Bonnells Bay
NSW 2264 • Rest of NSW
About Bonnells Bay
Bonnells Bay is a lakeside suburb in the City of Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, situated on a peninsula extending into Lake Macquarie about 118 kilometres north of Sydney and 47 kilometres south-west of Newcastle. Established in 1886, the suburb covers approximately 2.2 square kilometres and had a population of around 4,066 at the 2021 census. The area is characterised by a relaxed waterfront atmosphere with a mix of long-term residents, retirees, and families drawn to affordable lake-side living. Its peninsular geography gives most streets a strong connection to the water, lending Bonnells Bay a distinctive lakeside village feel.
Bonnells Bay offers a quiet, community-oriented lifestyle centred on the lake, with boating, fishing, and swimming popular year-round. The suburb is close to the Morisset town centre (about 4 km west) for shopping and services, and the nearby Lake Macquarie shoreline provides parks and reserves. Families appreciate the local primary school and relatively affordable housing compared to Sydney, while retirees are drawn by the peaceful environment and strong community networks. The suburb also serves as a gateway to the broader Lake Macquarie region, known for its natural beauty.
Bonnells Bay falls under postcode 2264 and is governed by Lake Macquarie Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Lake Macquarie electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Nearest Train Stations
Bus Services
- Local bus services — Morisset Station 10–15 min
Commute to Sydney CBD
🛣️ Newcastle CBD reachable in ~45–50 min by car. Morisset Station is the nearest rail hub.
Bonnells Bay is car-dependent for most errands. The peninsular layout and limited local retail mean a car is essential, though waterfront areas are pleasant for leisure walks.
Supermarkets Nearby
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ColesFishery Point Road Bonnells Bay 2264 NSW
Schools
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Bonnells Bay Public School ICSEA 92502 4973 1149 Morisset Park Rd
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82 Bulgonia Road
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Dora Creek Public School ICSEA 9394973 1261 Coorumbung Rd
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5 Point Piper Rd
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Morisset High School ICSEA 9294973 1999 Bridge St
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Morisset Public School ICSEA 9194973 1435 6 Terrigal Street
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60 Yambo Street
Crime Statistics
NSW crime data is provided by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). Use the interactive tool below to explore recorded crime incidents in Bonnells Bay by offence type, year and trend.
📊 View Bonnells Bay Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Bonnells Bay" under Suburb
Housing 2021 Census
12 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)
Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census
School Sector Breakdown
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 115
- 2. New Zealand 80
- 3. Philippines 22
- 4. Scotland 22
- 5. Netherlands 19
- 6. South Africa 19
- 7. Germany 15
- 8. Mauritius 15
- 9. United States 15
- 10. Thailand 14
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)