🔍

Laurieton

NSW 2443 • Rest of NSW

2,012
Population (2021)
$25,324
Median Income
4.33 km²
Area
$315/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRetiree-HavenRiversideQuietPeaceful

About Laurieton

Laurieton is a peaceful coastal town on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, nestled between the forested slopes of North Brother Mountain and the Camden Haven River, approximately 365 kilometres north of Sydney and 30 kilometres south of Port Macquarie within the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council area. With a population of 2,012 and a median age of 67, Laurieton is a classic sea-change destination overwhelmingly popular with retirees and semi-retirees seeking a quiet coastal lifestyle. The median household income reflects a largely retired population living modestly, supported by the natural beauty and low cost of living in the region.

Laurieton serves as the commercial and community hub of the Camden Haven district, with local shops, cafes, medical services, and a vibrant riverside foreshore along Laurieton Wharf. The town offers access to excellent fishing, boating on the Camden Haven estuary, and the rainforest walking trails of Dooragan National Park on North Brother Mountain. Regional bus services connect residents to Port Macquarie and Taree, and the Pacific Highway corridor is within easy reach. Camden Haven High School, approximately 5 kilometres away at North Haven, serves secondary students across the district, while the tight-knit community atmosphere makes Laurieton a genuinely welcoming place to settle.

Laurieton falls under postcode 2443 and is governed by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Port Macquarie electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2443
Urban Area
Hastings
LGA / Council
Port Macquarie-Hastings
Federal Electorate
Lyne
State Electorate
Port Macquarie
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-31.64°, 152.80°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
4.33 km²
Elevation
10m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Busways Regional — Port Macquarie Approx. 40 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
365 km
By Train
No direct service; nearest stations at Wauchope or Taree require a drive first
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 4 hrs 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 4 hrs

🛣️ Pacific Highway is the main road corridor; Port Macquarie airport (30 km) provides the most practical link to Sydney

Walkability Car-Dependent

The town centre has basic walkable amenities, but most errands and services require a car, particularly for medical, schooling, and larger shopping needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Cnr Bold & Tunis Streets Laurieton 2443 NSW

🎓 Schools

🏛️ Heritage-Listed Places

There is 1 heritage-listed place in or near Laurieton, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Laurieton School of Arts
Cnr Laurie and Bold Sts, Laurieton • SHR #00476

🔍 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 Laurieton by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Laurieton Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$315
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,365
Avg Household Size
1.7 people
Median Age
67 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
4.9%

26 state housing + 26 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,986
Census 2021
2,012
▲ 1.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$23,244
Income 2021
$25,324
▲ 8.9% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,671
Born Overseas 224

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 78
  • 2. New Zealand 25
  • 3. Scotland 15
  • 4. Germany 11
  • 5. India 10
  • 6. Netherlands 9
  • 7. Ireland 7
  • 8. Sri Lanka 5
  • 9. United States 5
  • 10. China 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,028
Australian 801
Irish 304
Scottish 230
Australian Aboriginal 65
German 58
Italian 27
Dutch 17
Chinese 16
Welsh 16

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,440
Both parents born in Australia
271
Both parents born overseas
206
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
59.6%
No Religion
33.8%
Buddhism
0.9%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
24 (1.2%)
5-14 years
110 (5.5%)
15-19 years
57 (2.8%)
20-24 years
41 (2.0%)
25-34 years
77 (3.8%)
35-44 years
86 (4.3%)
45-54 years
156 (7.8%)
55-64 years
327 (16.3%)
65-74 years
475 (23.6%)
75-84 years
412 (20.5%)
85+ years
246 (12.2%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Laurieton known for? +

Laurieton is best known for its scenic setting between North Brother Mountain and the Camden Haven River, its relaxed coastal lifestyle, excellent fishing and boating on the estuary, and the rainforest walks of Dooragan National Park. It is the main town in the Camden Haven district and a beloved destination for retirees and holiday-makers on the Mid North Coast.

How far is Laurieton from Sydney? +

Laurieton is approximately 365 kilometres north of Sydney's CBD, making it a roughly 4-hour drive via the Pacific Highway. Port Macquarie Airport, about 30 kilometres to the north, offers regular flights to Sydney as a practical alternative.

Does Laurieton have public transport? +

Laurieton is served by Busways regional bus services connecting to Port Macquarie. There is no train service in Laurieton; the nearest railway stations are at Wauchope (approx. 25 km north) or Taree (approx. 50 km south). A car is essential for most residents.

What is the population of Laurieton? +

According to the 2021 Census, Laurieton has a population of 2,012, with a median age of 67 — one of the higher median ages in the region, reflecting its strong appeal as a retirement destination.

Is Laurieton a good place to live? +

Laurieton is an excellent choice for retirees and those seeking a quiet, affordable coastal lifestyle away from the hustle of larger cities. The natural setting, river access, and community warmth are major drawcards, though the limited public transport and distance from major services means a car is essential. It is less suited to younger families or those needing regular access to city-based employment.

What is the postcode for Laurieton? +

The postcode for Laurieton is 2443.