Pelaw Main
NSW 2327 • Rest of NSW
About Pelaw Main
Pelaw Main is a quiet residential suburb in the Cessnock local government area of the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, located approximately 8 kilometres west of Cessnock and about 130 kilometres north of Sydney. With a population of around 1,080, the suburb has a strong working-class heritage rooted in the region's coal-mining history, with the Pelaw Main Colliery having been a major employer in the early 20th century. Today it is a peaceful, low-density neighbourhood characterised by modest housing and large blocks.
Residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle within easy reach of the Hunter Valley's world-famous wine country, with numerous cellar doors, vineyards, and gourmet food experiences a short drive away. Cessnock provides the main shopping and services, while Newcastle is accessible within an hour for major retail, medical, and employment. The area suits families and first-home buyers seeking affordable housing with a semi-rural feel close to the Hunter Valley's natural and tourism attractions.
Pelaw Main falls under postcode 2327 and is governed by Cessnock Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Cessnock electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Regional bus to Cessnock — Cessnock town centre Approx 15–20 min
- Hunter Valley Buses — Maitland / Newcastle Approx 1 hr to Newcastle
Commute to Sydney CBD
🛣️ No train station in Cessnock LGA. Maitland is the nearest train station (~45 km). Car is the primary mode of transport. Newcastle CBD (~120 km) is the main employment and services hub.
A car is essential for all daily needs. Limited footpaths and no local shops or services within walking distance. Residents drive to Cessnock or Kurri Kurri for amenities.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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88-96 Barton Street
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Kurri Kurri High School ICSEA 894Stanford & Deakin Sts
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Kurri Kurri Public School ICSEA 8914937 1235 Lang St
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Pelaw Main Public School ICSEA 9014937 1314 Abermain St
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Stanford Merthyr Infants School ICSEA 9504937 1192 Maitland St
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 Pelaw Main by offence type, year and trend.
📊 View Pelaw Main Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Pelaw Main" under Suburb
Housing 2021 Census
5 state housing + 3 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 18
- 2. Thailand 7
- 3. New Zealand 5
- 4. Germany 4
- 5. Ireland 4
- 6. Philippines 4
- 7. Indonesia 3
- 8. Scotland 3
- 9. United States 3
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)