🔍

Redhead

NSW 2290 • Rest of NSW

3,785
Population (2021)
$83,096
Median Household Income
3.68 km²
Area
$420/wk
Median Rent
CoastalFamily-FriendlySurfingNatural BeautyRelaxed

About Redhead

Redhead is a picturesque coastal suburb in the City of Lake Macquarie, situated 16 kilometres south of Newcastle's CBD on the Pacific Ocean. With a population of approximately 3,785 residents, this tight-knit community takes its name from the distinctive red appearance of Redhead Bluff when viewed from the sea. The suburb is nestled between Lake Macquarie and the ocean, offering residents access to both environments.

The suburb is famous for its stunning headland cliffs and the freshwater creeks that flow to the beach, creating a unique coastal environment. Redhead Beach is a popular surfing destination and home to the Redhead Surf Life Saving Club. The community has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with residents enjoying beach walks, surfing, and the natural beauty of the surrounding bushland. The suburb appeals to families and retirees seeking a peaceful coastal lifestyle.

Redhead falls under postcode 2290 and is governed by Lake Macquarie Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Swansea electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2290
Urban Area
Lake Macquarie - East
LGA / Council
Lake Macquarie
Federal Electorate
Shortland
State Electorate
Swansea
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-33.01°, 151.71°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
3.68 km²
Elevation
32m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

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

🏡House
$1.71M
38 sales · ▲ 0.3% vs 2024
🏢Unit / Apartment
$1.1M
6 sales · ▲ 6.3% 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)
$2,300
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
48 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.8%

11 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Charlestown Interchange
5 km
N/A - bus required

Bus Services

  • 48 — Charlestown Square 15 min
  • On-Demand — Lake Macquarie On Demand service area Varies

Commute to Newcastle CBD

Distance
16 km
By Train
45-55 min via Charlestown bus + Newcastle Light Rail
By Bus
35-45 min via Charlestown interchange
By Car (Peak)
25-35 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20-25 min

🛣️ Bus to Charlestown then connecting services to Newcastle CBD

Walkability Car-Dependent

Limited local amenities; most errands require driving

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
216.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 4.6%
Motor vehicle theft
229.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
Non-DV assault
376.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 2.9%
Robbery (unarmed)
4.1 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
409.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 3.1%
View all 62 offence types for Lake Macquarie →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,516
Census 2021
3,785
▲ 7.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$33,228
Personal Income 2021
$40,092
▲ 20.7% 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
$40,092 / yr
$771/wk
Household
$83,096 / yr
$1598/wk
Family
$139,568 / yr
$2684/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,234
Born Overseas 381

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 115
  • 2. New Zealand 37
  • 3. Germany 21
  • 4. Scotland 17
  • 5. South Africa 17
  • 6. United States 12
  • 7. Italy 11
  • 8. Philippines 10
  • 9. Wales 10
  • 10. Canada 9

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,685
Australian 1,644
Scottish 490
Irish 403
German 164
Australian Aboriginal 117
Italian 80
Dutch 45
Welsh 45
Chinese 37

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,670
Both parents born in Australia
456
Both parents born overseas
420
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
51.8%
No Religion
40.7%
Buddhism
0.4%
Hinduism
0.2%
Islam
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
169 (4.5%)
5-14 years
495 (13.1%)
15-19 years
233 (6.2%)
20-24 years
147 (3.9%)
25-34 years
243 (6.4%)
35-44 years
401 (10.6%)
45-54 years
515 (13.6%)
55-64 years
513 (13.6%)
65-74 years
499 (13.2%)
75-84 years
343 (9.1%)
85+ years
225 (5.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Redhead known for? +

Redhead is a picturesque coastal suburb in the City of Lake Macquarie, situated 16 kilometres south of Newcastle's CBD on the Pacific Ocean.

How far is Redhead from Newcastle CBD? +

Redhead is approximately 16 kilometres from Newcastle CBD. The drive takes around 25-35 min during peak hour and 20-25 min off-peak. By train, the journey takes approximately 45-55 min via Charlestown bus + Newcastle Light Rail.

Does Redhead have public transport? +

Redhead is served by Charlestown Interchange station (5 km, approximately N/A - bus required walk) on the Bus interchange. Local bus services including 48 also connect residents to Charlestown Square.

What is the population of Redhead? +

According to the 2021 Census, Redhead has a population of approximately 3,785 residents.

Is Redhead a good place to live? +

Redhead 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 Redhead? +

The postcode for Redhead in NSW is 2290.

What is the average income in Redhead? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Redhead is about $771 per week (around $40,100 per year). The median household income is $1,598 per week and the median family income is $2,684 per week.

What is the median house price in Redhead? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $1,705,000, up 0.3% on the previous year, and the median unit/apartment price is $1,105,000, up 6.3% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of Redhead? +

The median age in Redhead is 48. The largest age group is 45–54 (515 residents, around 14%). Around 24% of residents are under 20 and about 28% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Redhead a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Redhead is part of the Lake Macquarie 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 Redhead? +

In Redhead, the median weekly rent is $420, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,300 (2021 Census).