🔍

Newnham

TAS 7248 • Rest of TAS

7,073
Population (2021)
$31,824
Median Income
5.98 km²
Area
$270/wk
Median Rent
University TownMulticulturalYoung FamiliesAffordable

About Newnham

Newnham is a northern suburb of Launceston, Tasmania's second-largest city, situated approximately 5 kilometres north of the Launceston CBD. With a population of around 7,073, it is one of the larger and more densely populated localities in the region, covering just under 6 square kilometres along the East Tamar Highway corridor. Newnham is best known as the home of the University of Tasmania's (UTAS) Newnham campus, which anchors the suburb's identity and drives considerable economic and social activity. Its elevated position above the Tamar Valley provides pleasant residential streetscapes and easy access to Launceston's broader amenities.

The suburb has a notably young median age of 34, shaped by a large student population that includes a significant international community — particularly students from Nepal, India, and China. Beyond university life, Newnham offers a full range of urban conveniences including major supermarkets, a cinema complex at Launceston's nearby major retail hubs, and recreational facilities at Launceston's Punchbowl Reserve. The community is diverse and multicultural, and affordable rents (median $270/week) attract young professionals and students alike. Metro Tasmania bus services connect Newnham to the Launceston city centre and other suburbs efficiently.

Newnham falls under postcode 7248 and is governed by Launceston Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bass (Windermere) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Tasmania
Postcode
7248
Urban Area
Launceston
LGA / Council
Launceston
Federal Electorate
Bass
State Electorate
Bass (Windermere)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Hobart (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-41.39°, 147.12°
Statistical Area
Rest of TAS
Area
5.98 km²
Elevation
30m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • 110 — Launceston City Centre via UTAS Newnham 15–20 min
  • UTAS intercampus shuttle — Inveresk Campus (free for UTAS students/staff) 10 min

Commute to Launceston CBD

Distance
5 km
By Train
No rail service — bus or drive
By Car (Peak)
10–15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
8 min

🛣️ Metro Tasmania bus route 110 connects Newnham to the Launceston city centre. No suburban rail exists in Tasmania.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Footpaths and cycle paths connect the UTAS campus to nearby shops and residential streets, though a car is helpful for broader access.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$270
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
34 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
6.9%

127 state housing + 47 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
6,453
Census 2021
7,073
▲ 9.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$24,544
Income 2021
$31,824
▲ 29.7% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 4,764
Born Overseas 1,948

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. Nepal 367
  • 2. India 207
  • 3. China 159
  • 4. England 109
  • 5. Malaysia 65
  • 6. Pakistan 65
  • 7. Myanmar 63
  • 8. Vietnam 58
  • 9. Sri Lanka 40
  • 10. Philippines 31

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,496
Australian 2,394
Irish 500
Scottish 403
Australian Aboriginal 306
Chinese 300
German 196
Indian 165
Dutch 110
Italian 100

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

4,025
Both parents born in Australia
2,266
Both parents born overseas
433
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
41.0%
Christianity
37.5%
Hinduism
6.0%
Buddhism
3.5%
Islam
1.9%
Sikhism
0.7%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
403 (5.7%)
5-14 years
792 (11.2%)
15-19 years
363 (5.1%)
20-24 years
669 (9.5%)
25-34 years
1,378 (19.5%)
35-44 years
856 (12.1%)
45-54 years
713 (10.1%)
55-64 years
685 (9.7%)
65-74 years
632 (8.9%)
75-84 years
410 (5.8%)
85+ years
161 (2.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What university is in Newnham, Tasmania? +

The University of Tasmania (UTAS) operates its Newnham campus in the suburb, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

How far is Newnham from Launceston CBD? +

Newnham is approximately 5 kilometres north of Launceston's city centre, about a 10–15 minute drive or 20 minutes by bus.

What is the median rent in Newnham? +

According to the 2021 Census, the median weekly rent in Newnham is $270, making it one of the more affordable suburbs in the Launceston region.

Is Newnham good for international students? +

Yes — Newnham is home to UTAS's Newnham campus and has a large, well-established international student community, particularly from Nepal, India, and China, with affordable housing nearby.

What bus routes serve Newnham? +

Metro Tasmania route 110 provides regular services between Newnham and Launceston's city centre. UTAS also runs a free intercampus shuttle between Newnham and Inveresk campuses.