🔍

Gateshead

NSW 2290 • Rest of NSW

3,121
Population (2021)
$31,772
Median Income
2.68 km²
Area
$300/wk
Median Rent
AffordableSuburbanFamily-FriendlyLakesideCommuter Belt

About Gateshead

Gateshead is a suburb in the Lake Macquarie City Council area of New South Wales, located approximately 14 kilometres south of Newcastle's CBD between the urban centres of Charlestown and Cardiff. With a population of 3,121 and a median age of 35, the suburb has a working-class character with a significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of approximately 369 residents, representing around 12% of the population. Social housing is a prominent feature of the housing stock, with 274 state housing dwellings accounting for around 23% of total dwellings, reflecting the suburb's role in providing affordable housing in the Lake Macquarie region.

Gateshead sits within easy reach of Charlestown Square, one of the Hunter region's largest shopping and retail precincts, as well as the broader recreational amenities of Lake Macquarie's waterways, parks, and cycleways. Bus services connect residents to Newcastle CBD and surrounding centres, while Cardiff railway station on the Newcastle network is accessible a few kilometres west. The suburb appeals to families and individuals looking for affordable housing in a well-connected part of Lake Macquarie with access to both the city and the lake's outdoors lifestyle.

Gateshead falls under postcode 2290 and is governed by Lake Macquarie Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Charlestown electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2290
Urban Area
Lake Macquarie - East
LGA / Council
Lake Macquarie
Federal Electorate
Shortland
State Electorate
Charlestown
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-32.98°, 151.69°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
2.68 km²
Elevation
34m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Cardiff
2.5 km
N/A (drive or bus)

Bus Services

  • Multiple Newcastle Transport routes — Newcastle CBD / Charlestown 20-35 min to Newcastle CBD

Commute to Newcastle CBD

Distance
14 km
By Train
Approx. 20-25 min from Cardiff station to Newcastle Interchange
By Car (Peak)
20-35 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
15-20 min

🛣️ Cardiff station is the most accessible rail option; buses run to Newcastle and Charlestown regularly

Walkability Car-Dependent

Limited walkable amenities locally; Charlestown Square is nearby by car; buses serve main routes

🛒 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 Gateshead by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Gateshead Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$300
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,705
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
35 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
23.4%

274 state housing + 3 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,145
Census 2021
3,121
▼ 0.8% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$24,804
Income 2021
$31,772
▲ 28.1% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,717
Born Overseas 219

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 38
  • 2. New Zealand 36
  • 3. Philippines 19
  • 4. India 12
  • 5. United States 11
  • 6. Scotland 9
  • 7. Malaysia 7
  • 8. Nepal 7
  • 9. Samoa 7
  • 10. Germany 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,470
English 1,226
Australian Aboriginal 361
Scottish 323
Irish 274
German 111
Italian 60
Welsh 35
Dutch 34
Samoan 28

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,308
Both parents born in Australia
280
Both parents born overseas
311
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
48.4%
Christianity
42.1%
Buddhism
0.5%
Islam
0.4%
Hinduism
0.3%
Sikhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
177 (5.7%)
5-14 years
454 (14.5%)
15-19 years
201 (6.4%)
20-24 years
189 (6.1%)
25-34 years
529 (16.9%)
35-44 years
355 (11.4%)
45-54 years
347 (11.1%)
55-64 years
396 (12.7%)
65-74 years
261 (8.4%)
75-84 years
165 (5.3%)
85+ years
55 (1.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gateshead known for? +

Gateshead is known as an affordable working-class suburb of Lake Macquarie, situated between the busy retail hub of Charlestown and the residential centre of Cardiff. It has a notable social housing component and a significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

How far is Gateshead from Newcastle CBD? +

Gateshead is approximately 14 kilometres south of Newcastle's CBD, a drive of around 20-35 minutes depending on traffic, or accessible via bus services and Cardiff railway station approximately 2.5 kilometres away.

Does Gateshead have public transport? +

Gateshead is served by Newcastle Transport bus routes connecting to Newcastle CBD and Charlestown. Cardiff railway station on the Hunter Line is approximately 2.5 kilometres west of the suburb and provides regular services to Newcastle Interchange.

What is the population of Gateshead? +

According to the 2021 Census, Gateshead has a population of 3,121 residents. The suburb has a significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of approximately 369 people (around 12%), and a notable proportion of social housing.

Is Gateshead a good place to live? +

Gateshead offers affordable housing in a convenient Lake Macquarie location close to Charlestown Square and public transport. It suits families and individuals on moderate incomes who want access to Newcastle and Lake Macquarie's lifestyle without the premium prices of closer-in suburbs.

What is the postcode for Gateshead? +

The postcode for Gateshead is 2290, in the Lake Macquarie City Council area of New South Wales.