What is Otago known for?

Otago is known for its serene waterside setting on the shores of Otago Bay along the River Derwent, offering residents and visitors scenic views and a peaceful rural lifestyle close to Hobart. The bay historically gave its name to decommissioned ship hulks moored there in the mid-20th century.

How far is Otago from Hobart CBD?

Otago is approximately 20 kilometres north of Hobart CBD, a drive of around 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic via the East Derwent Highway and Midland Highway.

Does Otago have public transport?

Public transport options in Otago are very limited. There is no passenger rail in the greater Hobart region, and local bus services are infrequent. A private vehicle is the practical choice for most residents.

What is the population of Otago?

Otago has a population of approximately 596 residents according to the 2021 Census, occupying around 6.4 square kilometres in the Brighton and Clarence local government areas near Hobart.

Is Otago a good place to live?

Otago suits those seeking a quiet, rural riverside lifestyle within reach of Hobart. Its Derwent Bay setting offers natural beauty and space, making it particularly appealing to families and retirees who value tranquillity and outdoor living over urban convenience.

What is the postcode for Otago?

The postcode for Otago is 7017, shared with the nearby locality of Old Beach in the greater Hobart region of Tasmania.

Otago

TAS 7017 • Tasmania

596

Population (2021)

N/A

Median Income

6.41 km²

Area

N/A

Median Rent

RiversideRuralQuietSemi-RuralPeaceful

About Otago

Otago is a rural residential locality situated on the shores of Otago Bay along the River Derwent, within the local government areas of Clarence and Brighton in the greater Hobart region of Tasmania. The locality has a population of around 596 residents spread across approximately 6.4 square kilometres, giving it a spacious, semi-rural character. Located roughly 20 kilometres north of the Hobart CBD, Otago offers residents river views and a peaceful setting while remaining within reasonable driving distance of Hobart's services and employment centres.

Otago Bay provides a scenic backdrop of calm water and bushland typical of the Derwent Valley, attracting residents who value waterside living and natural surrounds over urban convenience. The locality is quiet and predominantly low-density, with limited commercial activity of its own, meaning residents rely on nearby Old Beach, Brighton, or Hobart for shopping, schools, and services. Its proximity to the Midland Highway corridor makes it accessible for those commuting to Hobart or the broader south-east of Tasmania, while the peaceful riverside setting makes it a popular choice for families and retirees seeking tranquillity.

Otago falls under postcode 7017 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Lyons (Rumney) electorate.

📍 Location

State

Tasmania

Postcode

7017

Urban Area

N/A

LGA / Council

N/A

Federal Electorate

Lyons

State Electorate

Lyons (Rumney)

Type

Locality

Timezone

Hobart (UTC+10)

Coordinates

-42.72°, 147.32°

Statistical Area

N/A

Area

6.41 km²

Elevation

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

Metro Tasmania (limited regional services) — Brighton / Hobart (via interchange) 30-50 min to Hobart

Commute to Hobart CBD

Distance

20 km

By Train

No rail service

By Car (Peak)

25-40 min

By Car (Off-Peak)

20-30 min

🛣️ Access via Midland Highway (A1) and the East Derwent Highway. Car is the primary means of transport.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Rural locality with no local shops; a car is essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016

Census 2021

596

▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016

N/A

Income 2021

N/A

▲ 0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

💰 Income: ABS Census 2021