Charlotte Bay

NSW 2428 • New South Wales

175
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
9.69 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalLakesideRetiree-HavenPeaceful
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About Charlotte Bay

Charlotte Bay is a small coastal locality on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, located within the MidCoast Council local government area. Positioned on The Lakes Way between Pacific Palms and Smiths Lake, it sits alongside the stunning Wallis Lake system and is approximately 320 kilometres north of Sydney and close to the town of Forster–Tuncurry. With a population of around 175 residents spread across just under 10 square kilometres, it is a tight-knit lakeside community with a below-average household income reflecting its semi-retirement and holiday-home character.

Charlotte Bay's appeal lies in its direct access to Wallis Lake, one of NSW's largest and most pristine coastal lake systems, which draws residents and visitors for fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming. The area has a peaceful, unhurried atmosphere well-suited to retirees and holiday makers, with the shops, cafes, and services of Forster a short drive away via The Lakes Way. The surrounding landscape of paperbarks, coastal heath, and lake foreshore gives Charlotte Bay a natural beauty that sets it apart from more developed coastal centres.

Charlotte Bay falls under postcode 2428 and is governed by the Mid-Coast Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Lyne, while state elections fall under the Myall Lakes electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2428
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-32.20°, 152.45°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
9.69 km²
Population Density
18 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2428

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2428, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$36,437
Median 2023–24
$45,834
25.8% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$60,951

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2428; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Busways Route 351/352 — Forster / Taree 20-40 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
320 km
By Train
No direct train service; nearest station is Taree (~50 km away)
By Car (Peak)
3 hr 30 min - 4 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 hr 15 min - 3 hr 30 min

🛣️ Pacific Highway is the main route south; The Lakes Way is the scenic local connector

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential; Forster provides the nearest shops and services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
175
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest 2025 rates for the Mid-Coast Local Government Area, which contains Charlotte Bay. Rates are per 100,000 residents; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods ending Dec 2025.

Break & enter (dwelling)
286.1 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
215 / 100k
Non-DV assault
445.3 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
5.1 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
196.8 / 100k

Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Charlotte Bay known for? +

Charlotte Bay is known for its beautiful setting alongside Wallis Lake, offering excellent fishing, boating, and kayaking. It's a peaceful coastal community popular with retirees and holiday home owners on the Mid North Coast.

How far is Charlotte Bay from Sydney? +

Charlotte Bay is approximately 320 kilometres north of Sydney, typically a 3.5 to 4-hour drive via the Pacific Highway and The Lakes Way.

Does Charlotte Bay have public transport? +

Charlotte Bay is served by Busways routes connecting to Forster and Taree, though services are limited. There is no rail access; the nearest station is Taree approximately 50 kilometres away.

What is the population of Charlotte Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Charlotte Bay has a population of approximately 175 residents, a small community covering just under 10 square kilometres of lakeside and coastal land.

Is Charlotte Bay a good place to live? +

Charlotte Bay is an excellent choice for those seeking a quiet coastal lifestyle with access to Wallis Lake's waterways. It's particularly suited to retirees and those who enjoy fishing, boating, and nature. Forster provides nearby services and amenities.

What is the postcode for Charlotte Bay? +

The postcode for Charlotte Bay, NSW is 2428, shared with Forster and the surrounding Great Lakes area.

Is Charlotte Bay a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Charlotte Bay is part of the Mid-Coast LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.