🔍

West Haven

NSW 2443 • Rest of NSW

1,139
Population (2021)
$27,248
Median Income
1.63 km²
Area
$400/wk
Median Rent
Retiree-HavenCoastalRiversideQuietPeaceful

About West Haven

West Haven is a small waterfront urban locality on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, situated within the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council area approximately 45 kilometres south of Port Macquarie. With a 2021 population of 1,139 spread across just 1.6 square kilometres, it is a compact residential suburb nestled along the Camden Haven Inlet near the townships of Laurieton and North Haven. The community is strikingly mature, with a median age of 67 — one of the highest of any NSW coastal suburb — reflecting its strong appeal to retirees and semi-retired sea-changers.

West Haven's charm lies in its tranquil estuary setting along the Camden Haven waterway, offering direct access for boating, fishing, and kayaking from the local foreshore. The neighbouring township of Laurieton provides essential services, cafes, and a small retail strip, while North Haven's boat ramp and beach are just minutes away. With predominantly Anglo-Celtic heritage, affordable housing, and a peaceful coastal lifestyle, West Haven is a sought-after destination for retirees and lifestyle movers from Sydney and beyond.

West Haven falls under postcode 2443 and is governed by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Port Macquarie electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2443
Urban Area
Hastings
LGA / Council
Port Macquarie-Hastings
Federal Electorate
Lyne
State Electorate
Port Macquarie
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-31.64°, 152.78°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
1.63 km²
Elevation
23m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Busways Route 353 — Port Macquarie 45-60 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
325 km
By Train
No direct service; drive to Wauchope or Taree for XPT intercity train (~4.5 hrs to Sydney)
By Car (Peak)
3.5-4.5 hours to Sydney CBD
By Car (Off-Peak)
3-3.5 hours to Sydney CBD

🛣️ Remote coastal location; closest regional city is Port Macquarie (~45 km); Pacific Highway accessible

Walkability Car-Dependent

Some foreshore access on foot but most errands require a short drive to Laurieton or North Haven

🛒 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 West Haven by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View West Haven Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

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

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$400
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,625
Avg Household Size
2 people
Median Age
67 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,110
Census 2021
1,139
▲ 2.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$24,388
Income 2021
$27,248
▲ 11.7% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 938
Born Overseas 174

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 82
  • 2. New Zealand 12
  • 3. Germany 7
  • 4. Netherlands 7
  • 5. Scotland 7
  • 6. United States 7
  • 7. Ireland 6
  • 8. India 5
  • 9. Greece 4
  • 10. Italy 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 538
Australian 474
Scottish 154
Irish 149
German 62
Australian Aboriginal 19
Dutch 15
Italian 13
Maltese 9
Spanish 8

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

798
Both parents born in Australia
210
Both parents born overseas
102
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
64.0%
No Religion
31.1%
Buddhism
1.1%
Hinduism
0.6%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
26 (2.3%)
5-14 years
98 (8.6%)
15-19 years
26 (2.3%)
20-24 years
19 (1.7%)
25-34 years
57 (5.0%)
35-44 years
56 (4.9%)
45-54 years
92 (8.1%)
55-64 years
162 (14.2%)
65-74 years
229 (20.1%)
75-84 years
235 (20.6%)
85+ years
153 (13.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is West Haven known for? +

West Haven is known for its peaceful waterfront setting on the Camden Haven Inlet, offering excellent boating, fishing, and kayaking. It is particularly popular as a retirement destination, attracting sea-changers who value tranquillity and coastal access over urban convenience.

How far is West Haven from Port Macquarie? +

West Haven is approximately 45 kilometres south of Port Macquarie, making it a 45–55 minute drive along the Pacific Highway. The nearest major services are in the Laurieton and North Haven area, just minutes away.

Does West Haven have public transport? +

West Haven has limited bus connections to Laurieton and Port Macquarie via Busways services. There is no train service in the area; the nearest rail connection is at Wauchope or Taree. A car is highly recommended for residents.

What is the population of West Haven? +

According to the 2021 Census, West Haven has a population of 1,139 residents, with a notably high median age of 67 — reflecting its popularity with retirees.

Is West Haven a good place to live? +

West Haven is an excellent choice for retirees and those seeking a quiet coastal lifestyle away from the bustle of larger towns. Its waterfront location, fishing and boating access, and affordable housing make it one of the Mid North Coast's most appealing retirement localities, though daily services are limited.

What is the postcode for West Haven? +

The postcode for West Haven is 2443, shared with nearby Camden Haven localities including Laurieton and North Haven.