🔍

Nelson Bay

NSW 2315 • Rest of NSW

6,141
Population (2021)
$67,860
Median Household Income
15.66 km²
Area
$380/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRetiree-HavenTourist HubBeachsideEstablished

About Nelson Bay

Nelson Bay is a popular coastal township situated on the eastern tip of the Tomaree Peninsula, within the Port Stephens local government area of New South Wales, approximately 50 kilometres north-east of Newcastle and around 200 kilometres north of Sydney. Home to 6,141 residents, the suburb has a notably mature demographic profile with a median age of 51, reflecting its enduring appeal among retirees and sea-changers seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle. The area offers a mix of established homes, waterfront properties, and modern units, with median household incomes around $1,305 per week.

Nelson Bay is the commercial and tourist hub of Port Stephens, renowned for its sheltered harbour, dolphin and whale watching cruises, and proximity to the spectacular sand dunes of Stockton Bight. The town centre features a range of shops, cafes, restaurants, and the Nelson Bay Marina, while several beaches including Dutchman's Beach and Shoal Bay are within easy reach. The surrounding national parks, fishing, diving, and water sports attract visitors year-round, making it a beloved destination for both tourists and those fortunate enough to call it home.

Nelson Bay falls under postcode 2315 and is governed by Port Stephens Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Port Stephens electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2315
Urban Area
Nelson Bay
LGA / Council
Port Stephens
Federal Electorate
Paterson
State Electorate
Port Stephens
Type
Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-32.74°, 152.14°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
15.66 km²
Elevation
47m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

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

🏡House
$1.13M
111 sales · ▲ 6.6% vs 2024
🏢Unit / Apartment
$665K
132 sales · ▲ 8.1% 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)
$380
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,842
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
51 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.7%

25 state housing + 19 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Maitland
65 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • Port Stephens Coaches — Newcastle / Maitland 1 hr 30 min-2 hrs

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
215 km
By Train
No direct train; coach to Newcastle then train
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 30 min-3 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr 15 min

🛣️ Port Stephens holiday town; car essential for daily needs

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Town centre and waterfront walkable; surrounding areas and most errands require a car

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    Corner of Stockton St & Donald St Nelson Bay 2315 NSW

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
164.8 / 100k
2yr Down 30.1% 10yr Down 11.1%
Motor vehicle theft
197.7 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Non-DV assault
353.6 / 100k
2yr Down 22.3% 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
8.9 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
249.7 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 8.0%
View all 62 offence types for Port Stephens →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,820
Census 2021
6,141
▲ 5.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$30,420
Personal Income 2021
$35,828
▲ 17.8% 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
$35,828 / yr
$689/wk
Household
$67,860 / yr
$1305/wk
Family
$86,684 / yr
$1667/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 4,677
Born Overseas 1,147

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 309
  • 2. New Zealand 93
  • 3. Philippines 54
  • 4. Nepal 52
  • 5. United States 48
  • 6. Scotland 40
  • 7. South Africa 33
  • 8. Italy 32
  • 9. Germany 31
  • 10. India 31

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,543
Australian 2,229
Irish 803
Scottish 729
Australian Aboriginal 250
German 244
Italian 169
Dutch 99
Greek 87
Croatian 83

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,672
Both parents born in Australia
1,431
Both parents born overseas
722
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
52.0%
No Religion
38.3%
Buddhism
1.0%
Hinduism
1.0%
Islam
0.5%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
228 (3.7%)
5-14 years
591 (9.6%)
15-19 years
325 (5.3%)
20-24 years
264 (4.3%)
25-34 years
542 (8.8%)
35-44 years
584 (9.5%)
45-54 years
774 (12.6%)
55-64 years
1,024 (16.7%)
65-74 years
1,091 (17.8%)
75-84 years
561 (9.1%)
85+ years
145 (2.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nelson Bay known for? +

Nelson Bay is a popular coastal township situated on the eastern tip of the Tomaree Peninsula, within the Port Stephens local government area of New South Wales, approximately 50 kilometres north-east of Newcastle and around 200 kilometres north of Sydney.

How far is Nelson Bay from Sydney CBD? +

Nelson Bay is a rural locality in NSW. Access to the nearest CBD requires a private vehicle, as public transport options are very limited.

Does Nelson Bay have public transport? +

Nelson Bay has no public transport services. A private vehicle is essential for all travel in this area.

What is the population of Nelson Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Nelson Bay has a population of approximately 6,141 residents.

Is Nelson Bay a good place to live? +

Nelson Bay is well-regarded for its coastal lifestyle, offering natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a relaxed community feel. It suits those who prioritise beach access and a quieter pace of life over proximity to a major city.

What is the postcode for Nelson Bay? +

The postcode for Nelson Bay in NSW is 2315.

What is the average income in Nelson Bay? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Nelson Bay is about $689 per week (around $35,800 per year). The median household income is $1,305 per week and the median family income is $1,667 per week.

What is the median house price in Nelson Bay? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $1,125,000, up 6.6% on the previous year, and the median unit/apartment price is $665,000, up 8.1% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of Nelson Bay? +

The median age in Nelson Bay is 51. The largest age group is 65–74 (1,091 residents, around 18%). Around 19% of residents are under 20 and about 29% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Nelson Bay a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Nelson Bay is part of the Port Stephens 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 Nelson Bay? +

In Nelson Bay, the median weekly rent is $380, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,842 (2021 Census).