Kotara

NSW 2289 • Rest of NSW

3,980
Population (2021)
$48,204
Median Income
2.57 km²
Area
$460/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlyShopping HubSuburbanWell-ConnectedEstablished

About Kotara

Kotara is a residential suburb in the City of Newcastle, New South Wales, located approximately 9 kilometres west-southwest of the Newcastle CBD. With a population of around 3,980, it serves as a key suburban hub in the lower Hunter region. The suburb has a median age of 39, reflecting a mix of young professionals, families, and retirees. Its central location between Newcastle and Lake Macquarie makes it a well-connected and practical place to live.

Kotara is best known for Westfield Kotara, a major regional shopping centre offering extensive retail, dining, and entertainment options. The suburb also features leafy residential streets, several parks including Kotara Park, and good access to local schools. It appeals to families and professionals seeking convenience without the hustle of inner-city living, with a strong community feel and proximity to beaches just 10 minutes away.

Kotara falls under postcode 2289 and is governed by Newcastle Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Charlestown electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2289
Urban Area
Throsby
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-32.94°, 151.70°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
2.57 km²
Elevation
45m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Kotara
0.5 km
6 min
Adamstown
1.8 km
22 min
Broadmeadow
2.5 km
30 min

Bus Services

  • 225, 226 — Newcastle Interchange via Lambton 20 min
  • 363 — Charlestown Square 10 min

Commute to Newcastle

Distance
9 km
By Train
15 min
By Bus
20–25 min
By Car (Peak)
15–20 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
12 min

🛣️ Kotara station provides direct rail access to Newcastle Interchange

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Most errands can be accomplished by car, though Westfield Kotara and the train station are accessible on foot from many parts of the suburb.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Garden City S/C Cnr Northcott Drive & Park Avenue Kotara 2289 NSW
  • Woolworths
    89 Park Avenue Kotara 2289 NSW
  • ALDI
    30 Northcott Drive, Kotara NSW 2289

🎓 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 Kotara by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Kotara Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$460
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,167
Avg Household Size
2.6 people
Median Age
39 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.2%

8 state housing + 10 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,929
Census 2021
3,980
1.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$37,544
Income 2021
$48,204
28.4% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,377
Born Overseas 489

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 110
  • 2. New Zealand 35
  • 3. United States 30
  • 4. China 27
  • 5. Nepal 20
  • 6. South Africa 20
  • 7. Scotland 19
  • 8. India 18
  • 9. Vietnam 18
  • 10. Germany 17

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,799
Australian 1,593
Scottish 527
Irish 491
German 187
Italian 133
Australian Aboriginal 126
Chinese 72
Macedonian 61
Dutch 52

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,692
Both parents born in Australia
632
Both parents born overseas
542
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
47.5%
Christianity
45.2%
Buddhism
1.2%
Hinduism
0.8%
Islam
0.4%
Sikhism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
231 (5.8%)
5-14 years
533 (13.4%)
15-19 years
275 (6.9%)
20-24 years
248 (6.2%)
25-34 years
498 (12.5%)
35-44 years
565 (14.2%)
45-54 years
575 (14.4%)
55-64 years
418 (10.5%)
65-74 years
275 (6.9%)
75-84 years
250 (6.3%)
85+ years
113 (2.8%)

Nearby Suburbs