Callala Bay crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
75 recorded in this period, compared with 58 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Callala Bay
Callala Bay is a coastal residential locality situated in the City of Shoalhaven local government area of New South Wales, carrying the postcode 2540. Located on the northern shores of Jervis Bay, approximately 25 kilometres east of Nowra, the area is characterized by its low-density residential footprint and proximity to native bushland and marine environments. Demographically, the locality functions primarily as a quiet residential and retirement community, experiencing a notable influx of holidaymakers and tourists during peak summer periods.
Local life in Callala Bay centres around its marine setting, with the waters of Jervis Bay supporting recreational activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, and whale watching. Essential community amenities are concentrated around the local shopping precinct, which includes a supermarket, specialty shops, and medical services. The locality features a public wharf and boat ramp facilities, while educational and wider commercial services are accessed in nearby Callala Beach and the regional hub of Nowra.
Prior to European settlement, the area was part of the traditional lands of the Jerrinja people, an Aboriginal clan of the Yuin nation, who maintained a strong connection to the marine and bush resources of Jervis Bay. European presence in the broader Shoalhaven region initially developed around timber-getting, farming, and fishing in the 19th century. Over subsequent decades, Callala Bay transitioned from a remote coastal outpost and timber shipping point into a planned residential and holiday settlement.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 14 | 8 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 11 | 1 |
| Malicious damage to property | 10 | 14 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 6 | 2 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 5 | 4 |
| Fraud | 4 | 3 |
| Arson | 3 | 0 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 3 | 6 |
| Steal from dwelling | 3 | 2 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 2 | 2 |
| Other offences | 2 | 0 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 2 | 0 |
| Steal from retail store | 2 | 0 |
| Breach bail conditions | 1 | 1 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 1 | 2 |
| Dealing, trafficking in other drugs | 1 | 0 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 1 | 2 |
| Other theft | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 2,234 residents. This is not a current population estimate.
Sources and interpretation
These are police-recorded incident or victim counts, not every unreported incident or a prediction of personal safety. Percentage changes are not tests of statistical significance; small counts need particular care.