James Creek and Harwood.
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