White Cliffs crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
8 recorded in this period, compared with 27 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About White Cliffs
White Cliffs is an isolated outback locality situated in the Unincorporated Far West region of New South Wales, approximately 255 kilometres north-northeast of Broken Hill. Characterized by its arid, semi-desert landscape, the area experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, with harsh summers and cold winters. Due to these climatic conditions, a significant portion of the local population resides in underground dwellings, known as "dugouts," which maintain a stable, moderate temperature throughout the year. The community is small and sparsely populated, reflecting the remoteness of the region.
The township serves as a niche tourist destination, primarily known for its unique subterranean architecture and opal mining industry. Local amenities are modest, catering to residents and travellers with essential services including a primary school, a local hotel, and various retail outlets focused on opal sales and tourism. The area’s history is defined by the discovery of opal in the late 19th century, which triggered a significant mining rush and established the settlement as the first commercial opal field in Australia. Today, the locality retains its heritage through historic mining shafts and a landscape marked by decades of prospecting, offering visitors insight into the pioneer era of Australian outback resource extraction.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 2 | 5 |
| Other offences | 2 | 0 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 2 | 1 |
| Break and enter non-dwelling | 1 | 1 |
| Malicious damage to property | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 156 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.