Barangaroo Suburb Guide 2025
Barangaroo is a premium waterfront precinct on the western edge of Sydney Harbour, located approximately 2.8km from the CBD in the Eastern Sydney region. As one of Australia's most ambitious urban renewal projects, this newly developed area is home to a small but growing residential community. According to ABS Census 2021, the total population stands at just 220 residents, of whom approximately 25.9% are of Chinese ancestry — placing it in the top 4% across NSW for Chinese population concentration, though this figure should be interpreted with caution given the tiny sample size. The median unit price sits at approx. $1.2M, with weekly rents for a 2-bedroom apartment at approx. $1,250. While there are no secondary schools within Barangaroo itself, several well-regarded schools are located nearby in the Sydney CBD and Ultimo, including International Grammar School with an AU Guide Score of 82.59/100. The suburb is served by Barangaroo Station on the new Sydney Metro line, with transit to the CBD taking approx. 16 minutes.
Barangaroo (巴兰加鲁) — Key Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Postcode | 2000 |
| Population | 220 (ABS Census 2021) |
| Chinese Population | 25.9% (57 residents) — top 4% in NSW |
| Median Unit Price | Approx. $1.2M (top 11% in NSW) |
| 2BR Unit Rent | Approx. $1,250/week |
| Distance to CBD | Approx. 2.8km (approx. 16 min by transit) |
| Train Station | Barangaroo Station (Sydney Metro) |
Nearby Schools: International Grammar School (Score: 82.59) · St Andrew's Cathedral School (Score: 80.43) · Conservatorium High School (Score: 76.88) · See full AU Guide NSW School Rankings
Community and Demographics
Barangaroo is unlike most suburbs in Sydney. Rather than an established residential neighbourhood that has grown organically over decades, it is a purpose-built precinct that has been developed from former container wharves into a mixed-use waterfront destination. The area includes the Barangaroo Reserve parkland, Crown Sydney tower, commercial office buildings, and a growing number of residential apartments concentrated in the Barangaroo South precinct.
According to ABS Census 2021, the total population of Barangaroo is just 220 residents — making it one of the smallest residential communities in the Sydney metropolitan area. The suburb covers only 0.22 square kilometres, giving it a population density of approximately 988 people per square kilometre. It is important to note that with such a small total population, all demographic percentages should be treated with caution, as small changes in raw numbers produce large percentage swings.
With that caveat, ABS Census 2021 data shows that approximately 25.9% of Barangaroo's residents (57 individuals) identify as having Chinese ancestry. This places the suburb in the top 4% across NSW for Chinese population concentration. However, the absolute number — 57 people — is extremely small compared to established Chinese-Australian communities such as Haymarket or Hurstville, where Chinese populations number in the thousands. The high percentage is largely a function of the very small denominator rather than evidence of a large, established community.
As a new development precinct, Barangaroo's residential population skews toward professionals and couples who value proximity to the CBD, harbour views, and modern apartment living. The area is home to numerous restaurants, cafes, and retail outlets along the waterfront promenade. The Barangaroo Reserve, a six-hectare headland park featuring native plantings, provides green space for residents and visitors. For everyday needs such as supermarkets and medical services, residents typically travel to nearby areas including Wynyard, Darling Harbour, or Pyrmont.
For Chinese-Australian families considering Barangaroo, it is worth noting that while the percentage figure appears high at 25.9%, the community infrastructure that typically supports Chinese families — such as Chinese-language weekend schools, Asian grocery stores, and community organisations — is not present within the suburb itself. Residents seeking these services would need to travel to established Chinese-Australian hubs such as Haymarket (Chinatown), Burwood, or Hurstville. The Sydney average for Chinese population is approximately 5%, so even with the small-sample caveat, Barangaroo's proportion is notably higher than most suburbs.
Schools and Education
There are no secondary schools located within Barangaroo itself. This is unsurprising given the suburb's nature as a newly developed commercial and residential precinct on reclaimed wharf land. Similarly, there are no primary schools within the suburb boundaries. However, families living in Barangaroo have access to several well-regarded secondary schools in the surrounding Sydney CBD and inner-city areas, all within a short commute via the Sydney Metro or bus. The closest schools are concentrated in Ultimo (approximately 2km south) and the CBD itself.
The following nearby schools are listed with their 2025 HSC results as reported by NESA.
- Type: Independent, Co-ed (K-12)
- Location: Ultimo
- 2025 HSC: DA 120 students, All-Round Achievers 3 students, Top Achievers 5 students, First in Course 2 students
- AU Guide Score: 82.59/100 (scoring method)
International Grammar School is the highest-scoring school in the immediate vicinity, with strong academic performance. Its 120 Distinguished Achievers in the 2025 HSC place it among the better-performing independent schools in NSW. The school offers a bilingual programme in several languages, which may appeal to families seeking a multicultural educational environment.
