🔍

Dongara

WA 6525 • Rest of WA

1,393
Population (2021)
$56,784
Median Household Income
8.45 km²
Area
$268/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRetiree-HavenQuietRuralAffordable

About Dongara

Dongara is a coastal fishing town situated on the mid-west coast of Western Australia, approximately 360 kilometres north of Perth within the Shire of Irwin. With a population of 1,393, the town has a notably mature age profile — the median age of 51 reflects its appeal as a retirement destination and sea-change community. The area combines a relaxed coastal character with a strong local economy anchored by the Western Rock Lobster industry, making it one of the more economically distinct regional centres on the mid-west coast.

Dongara is flanked by the Indian Ocean to the west and the Brand Highway to the east, offering easy road access to Perth and the broader midwest. The town centre features local shops, cafes, and services, while the adjacent Port Denison marina is a focal point for boating, fishing, and waterside dining. Retirees, sea-changers, and fishing enthusiasts are drawn to Dongara's laid-back lifestyle, warm climate, and access to pristine beaches including Dongara Beach and the mouth of the Irwin River.

Dongara falls under postcode 6525 and is governed by Irwin Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mid-West electorate.

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6525
Urban Area
Irwin - Morawa
LGA / Council
Irwin
Federal Electorate
Durack
State Electorate
Mid-West
Type
Urban
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-29.24°, 114.93°
Statistical Area
Rest of WA
Area
8.45 km²
Elevation
12m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$268
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,600
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
51 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
5.3%

24 state housing + 5 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • TransWA coach — Perth (Elizabeth Quay Bus Station) Approx. 4.5–5 hours

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
360 km
By Train
No direct train service; TransWA coach available from Dongara
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 3.5–4 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 3.5 hours

🛣️ Brand Highway and Indian Ocean Drive provide main road access south to Perth

Walkability Car-Dependent

A car is needed for most daily errands, though the town centre and marina precinct are accessible on foot for residents living nearby

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,380
Census 2021
1,393
▲ 0.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$26,780
Personal Income 2021
$31,200
▲ 16.5% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$31,200 / yr
$600/wk
Household
$56,784 / yr
$1092/wk
Family
$83,200 / yr
$1600/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,086
Born Overseas 202

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 83
  • 2. New Zealand 44
  • 3. South Africa 10
  • 4. Indonesia 6
  • 5. Scotland 6
  • 6. Zimbabwe 6
  • 7. Philippines 5
  • 8. Thailand 5
  • 9. Germany 4
  • 10. India 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 664
English 621
Scottish 118
Irish 113
Australian Aboriginal 70
German 62
Italian 35
New Zealander 24
Dutch 21
Maori 17

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

857
Both parents born in Australia
247
Both parents born overseas
173
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
45.4%
Christianity
42.9%
Buddhism
0.6%
Islam
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
62 (4.5%)
5-14 years
161 (11.6%)
15-19 years
68 (4.9%)
20-24 years
43 (3.1%)
25-34 years
111 (8.0%)
35-44 years
142 (10.2%)
45-54 years
170 (12.2%)
55-64 years
251 (18.0%)
65-74 years
239 (17.2%)
75-84 years
125 (9.0%)
85+ years
24 (1.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dongara known for? +

Dongara is best known for its Western Rock Lobster fishing industry and the Port Denison marina, which serves as the hub of the local fishing fleet. The town is also popular with retirees and sea-changers drawn to its coastal lifestyle and warm mid-west climate.

How far is Dongara from Perth? +

Dongara is approximately 360 kilometres north of Perth CBD, making it around a 3.5 to 4-hour drive via the Brand Highway or Indian Ocean Drive.

Does Dongara have public transport? +

Dongara is served by TransWA coach services connecting it to Perth and regional centres. There is no rail service to Dongara; a private vehicle is the most practical way to get around.

What is the population of Dongara? +

According to the 2021 Census, Dongara has a population of 1,393 residents. The town has a notably older age profile with a median age of 51, reflecting its popularity as a retirement and sea-change destination.

Is Dongara a good place to live? +

Dongara suits those seeking a quiet, coastal lifestyle away from the city. It offers affordable housing, a fishing and boating culture, and a warm climate, making it particularly appealing to retirees and those looking to escape urban life — though amenities and services are limited compared to larger regional centres.

What is the postcode for Dongara? +

The postcode for Dongara is 6525.

What is the average income in Dongara? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Dongara is about $600 per week (around $31,200 per year). The median household income is $1,092 per week and the median family income is $1,600 per week.

What is the age profile of Dongara? +

The median age in Dongara is 51. The largest age group is 55–64 (251 residents, around 18%). Around 21% of residents are under 20 and about 28% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Dongara? +

In Dongara, the median weekly rent is $268, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,600 (2021 Census).