🔍

Tea Gardens

NSW 2324 • Rest of NSW

3,288
Population (2021)
$27,508
Median Income
81.55 km²
Area
$365/wk
Median Rent
Retiree-HavenRiversideCoastalPeacefulRural

About Tea Gardens

Tea Gardens is a picturesque coastal town on the northern bank of the Myall River estuary, approximately 77 kilometres north-east of Newcastle and 216 kilometres north of Sydney, within the MidCoast Council area. With a population of 3,288 and a median age of 69, Tea Gardens is one of New South Wales' most distinctly retiree-oriented communities, with over half its residents aged 55 or older. The town's median household income of around $991 per week reflects the prevalence of retirees on fixed incomes, while housing is affordable and predominantly detached.

Tea Gardens' lifestyle revolves around its stunning waterfront setting — the Myall River offers calm waters for boating, fishing, and kayaking, and the town is connected to Hawks Nest across the river by the Jimmy Breckenridge Bridge. A small Coles supermarket and a handful of local cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops serve day-to-day needs. The area is especially popular with birdwatchers and nature lovers, with Myall Lakes National Park and the unspoilt beaches of Hawks Nest just minutes away. It's a genuinely peaceful sea-change destination, best suited to retirees and those seeking a quieter lifestyle.

Tea Gardens falls under postcode 2324 and is governed by Mid-Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Port Stephens electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2324
Urban Area
Bulahdelah
LGA / Council
Mid-Coast
Federal Electorate
Lyne
State Electorate
Port Stephens
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-32.63°, 152.16°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
81.55 km²
Elevation
11m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Manning Valley Buslines (limited services) — Raymond Terrace / Newcastle (infrequent) Approx 90 min to Newcastle

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
216 km
By Train
No direct train service; drive to Newcastle or Maitland for rail access
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 30 min - 3 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr 15 min - 2 hr 30 min

🛣️ Newcastle is the nearest major city (77km, approx 60-70 min drive); car is essential in Tea Gardens

Walkability Car-Dependent

The town centre and waterfront are walkable within the village, but a car is needed for most errands and medical services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    11 Mayall Street Tea Gardens 2324 NSW

🎓 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 Tea Gardens by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Tea Gardens Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$365
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,420
Avg Household Size
1.9 people
Median Age
69 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.2%

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,884
Census 2021
3,288
▲ 14.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$24,752
Income 2021
$27,508
▲ 11.1% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,489
Born Overseas 542

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 217
  • 2. New Zealand 57
  • 3. Scotland 29
  • 4. Germany 17
  • 5. South Africa 17
  • 6. Netherlands 16
  • 7. Philippines 13
  • 8. Malta 12
  • 9. Thailand 12
  • 10. Canada 11

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,612
Australian 1,169
Irish 465
Scottish 421
German 105
Australian Aboriginal 98
Dutch 50
Italian 40
Welsh 34
French 30

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,112
Both parents born in Australia
629
Both parents born overseas
310
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
65.7%
No Religion
24.8%
Buddhism
0.6%
Islam
0.4%
Hinduism
0.2%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
45 (1.4%)
5-14 years
148 (4.5%)
15-19 years
85 (2.6%)
20-24 years
45 (1.4%)
25-34 years
93 (2.8%)
35-44 years
160 (4.9%)
45-54 years
202 (6.1%)
55-64 years
474 (14.4%)
65-74 years
1,037 (31.5%)
75-84 years
775 (23.6%)
85+ years
239 (7.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tea Gardens known for? +

Tea Gardens is known for its peaceful waterfront setting on the Myall River, excellent fishing and boating, and proximity to Myall Lakes National Park and the beaches of Hawks Nest. The town is one of NSW's most popular retirement destinations.

How far is Tea Gardens from Newcastle? +

Tea Gardens is approximately 77 kilometres north-east of Newcastle, making it a 60-70 minute drive. Sydney is around 216 kilometres south, requiring approximately 2.5 hours by car.

Does Tea Gardens have public transport? +

Public transport in Tea Gardens is very limited. There is no rail service, and bus connections to Newcastle are infrequent. A private vehicle is essential for most residents.

What is the population of Tea Gardens? +

Tea Gardens had a population of 3,288 at the 2021 Census, with a strikingly high median age of 69 — one of the oldest communities in New South Wales — reflecting its strong appeal as a retirement destination.

Is Tea Gardens a good place to live? +

Tea Gardens is an exceptional lifestyle destination for retirees and sea-changers who value tranquillity, natural beauty, and a close-knit community. For working families it presents challenges due to limited employment and public transport, but the town's waterfront charm and affordability are hard to match.

What is the postcode for Tea Gardens? +

The postcode for Tea Gardens is 2324.