🔍

Shearwater

TAS 7307 • Rest of TAS

2,051
Population (2021)
$30,212
Median Income
3.43 km²
Area
$295/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRetiree-HavenPeacefulBeachside

About Shearwater

Shearwater is a coastal residential suburb on the north-west coast of Tasmania, situated within the Latrobe Municipality approximately 15 kilometres east of Devonport and 2 kilometres from Port Sorell. With a population of 2,051 that has grown from 1,764 in 2016, Shearwater has become an increasingly popular sea-change destination, particularly attracting retirees and semi-retirees drawn to its relaxed coastal lifestyle. The suburb's median age of 58 is notably high, reflecting its appeal to older residents seeking a quiet beachside community.

Shearwater offers a Woolworths supermarket providing everyday convenience, with the nearby Port Sorell estuary providing excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and birdwatching. The suburb is part of the growing Latrobe–Hawley Beach urban area, and residents enjoy easy access to Devonport's broader services, including the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal, hospitals, and retail centres. Predominantly Anglo-Australian in character, Shearwater has low-density residential streets, a peaceful natural setting, and a strong sense of community among its largely owner-occupier population.

Shearwater falls under postcode 7307 and is governed by Latrobe Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Braddon (Mersey) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Tasmania
Postcode
7307
Urban Area
Latrobe - Hawley Beach
LGA / Council
Latrobe
Federal Electorate
Braddon
State Electorate
Braddon (Mersey)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Hobart (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-41.16°, 146.53°
Statistical Area
Rest of TAS
Area
3.43 km²
Elevation
22m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Merseylink bus services — Devonport / Latrobe 20-30 min to Devonport

Commute to Devonport CBD

Distance
15 km
By Train
No rail service in Tasmania
By Car (Peak)
18-25 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
15-20 min

🛣️ Bass Highway provides easy connection to Devonport; Devonport is 290km north-west of Hobart

Walkability Car-Dependent

Woolworths is walkable for some residents, but most daily needs and services require driving to Devonport or Latrobe

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    11 Poyston Drive Shearwater 7307 TAS

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$295
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,500
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
58 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.3%

3 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,764
Census 2021
2,051
▲ 16.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$29,016
Income 2021
$30,212
▲ 4.1% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,670
Born Overseas 281

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 120
  • 2. New Zealand 36
  • 3. Scotland 16
  • 4. Netherlands 12
  • 5. South Africa 11
  • 6. Germany 9
  • 7. Wales 9
  • 8. Ireland 5
  • 9. United States 5
  • 10. Philippines 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 993
Australian 891
Scottish 215
Irish 193
Australian Aboriginal 85
German 60
Dutch 30
Italian 21
Welsh 19
New Zealander 12

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,469
Both parents born in Australia
305
Both parents born overseas
173
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
48.3%
No Religion
45.0%
Buddhism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
87 (4.2%)
5-14 years
186 (9.1%)
15-19 years
81 (3.9%)
20-24 years
64 (3.1%)
25-34 years
160 (7.8%)
35-44 years
157 (7.7%)
45-54 years
208 (10.1%)
55-64 years
291 (14.2%)
65-74 years
431 (21.0%)
75-84 years
275 (13.4%)
85+ years
104 (5.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shearwater TAS known for? +

Shearwater is known for its relaxed coastal lifestyle on the shores of Port Sorell estuary in northern Tasmania. It's popular as a sea-change destination, attracting retirees and families who value its quiet residential streets, proximity to the water, and easy access to Devonport's services.

How far is Shearwater from Devonport? +

Shearwater is approximately 15 kilometres east of the Devonport CBD, a 15–25 minute drive via the Bass Highway.

Does Shearwater have public transport? +

Shearwater is served by Merseylink bus services connecting to Devonport and Latrobe. Tasmania has no passenger rail network, so a car is the primary mode of transport for most residents.

What is the population of Shearwater? +

According to the 2021 Census, Shearwater has a population of 2,051 residents, up from 1,764 in 2016. This strong growth reflects its growing popularity as a coastal lifestyle destination in northern Tasmania.

Is Shearwater a good place to live? +

Shearwater is an excellent choice for retirees, sea-changers, and families seeking a peaceful coastal lifestyle close to Devonport's amenities. The suburb's Port Sorell estuary setting, Woolworths, and community feel make it one of northern Tasmania's most appealing residential areas, though a car is essential.

What is the postcode for Shearwater? +

The postcode for Shearwater is 7307.