🔍

Catherine Hill Bay

NSW 2281 • New South Wales

943
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
8.64 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalHeritageBeachsideQuietEstablished

About Catherine Hill Bay

Catherine Hill Bay is a small heritage coastal village situated on the southern peninsula of Lake Macquarie, approximately 128 kilometres north-north-east of Sydney and 35 kilometres south-south-west of Newcastle, within the City of Lake Macquarie local government area. With a population of 943 at the 2021 census — a remarkable increase from just 162 in 2016 due to an approved housing subdivision — it is one of the oldest continuous settlements in the region, with a history stretching back to the coal mining era of the 1870s. The original village is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register as a Heritage Township, preserving its historic character alongside the newer Beaches Catherine Hill Bay subdivision.

The village is defined by its surf beach, historic coal loading wharf, and rugged coastal heathlands that have been protected from overdevelopment by conservation zoning. A surf lifesaving club serves the beach, which is popular with swimmers and surfers from across the Hunter and Central Coast regions. The surrounding landscape features wildflowers and low coastal scrub, offering walking tracks and a peaceful seaside atmosphere that draws those seeking an unhurried lifestyle away from larger urban centres.

Catherine Hill Bay falls under postcode 2281 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Swansea electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2281
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Shortland
State Electorate
Swansea
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-33.09°, 151.67°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
8.64 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Swansea / Lake Macquarie Varies

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
128 km
By Train
No direct train service; drive to Morisset then T9 to Sydney (~1h 45 min)
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 45 min – 2 hr 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 30 min – 1 hr 45 min

🛣️ Vehicle is essential; Pacific Motorway (M1) is the main route to Sydney or Newcastle

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

No shops or services in the village itself; all errands require a short drive to Swansea or further afield

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🔍 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 Catherine Hill Bay by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Catherine Hill Bay Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Catherine Hill Bay" under Suburb

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
943
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Catherine Hill Bay known for? +

Catherine Hill Bay is known for its heritage-listed historic village, one of the oldest continuous settlements in the City of Lake Macquarie, its surf beach, and the iconic coal loading wharf that dates to the 1870s coal mining era.

How far is Catherine Hill Bay from Sydney CBD? +

Catherine Hill Bay is approximately 128 kilometres north-north-east of Sydney CBD, making it roughly a 1.5 to 2 hour drive depending on traffic, primarily via the Pacific Motorway (M1).

Does Catherine Hill Bay have public transport? +

Public transport options are very limited. There is no rail service to the village; the nearest train station is Morisset, about 20 kilometres away on the T9 Central Coast & Newcastle Line. A private vehicle is essentially required for daily living.

What is the population of Catherine Hill Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Catherine Hill Bay had a population of 943 people, a significant increase from just 162 in 2016, largely driven by the approval of the Beaches Catherine Hill Bay housing subdivision.

Is Catherine Hill Bay a good place to live? +

Catherine Hill Bay appeals to those seeking a quiet coastal lifestyle with strong heritage character, away from city bustle. It suits retirees and families drawn to the beach and natural surroundings, though the lack of local amenities and public transport means a car is essential.

What is the postcode for Catherine Hill Bay? +

The postcode for Catherine Hill Bay, NSW is 2281.