Salamander Bay
NSW 2317 • Rest of NSW
About Salamander Bay
Salamander Bay is a coastal suburb in the Port Stephens local government area, located approximately 210 kilometres north of Sydney on the shores of Port Stephens. Named after the convict ship Salamander from the Third Fleet, which was the first European vessel to enter Port Stephens in 1791, the suburb had a population of 4,991 at the 2021 census. The community is predominantly owner-occupied (71%), with a high proportion of retirees and families attracted by the coastal lifestyle.
The suburb is anchored by Salamander Bay Shopping Centre, which serves as the commercial hub for the wider Tomaree Peninsula. Residents enjoy easy access to stunning beaches including Shoal Bay and Dutchies Beach, along with excellent fishing and boating on Port Stephens. The area is popular with whale-watching enthusiasts and dolphin-cruise visitors. Salamander Bay attracts retirees seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle, families wanting safe streets and outdoor living, and workers in the local tourism and service industries.
Salamander Bay falls under postcode 2317 and is governed by Port Stephens Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Port Stephens electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- 130, 131, 132 — Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Anna Bay 10-20 min
- 130 — Newcastle (via Raymond Terrace) 1h 30min - 2h
Commute to Sydney
🛣️ No train service on Tomaree Peninsula; nearest station is Newcastle Interchange (~65 km). Most residents work locally or commute to Raymond Terrace/Newcastle.
Shopping centre and surrounding streets walkable; car essential for beaches and wider area
Supermarkets Nearby
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ColesSalamander Bay Salamander Bay 2317 NSW -
Woolworths2 Town Centre Circuit Salamander Bay 2317 NSW
Schools
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Soldiers Point Public School ICSEA 992Cromarty Rd
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182 Salamander Way
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Tomaree High School ICSEA 970Salamander Way
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Tomaree Public School ICSEA 981Salamander Way
Housing Costs 2021 Census
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 275
- 2. New Zealand 66
- 3. Scotland 36
- 4. South Africa 34
- 5. Germany 28
- 6. United States 19
- 7. Philippines 18
- 8. India 17
- 9. Italy 17
- 10. Thailand 17
- 11. Malta 15
- 12. Chile 12
- 13. Wales 12
- 14. Croatia 11
- 15. Malaysia 11
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)