🔍

Nelson Bay

NSW 2315 • Rest of NSW

6,141
Population (2021)
$35,828
Median Income
15.66 km²
Area
$380/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRetiree-HavenTourist HubBeachsideEstablished

About Nelson Bay

Nelson Bay is a popular coastal township situated on the eastern tip of the Tomaree Peninsula, within the Port Stephens local government area of New South Wales, approximately 50 kilometres north-east of Newcastle and around 200 kilometres north of Sydney. Home to 6,141 residents, the suburb has a notably mature demographic profile with a median age of 51, reflecting its enduring appeal among retirees and sea-changers seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle. The area offers a mix of established homes, waterfront properties, and modern units, with median household incomes around $1,305 per week.

Nelson Bay is the commercial and tourist hub of Port Stephens, renowned for its sheltered harbour, dolphin and whale watching cruises, and proximity to the spectacular sand dunes of Stockton Bight. The town centre features a range of shops, cafes, restaurants, and the Nelson Bay Marina, while several beaches including Dutchman's Beach and Shoal Bay are within easy reach. The surrounding national parks, fishing, diving, and water sports attract visitors year-round, making it a beloved destination for both tourists and those fortunate enough to call it home.

Nelson Bay falls under postcode 2315 and is governed by Port Stephens Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Port Stephens electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2315
Urban Area
Nelson Bay
LGA / Council
Port Stephens
Federal Electorate
Paterson
State Electorate
Port Stephens
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-32.74°, 152.14°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
15.66 km²
Elevation
47m

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    Corner of Stockton St & Donald St Nelson Bay 2315 NSW

🎓 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 Nelson Bay by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Nelson Bay Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$380
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,842
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
51 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.7%

25 state housing + 19 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,820
Census 2021
6,141
▲ 5.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$30,420
Income 2021
$35,828
▲ 17.8% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 4,677
Born Overseas 1,147

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 309
  • 2. New Zealand 93
  • 3. Philippines 54
  • 4. Nepal 52
  • 5. United States 48
  • 6. Scotland 40
  • 7. South Africa 33
  • 8. Italy 32
  • 9. Germany 31
  • 10. India 31

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,543
Australian 2,229
Irish 803
Scottish 729
Australian Aboriginal 250
German 244
Italian 169
Dutch 99
Greek 87
Croatian 83

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,672
Both parents born in Australia
1,431
Both parents born overseas
722
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
52.0%
No Religion
38.3%
Buddhism
1.0%
Hinduism
1.0%
Islam
0.5%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
228 (3.7%)
5-14 years
591 (9.6%)
15-19 years
325 (5.3%)
20-24 years
264 (4.3%)
25-34 years
542 (8.8%)
35-44 years
584 (9.5%)
45-54 years
774 (12.6%)
55-64 years
1,024 (16.7%)
65-74 years
1,091 (17.8%)
75-84 years
561 (9.1%)
85+ years
145 (2.4%)

Nearby Suburbs