- Type: Independent, Co-ed (K-12)
- Location: Sydney CBD
- 2025 HSC: DA 148 students, All-Round Achievers 4 students, Top Achievers 3 students
- AU Guide Score: 80.43/100 (scoring method)
Located in the heart of the CBD adjacent to Town Hall, St Andrew's Cathedral School produced 148 Distinguished Achievers in the 2025 HSC — the highest raw DA count among these nearby schools. With an AU Guide Score of 80.43/100, the school demonstrates strong academic performance.
- Type: Government, Co-ed (Year 7-12)
- Location: Sydney CBD
- 2025 HSC: DA 100 students, All-Round Achievers 1 student, Top Achievers 1 student
- AU Guide Score: 76.88/100 (scoring method)
The Conservatorium High School is a government school affiliated with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, specialising in musically gifted students. Its AU Guide Score of 76.88/100 reflects good academic performance. Entry is based on musical audition rather than catchment area.
- Type: Catholic, Boys (Year 3-12)
- Location: Sydney CBD
- 2025 HSC: DA 93 students, All-Round Achievers 3 students
St Mary's Cathedral College is a Catholic boys' school located near Hyde Park in the eastern CBD. It produced 93 Distinguished Achievers and 3 All-Round Achievers in the 2025 HSC. As a single-sex school, it may suit families specifically seeking a boys-only educational environment within a Catholic framework.
It is worth noting that all four of these schools are independent or Catholic schools with their own admissions processes and fee structures. Families seeking government secondary schools would need to look further afield, as Conservatorium High School admits students by musical audition only and is not a general-intake government school. The absence of a general-intake government secondary school within easy reach is a consideration for families on a budget who prefer the public education system.
Nearby Schools Comparison
| School | Type | AU Guide Score | DA Students | All-Rounders | Top Achievers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Grammar School | Independent, Co-ed | 82.59 | 120 | 3 | 5 |
| St Andrew's Cathedral School | Independent, Co-ed | 80.43 | 148 | 4 | 3 |
| Conservatorium High School | Government, Co-ed | 76.88 | 100 | 1 | 1 |
| St Mary's Cathedral College | Catholic, Boys | — | 93 | 3 | — |
Property and Rental Market
Barangaroo's property market is defined entirely by apartments and units. As a purpose-built waterfront precinct, there are no freestanding houses. The residential stock consists primarily of high-rise luxury apartments, many with harbour views, located in the Barangaroo South development and the Crown Residences tower.
Unit Prices
The median unit price in Barangaroo is approx. $1.2M, which places it in the top 11% of suburbs across NSW by unit price. This is a premium price point that reflects the suburb's harbourside location, new building stock, and proximity to the CBD. For context, apartments in nearby inner-city suburbs such as Haymarket and Ultimo are generally available at lower price points, while comparable waterfront precincts command similar or higher prices.
Buyers should be aware that apartment prices in Barangaroo vary significantly depending on the building, floor level, and harbour views. Premium residences in the Crown tower and upper floors of Barangaroo South developments can command prices well above the median, while smaller apartments without water views may be closer to or below the median figure. The absence of any freestanding houses means that all property transactions in the suburb are apartment sales, which distinguishes Barangaroo from most other Sydney suburbs where a mix of property types exists.
Rental Market
Rental costs in Barangaroo are among the highest in Sydney, consistent with the suburb's premium positioning.
| Property Type | Weekly Rent |
|---|---|
| 2-Bedroom Unit | Approx. $1,250/week |
| 3-Bedroom Unit | Approx. $1,850/week |
| 2-Bedroom House | Approx. $1,080/week |
A 2-bedroom unit at approx. $1,250 per week and a 3-bedroom unit at approx. $1,850 per week reflect the premium nature of the housing stock. The 2-bedroom house rental figure of approx. $1,080 per week likely refers to terrace or townhouse-style properties in the precinct. These rental prices are well above Sydney averages, making Barangaroo one of the most expensive rental markets in the city.
Prospective tenants should expect modern, high-specification apartments with amenities such as concierge services, gymnasiums, and swimming pools. The trade-off is that apartment sizes may be relatively compact by suburban standards, and strata levies in premium buildings can be significant.
No price growth data is currently available for Barangaroo, which is consistent with the suburb's status as a newly developed precinct with limited transaction history. As residential development in the precinct continues and more sales are recorded, historical price trends will become available in future years.
Barangaroo vs Nearby Suburbs — Property Comparison
| Metric | Barangaroo | Key Context |
|---|---|---|
| Median Unit Price | Approx. $1.2M | Top 11% in NSW |
| 2BR Unit Rent | Approx. $1,250/week | Premium waterfront |
| 3BR Unit Rent | Approx. $1,850/week | Among highest in Sydney |
| 2BR House Rent | Approx. $1,080/week | Terrace/townhouse style |
| Houses Available | None | Apartments only |
| Price Growth (10yr) | Not available | New precinct |
Safety and Transport
Safety
Per-capita crime rate data is not available for Barangaroo. While 189 incidents were recorded in the area (BOCSAR 2025), the suburb's resident population of just 220 makes any per-capita calculation unreliable and potentially misleading. A large proportion of the people present in Barangaroo on any given day are workers, tourists, and visitors rather than residents — the precinct includes major office towers, Crown Sydney, restaurants, and public parkland that attract significant foot traffic. As a result, incident counts reflect activity across a much larger daytime population than the 220 census residents.
