Karuah
NSW 2324 • Rest of NSW
About Karuah
Karuah is a small town in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, situated on the Pacific Highway approximately 52 kilometres northeast of Newcastle. With a population of around 1,400, it sits at the point where the Karuah River meets Port Stephens. The town has historically served as a rest stop for travellers heading north along the Pacific Highway. Its Indigenous heritage is significant, with the area traditionally belonging to the Worimi people.
Karuah offers a quiet, affordable lifestyle ideal for retirees and those seeking a peaceful semi-rural setting. The town is known for its oyster farming industry, with the Karuah River producing some of the region's finest Sydney Rock Oysters. Local amenities include a public school, general store, service station, and the Karuah RSL Club. Fishing and boating are popular pastimes, with easy access to the waterways of Port Stephens. The surrounding bushland provides opportunities for walking and birdwatching.
Karuah falls under postcode 2324 and is governed by Mid-Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Port Stephens electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- 130 — Newcastle to Tea Gardens via Karuah 30 mins to Raymond Terrace
Commute to Sydney CBD
🛣️ Regional town — nearest major centre is Newcastle (52 km, ~40 min drive). No rail service.
Small town centre with basic amenities within walking distance; car needed for most services
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Hunter River High School ICSEA 8994987 2306 36 Elkin Ave
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Karuah Public School ICSEA 8754997 5341 18 Bundabah St
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Millers Forest Public School ICSEA 9204987 2520 127 Martins Wharf Road
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Mount Kanwary Public School ICSEA 8884987 2596 753 Hinton Rd
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Grahamstown Public School ICSEA 9124987 6510 Hastings Drive
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Irrawang High School ICSEA 9164987 4687 Mount Hall Rd
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Irrawang Public School ICSEA 8634987 2403 21 Geer St
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Raymond Terrace Public School ICSEA 8644987 2083 Swan St
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52 Irrawang Street
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Seaham Public School ICSEA 9904988 6234 Still St
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Tea Gardens Public School ICSEA 9344997 0286 25 Witt St
Heritage-Listed Places
There are 2 heritage-listed places in or near Karuah, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.
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 Karuah by offence type, year and trend.
📊 View Karuah Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Karuah" under Suburb
Housing 2021 Census
6 state housing + 12 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 41
- 2. New Zealand 18
- 3. Scotland 16
- 4. Germany 9
- 5. Philippines 9
- 6. Thailand 5
- 7. Fiji 3
- 8. Netherlands 3
- 9. South Africa 3
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)