🔍

Hopetoun

WA 6348 • Rest of WA

1,115
Population (2021)
$80,184
Median Household Income
538.35 km²
Area
$250/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRemoteNational ParkFishing TownSea Change

About Hopetoun

Hopetoun is a small coastal town in the Shire of Ravensthorpe in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia, approximately 590 kilometres south-east of Perth. With a population of around 1,115 and a median age of 46, it serves as the coastal port for the surrounding agricultural and mining district. Originally established in the 1890s during the gold rush era, the town sits on the shores of Mary Ann Haven, part of the stunning Southern Ocean coastline.

Hopetoun offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle centred around its beautiful beaches, with the Fitzgerald River National Park — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — on its doorstep. The town has essential amenities including a general store, school, community health centre, and sports facilities. Fishing, surfing, and bushwalking are popular activities, and the town sees increased visitors during holiday periods. The local economy is supported by agriculture, the nearby Ravensthorpe nickel mine, and growing tourism. It appeals to retirees, sea-changers, and those seeking an affordable, off-the-beaten-path coastal lifestyle.

Hopetoun falls under postcode 6348 and is governed by Ravensthorpe Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Roe electorate.

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6348
Urban Area
Esperance - Ravensthorpe - Surrounds
LGA / Council
Ravensthorpe
Federal Electorate
O'connor
State Electorate
Roe
Type
Urban
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-33.86°, 120.09°
Statistical Area
Rest of WA
Area
538.35 km²
Elevation
21m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$250
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,088
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
46 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3%

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

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • TransWA coach — Ravensthorpe & Esperance 45 min to Ravensthorpe, 2 hr to Esperance

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
590 km
By Bus
TransWA coach (~8 hrs)
By Car (Peak)
6 hr 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
6 hr 30 min

🛣️ Remote coastal town. Nearest regional centre is Ravensthorpe (50 km) or Esperance (200 km).

Walkability Car-Dependent

Small town centre is walkable but a car is essential for supplies, work, and accessing surrounding attractions.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
871
Census 2021
1,115
▲ 28.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$29,224
Personal Income 2021
$38,896
▲ 33.1% 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
$38,896 / yr
$748/wk
Household
$80,184 / yr
$1542/wk
Family
$109,720 / yr
$2110/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 763
Born Overseas 231

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 59
  • 2. South Africa 41
  • 3. New Zealand 31
  • 4. Philippines 17
  • 5. Thailand 7
  • 6. Canada 6
  • 7. Netherlands 5
  • 8. Zimbabwe 5
  • 9. Indonesia 4
  • 10. United States 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 499
Australian 406
Irish 117
Scottish 101
German 46
Italian 38
South African 32
Australian Aboriginal 31
Dutch 22
Filipino 16

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

569
Both parents born in Australia
264
Both parents born overseas
167
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
49.8%
Christianity
36.3%
Islam
0.7%
Buddhism
0.6%
Judaism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
95 (8.5%)
5-14 years
113 (10.1%)
15-19 years
19 (1.7%)
20-24 years
30 (2.7%)
25-34 years
146 (13.1%)
35-44 years
134 (12.0%)
45-54 years
140 (12.6%)
55-64 years
172 (15.4%)
65-74 years
153 (13.7%)
75-84 years
84 (7.5%)
85+ years
16 (1.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hopetoun known for? +

Hopetoun is known for its spectacular position adjacent to the Fitzgerald River National Park — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — with pristine beaches, exceptional wildflowers, and snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of Mary Anne Haven. The area is wonderfully remote and unspoilt.

How far is Hopetoun from Perth? +

Hopetoun is approximately 580 kilometres south of Perth, around a 6-7 hour drive via the Albany Highway and South Coast Highway.

Does Hopetoun have public transport? +

Hopetoun has no public transport. Ravensthorpe (approximately 50 km north) provides the nearest Transwa services. A car is essential.

What is the population of Hopetoun? +

According to the 2021 Census, Hopetoun has a population of approximately 1,115 residents, a small but growing community boosted by nearby nickel mining operations.

Is Hopetoun a good place to live? +

Hopetoun offers a rare combination of extraordinary natural beauty adjacent to the Fitzgerald River National Park, pristine beaches, and a small-town lifestyle. It suits those working in mining or tourism who value remote coastal living.

What is the postcode for Hopetoun? +

The postcode for Hopetoun is 6348.

What is the average income in Hopetoun? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Hopetoun is about $748 per week (around $38,900 per year). The median household income is $1,542 per week and the median family income is $2,110 per week.

What is the age profile of Hopetoun? +

The median age in Hopetoun is 46. The largest age group is 55–64 (172 residents, around 15%). Around 20% of residents are under 20 and about 23% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Hopetoun? +

In Hopetoun, the median weekly rent is $250, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,088 (2021 Census).