Railton

TAS 7305 • Rest of TAS

1,079
Population (2021)
$28,028
Median Income
70.67 km²
Area
$255/wk
Median Rent
RuralQuietHeritageAffordable

About Railton

Railton is a small rural town in Tasmania's north-west, situated approximately 19 kilometres south of Devonport and 58 kilometres west of Launceston within the Kentish Council municipality at an elevation of around 89 metres. With a population of around 1,079 residents spread across 70 square kilometres of agricultural land and bushland, Railton has a well-established community character shaped by its farming, timber, and industrial heritage. The median age of 45 and predominantly Australian-born population reflect a settled, multigenerational community with strong local identity.

Railton is affectionately known as the 'Town of Topiary' — whimsical sculpted hedges and bushes dotted throughout the town have become a beloved local tradition and a drawcard for passing tourists on the north-west tourist route. The town has a local general store and primary school, with the port city of Devonport providing major retail, healthcare, and schooling options within a short drive. Railton's connection to the broader region is further anchored by the nearby Cement Australia manufacturing plant, a significant local employer that has sustained livelihoods in the town for generations. Affordable housing and a quiet, community-oriented lifestyle make Railton an appealing base for those who love Tasmania's rural north-west.

Railton falls under postcode 7305 and is governed by Kentish Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Lyons (McIntyre) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
7305
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Rural
Timezone
Hobart (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-41.33°, 146.41°
Statistical Area
Rest of TAS
Area
70.67 km²
Elevation
89m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Tassielink / local services — Devonport 25-30 min

Commute to Hobart CBD

Distance
186 km
By Train
No train service in Tasmania
By Car (Peak)
2 hrs to Hobart; 55 min to Launceston
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hrs to Hobart; 50 min to Launceston

🛣️ Bass Highway connects to Devonport (19km) and Launceston (58km); Devonport is the primary service hub for Railton residents

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most daily errands require a car; local services are limited to a general store and primary school, with Devonport providing major shopping and services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$255
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$975
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
45 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
997
Census 2021
1,079
8.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$23,556
Income 2021
$28,028
19.0% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 892
Born Overseas 82

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 43
  • 2. New Zealand 11
  • 3. Scotland 6
  • 4. Italy 4
  • 5. Philippines 4
  • 6. Canada 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 483
Australian 438
Irish 125
Australian Aboriginal 97
Scottish 89
German 31
Dutch 21
Filipino 8
French 8
Welsh 8

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

815
Both parents born in Australia
116
Both parents born overseas
50
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
53.5%
Christianity
36.0%
Sikhism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
53 (4.9%)
5-14 years
135 (12.5%)
15-19 years
66 (6.1%)
20-24 years
59 (5.5%)
25-34 years
108 (10.0%)
35-44 years
117 (10.8%)
45-54 years
130 (12.0%)
55-64 years
207 (19.2%)
65-74 years
120 (11.1%)
75-84 years
78 (7.2%)
85+ years
17 (1.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Railton known for? +

Railton is best known as Tasmania's 'Town of Topiary' — a beloved local tradition of sculpting hedges and bushes into creative shapes throughout the town. The topiary trail has made Railton a popular stop for tourists travelling through Tasmania's north-west.

How far is Railton from Devonport? +

Railton is approximately 19 kilometres south of Devonport, making it around a 20 to 30 minute drive via the Bass Highway. Devonport is the nearest major centre for shopping, healthcare, and the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal.

Does Railton have public transport? +

Tasmania has no rail passenger services. Railton is connected to Devonport by local bus services (Tassielink and regional routes), with a journey of approximately 25 to 30 minutes. A car is recommended for most errands and commuting.

What is the population of Railton? +

According to the 2021 Census, Railton has a population of approximately 1,079 people. It is a small but established community in Tasmania's Kentish Council area, with a median age of 45 reflecting its settled, multigenerational character.

Is Railton a good place to live? +

Railton offers an affordable, quiet rural lifestyle in Tasmania's scenic north-west, close to Devonport and within reasonable reach of Launceston. It appeals to those who value community spirit, natural surroundings, and a slower pace of life, and is particularly popular with families and retirees who appreciate small-town living.

What is the postcode for Railton? +

The postcode for Railton is 7305, covering the town and surrounding rural area within the Kentish Council municipality in Tasmania's north-west.