🔍

Salt Ash

NSW 2318 • Rest of NSW

1,103
Population (2021)
$31,720
Median Income
51.30 km²
Area
$310/wk
Median Rent
RuralCoastalRetireesAffordable

About Salt Ash

Salt Ash is a rural suburb in the Port Stephens local government area, situated in the Hunter Region of New South Wales approximately 35 kilometres north of Newcastle. With a population of around 1,103, the suburb is located on the main road between Newcastle and Nelson Bay and is largely undeveloped due to the presence of the Salt Ash Air Weapons Range, operated by RAAF Base Williamtown. The area spans over 51 square kilometres of farmland, bushland, and wetlands adjacent to Port Stephens.

Salt Ash attracts residents seeking a quiet, semi-rural lifestyle with coastal proximity. The suburb has a median age of 46, reflecting its appeal to established households and semi-retirees who value the peaceful environment and relatively affordable property prices – with median weekly rents around $310. While the suburb lacks a town centre, residents are a short drive from the Nelson Bay marina, Williamtown services, and Newcastle for shopping and employment.

Salt Ash falls under postcode 2318 and is governed by Port Stephens Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Port Stephens electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2318
Urban Area
Port Stephens - Surrounds
LGA / Council
Port Stephens
Federal Electorate
Paterson
State Electorate
Port Stephens
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-32.79°, 151.92°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
51.30 km²
Elevation
2m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Broadmeadow Station
32 km
N/A – drive

Bus Services

  • 130 — Nelson Bay / Newcastle 45–60 min to Newcastle interchange

Commute to Newcastle CBD

Distance
35 km
By Train
N/A (no direct train; bus to Newcastle interchange ~45 min)
By Car (Peak)
40–50 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
30–35 min

🛣️ Primarily car-dependent; Nelson Bay Road (B84) is the main arterial route

Walkability Car-Dependent

Very limited footpaths and no local shops; a car is essential for daily 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 Salt Ash by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Salt Ash Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$310
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,950
Avg Household Size
2.7 people
Median Age
46 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,128
Census 2021
1,103
▼ 2.2% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$27,560
Income 2021
$31,720
▲ 15.1% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 934
Born Overseas 95

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 37
  • 2. Philippines 8
  • 3. Germany 6
  • 4. Thailand 6
  • 5. New Zealand 5
  • 6. Malaysia 4
  • 7. Poland 3
  • 8. United States 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 484
English 473
Irish 105
Scottish 96
Australian Aboriginal 75
German 44
Dutch 17
Italian 15
Polish 12
Chinese 9

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

797
Both parents born in Australia
125
Both parents born overseas
102
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
51.7%
No Religion
36.3%
Buddhism
1.5%
Islam
0.5%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
47 (4.3%)
5-14 years
148 (13.4%)
15-19 years
74 (6.7%)
20-24 years
62 (5.6%)
25-34 years
84 (7.6%)
35-44 years
123 (11.2%)
45-54 years
160 (14.5%)
55-64 years
179 (16.2%)
65-74 years
137 (12.4%)
75-84 years
77 (7.0%)
85+ years
17 (1.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Salt Ash known for? +

Salt Ash is known for its rural character, proximity to the Salt Ash Air Weapons Range, and position on the main road between Newcastle and Nelson Bay. It's a quiet, largely undeveloped area popular with those seeking space and coastal access.

Is Salt Ash affected by RAAF noise? +

Yes, Salt Ash falls within the Australian Noise Exposure Forecast (ANEF) contours associated with RAAF Base Williamtown, which can affect property values and development approvals in parts of the suburb.

How far is Salt Ash from Newcastle? +

Salt Ash is approximately 35 kilometres north of Newcastle CBD, a drive of around 30–50 minutes depending on traffic via Nelson Bay Road.

What schools serve Salt Ash? +

Salt Ash Public School (Government Primary) is located within the suburb. Medowie and Raymond Terrace offer secondary schooling options for older students.