As a modern, purpose-built precinct, Barangaroo features extensive CCTV coverage, security patrols, and well-lit public spaces. The waterfront promenade and Barangaroo Reserve are generally considered safe for walking and recreation.
Transport
Transport connectivity is one of Barangaroo's major strengths. The suburb is served by Barangaroo Station on the new Sydney Metro line, providing fast rail connections across the city. The CBD is approx. 2.8km away, reachable in approx. 14 minutes by car or approx. 16 minutes by public transit.
In addition to the Metro, residents have access to ferry services from nearby Barangaroo Wharf, connecting to destinations across Sydney Harbour including Manly, Taronga Zoo, and Parramatta. Bus services operate along surrounding streets, and the Wynyard transport hub is within walking distance. Cycling infrastructure along the waterfront provides an alternative commute option for CBD workers.
For drivers, the Western Distributor and Cahill Expressway provide access to the broader motorway network, though parking in Barangaroo is predominantly limited to building basement car parks. Street parking in the precinct is very limited. Residents who commute by car should factor in the cost of a dedicated parking space, which is often sold or leased separately from the apartment.
Summary: Who Is This Suburb For?
Barangaroo is best suited for:
- Professionals and couples who work in the CBD or North Sydney and want a short commute with a premium harbour lifestyle.
- Downsizers seeking low-maintenance, high-quality apartment living in a modern precinct with concierge services and amenities.
- International residents and investors who value a prestige address on Sydney Harbour with new building stock.
Barangaroo may not be the best fit for:
- Families with school-age children — there are no schools within the suburb, limited playgrounds, and the nearest schools require a commute to the CBD or Ultimo.
- Budget-conscious renters or buyers — with unit prices at approx. $1.2M and rents from approx. $1,250/week, this is a premium market.
- Those seeking an established community feel — with just 220 residents, the suburb lacks the neighbourhood character and local amenities (supermarkets, medical centres, community groups) found in more established areas.
In summary, Barangaroo offers a distinctive waterfront lifestyle at a premium price point. It is a suburb defined by its newness, its harbour location, and its proximity to the CBD — but not yet by the depth of community or everyday convenience that families typically prioritise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median apartment price in Barangaroo?
The median unit price in Barangaroo is approx. $1.2M, which places it in the top 11% across NSW. There are no freestanding houses in the suburb, as it is a purpose-built waterfront precinct consisting entirely of apartments. Rental costs are also high, with 2-bedroom units at approx. $1,250 per week and 3-bedroom units at approx. $1,850 per week.
Is Barangaroo safe?
Per-capita crime rate data is not available for Barangaroo due to its very small resident population of 220. While 189 incidents were recorded (BOCSAR 2025), this figure reflects the large daytime population of workers, tourists, and visitors rather than residents alone. The precinct features modern security infrastructure including CCTV and security patrols.
What schools are near Barangaroo?
There are no secondary schools within Barangaroo. The nearest options include International Grammar School in Ultimo (AU Guide Score: 82.59/100), St Andrew's Cathedral School in the CBD (80.43/100), and Conservatorium High School (76.88/100). See the full AU Guide NSW School Rankings for more details.
What is the Chinese population in Barangaroo?
According to ABS Census 2021, approximately 25.9% of Barangaroo's residents (57 individuals out of 220 total) identify as having Chinese ancestry. This places it in the top 4% across NSW for Chinese population percentage. However, the absolute number is very small, and the high percentage is largely a result of the tiny total population rather than a large established Chinese community.
How do you get to the CBD from Barangaroo?
Barangaroo is approx. 2.8km from the Sydney CBD. The suburb is served by Barangaroo Station on the Sydney Metro line, with transit taking approx. 16 minutes. Driving takes approx. 14 minutes. Ferry services from nearby Barangaroo Wharf and walking or cycling along the waterfront are also viable options. The Wynyard transport hub is within walking distance.
Is Barangaroo good for families?
Barangaroo is generally better suited to professionals and couples than to families with school-age children. The suburb has no schools, limited playgrounds, and a very small resident community of 220 people. Everyday amenities such as supermarkets and medical centres require travelling to neighbouring areas. Families seeking schools and community infrastructure may prefer more established suburbs in the inner west or lower north shore.
What is the rental market like in Barangaroo?
Barangaroo is one of Sydney's most expensive rental markets. A 2-bedroom unit costs approx. $1,250 per week and a 3-bedroom unit approx. $1,850 per week. Rental properties are typically modern, high-specification apartments in premium buildings with amenities such as concierge, gym, and pool. The high rents reflect the suburb's harbourside location and new building stock.