🔍

Merewether

NSW 2291 • Rest of NSW

11,788
Population (2021)
$118,924
Median Household Income
6.28 km²
Area
$420/wk
Median Rent
BeachsideSurf CulturePrestigiousNewcastle's Best

About Merewether

Merewether claims Newcastle's most prestigious beachside address, stretching from the renowned surf beach up through leafy residential streets about 165 kilometres north of Sydney. This suburb of nearly 11,800 residents combines genuine surfing culture with established affluence. The beach itself is one of Australia's best, drawing surfers and swimmers year-round.

The suburb has a distinctly Newcastle character - relaxed, beach-focused, but with a sophistication born of professional residents who've chosen lifestyle over Sydney's rat race. Cafes and restaurants cluster around the beach and main streets. Families particularly value the combination of beach lifestyle and excellent schools. It's the kind of place where weekend morning surf sessions are non-negotiable.

Merewether falls under postcode 2291 and is governed by Newcastle Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Newcastle electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2291
Urban Area
Newcastle - Inner City
LGA / Council
Newcastle
Federal Electorate
Newcastle
State Electorate
Newcastle
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-32.95°, 151.74°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
6.28 km²
Elevation
64m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

Median sale prices in Merewether for 2025. Based on every residential settlement recorded by the NSW Valuer General in 2025.

🏡House
$2.17M
170 sales · ▲ 6.1% vs 2024
🏢Unit / Apartment
$880K
105 sales · ▲ 8.6% vs 2024

Source: NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information. Strata-titled sales are counted as units; all others as houses. Suburbs with fewer than 5 sales in a category are omitted.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$420
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,457
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
39 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
4.1%

169 state housing + 20 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Sydney CBD Varies

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
114 km
By Train
Train access via local station
By Car (Peak)
2+ hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
1.5+ hours

🛣️ Located 114 km from Sydney CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be done on foot near the local centre, but most residents rely on a car for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏛️ Heritage-Listed Places

There is 1 heritage-listed place in or near Merewether, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Ridge, The
21 Hillcrest Road Newcastle • SHR #00313

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
553 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
413.9 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 5.3%
Non-DV assault
677.9 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
30 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Steal from vehicle
961.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 1.2%
View all 62 offence types for Newcastle →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
10,964
Census 2021
11,788
▲ 7.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$46,176
Personal Income 2021
$57,304
▲ 24.1% 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
$57,304 / yr
$1102/wk
Household
$118,924 / yr
$2287/wk
Family
$156,676 / yr
$3013/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 10,014
Born Overseas 1,449

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 350
  • 2. New Zealand 126
  • 3. United States 68
  • 4. South Africa 63
  • 5. India 56
  • 6. Italy 53
  • 7. Canada 50
  • 8. Scotland 48
  • 9. Philippines 43
  • 10. Germany 41

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 5,212
Australian 4,633
Irish 1,757
Scottish 1,542
German 507
Italian 400
Australian Aboriginal 271
Greek 191
Dutch 170
Chinese 166

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

8,021
Both parents born in Australia
1,841
Both parents born overseas
1,591
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
46.9%
No Religion
46.7%
Buddhism
0.8%
Hinduism
0.6%
Islam
0.2%
Judaism
0.2%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
506 (4.3%)
5-14 years
1,423 (12.1%)
15-19 years
736 (6.2%)
20-24 years
932 (7.9%)
25-34 years
1,634 (13.9%)
35-44 years
1,461 (12.4%)
45-54 years
1,640 (13.9%)
55-64 years
1,567 (13.3%)
65-74 years
1,159 (9.8%)
75-84 years
512 (4.3%)
85+ years
215 (1.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Merewether known for? +

Merewether is a well-established residential suburb in Newcastle, NSW, with a population of approximately 11,788 residents. The suburb is valued for its local schools, parks, and community facilities.

How far is Merewether from Sydney CBD? +

Merewether is approximately 114 kilometres from Sydney CBD, typically a 1.5+ hours drive outside peak hours.

Does Merewether have public transport? +

Merewether is served by local bus services connecting to the broader NSW network. Nearby train stations provide access to Sydney CBD.

What is the population of Merewether? +

According to the 2021 Census, Merewether has a population of approximately 11,788 residents.

Is Merewether a good place to live? +

Merewether offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $56,955, it attracts a broad demographic mix.

What is the postcode for Merewether? +

The postcode for Merewether, NSW is 2291.

What is the average income in Merewether? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Merewether is about $1,102 per week (around $57,300 per year). The median household income is $2,287 per week and the median family income is $3,013 per week.

What is the median house price in Merewether? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $2,175,000, up 6.1% on the previous year, and the median unit/apartment price is $880,000, up 8.6% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of Merewether? +

The median age in Merewether is 39. The largest age group is 45–54 (1,640 residents, around 14%). Around 23% of residents are under 20 and about 16% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Merewether a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Merewether is part of the Newcastle 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.

How much is rent in Merewether? +

In Merewether, the median weekly rent is $420, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,457 (2021 Census).