🔍

Pelican

NSW 2281 • New South Wales

874
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
1.00 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
LakesideCoastalQuietRetiree-HavenAffordable

About Pelican

Pelican is a small lakeside suburb in the City of Lake Macquarie in New South Wales, located approximately 25 kilometres south-south-west of Newcastle and 140 kilometres north of Sydney. Positioned at the northern entrance to Lake Macquarie near the suburb of Swansea, Pelican recorded a population of 874 at the 2021 Census across a compact area of under 1 square kilometre. The suburb is a tight-knit residential community characterised by modest homes and a strong connection to the lake and coastline.

Pelican sits at the edge of Lake Macquarie's northern reaches, where the lake meets Swansea Channel, offering residents a genuine waterside lifestyle with opportunities for boating, kayaking, and fishing right at their doorstep. The nearby township of Swansea provides everyday shopping, cafes, medical services, and access to Blacksmiths Beach. The suburb is well-suited to retirees and families who value a quiet, water-oriented lifestyle within reasonable reach of Newcastle and the Hunter region.

Pelican falls under postcode 2281 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Swansea electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2281
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Shortland
State Electorate
Swansea
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-33.09°, 151.67°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
1.00 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local services via Lake Macquarie Bus — Swansea, Toronto (limited) Varies

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
140 km
By Train
No direct service; drive to Morisset (~20 min), then approx. 75 min to Sydney Central via T9 Central Coast Line
By Car (Peak)
105-130 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
90-105 min

🛣️ Newcastle CBD is approx. 25 km and 30-40 min by car. Access via Coquun/Hunter Expressway or Pacific Highway.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for shopping and services; Swansea township is a short drive away for everyday needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 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 Pelican by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Pelican Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
874
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Income Comparison

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

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pelican known for? +

Pelican is known for its peaceful waterfront setting at the northern end of Lake Macquarie, near where the lake's channel meets Swansea. It is popular with boating enthusiasts, anglers, and those seeking a relaxed lakeside lifestyle.

How far is Pelican from Newcastle? +

Pelican is approximately 25 kilometres south-south-west of Newcastle's CBD, making it around a 30-40 minute drive depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Pelican have public transport? +

Pelican has limited local bus services connecting to nearby Swansea and Toronto. There is no train station in the suburb; the nearest rail access is at Morisset, approximately 20 km away. A car is the most practical way to get around.

What is the population of Pelican? +

Pelican had a population of 874 residents at the 2021 Census, concentrated in a compact area of under 1 square kilometre on the shores of Lake Macquarie.

Is Pelican a good place to live? +

Pelican is an excellent choice for those who prioritise a quiet, water-oriented lifestyle — particularly retirees and families who enjoy boating, fishing, and the natural beauty of Lake Macquarie. Everyday services are available a short drive away in Swansea.

What is the postcode for Pelican? +

The postcode for Pelican is 2281.