🔍

Shoalwater

WA 6169 • Greater Perth

4,368
Population (2021)
$63,700
Median Household Income
2.61 km²
Area
$260/wk
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideRetiree-HavenQuietEstablished

About Shoalwater

Shoalwater is a coastal suburb in the outer southern reaches of Perth, located approximately 47 kilometres from the Perth CBD within the City of Rockingham. Home to around 4,368 residents with a median age of 49, it has a noticeably mature community character with a high proportion of retirees and established households. The suburb has a significant British-born population, with residents from England, Scotland, and Wales forming a distinctive part of the community alongside long-term Perth residents.

Shoalwater's defining feature is its spectacular natural setting — the suburb borders the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, which encompasses Shoalwater Bay, Cape Peron, and the iconic Penguin Island, home to a colony of little penguins and a popular destination for snorkelling, kayaking, and wildlife watching. The coastal lifestyle is the primary drawcard, with beaches, reserves, and waterfront parklands providing everyday recreation. Nearby Rockingham city centre offers comprehensive shopping and services, and Rockingham train station connects residents to Perth CBD via the Mandurah Line in approximately 50 minutes.

Shoalwater falls under postcode 6169 and is governed by Rockingham Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Rockingham electorate.

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6169
Urban Area
Rockingham - North
LGA / Council
Rockingham
Federal Electorate
Brand
State Electorate
Rockingham
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-32.30°, 115.71°
Statistical Area
Greater Perth
Area
2.61 km²
Elevation
6m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$260
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,668
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
49 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
4.5%

75 state housing + 8 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Rockingham Station
2.5 km
N/A (bus or drive)

Bus Services

  • Transperth bus routes — Rockingham Station / Rockingham City Centre 5-15 min

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
47 km
By Train
~50 min via Mandurah Line from Rockingham Station
By Car (Peak)
50-70 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
40-50 min

🛣️ Kwinana Freeway provides direct freeway access to Perth; Transperth bus connects to Rockingham Station

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most daily errands require a car; coastal walks and parklands are accessible on foot, but retail and services need driving

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
4,100
Census 2021
4,368
▲ 6.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$30,628
Personal Income 2021
$35,308
▲ 15.3% 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
$35,308 / yr
$679/wk
Household
$63,700 / yr
$1225/wk
Family
$98,592 / yr
$1896/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,741
Born Overseas 1,230

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 525
  • 2. New Zealand 139
  • 3. Scotland 71
  • 4. South Africa 63
  • 5. Wales 36
  • 6. Ireland 32
  • 7. Germany 31
  • 8. Philippines 29
  • 9. India 25
  • 10. Netherlands 19

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,010
Australian 1,427
Scottish 448
Irish 421
German 171
Dutch 113
Italian 107
Welsh 70
Australian Aboriginal 69
Maori 60

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,727
Both parents born in Australia
1,556
Both parents born overseas
660
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
44.4%
Christianity
42.5%
Buddhism
0.8%
Islam
0.5%
Sikhism
0.2%
Hinduism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
181 (4.1%)
5-14 years
453 (10.4%)
15-19 years
174 (4.0%)
20-24 years
235 (5.4%)
25-34 years
422 (9.7%)
35-44 years
502 (11.5%)
45-54 years
531 (12.2%)
55-64 years
671 (15.4%)
65-74 years
545 (12.5%)
75-84 years
423 (9.7%)
85+ years
223 (5.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shoalwater known for? +

Shoalwater is famous as the departure point for the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park boat tours, where visitors can encounter wild penguins, sea lions, and dolphins in their natural habitat. The suburb has a relaxed coastal community character.

How far is Shoalwater from Perth CBD? +

Shoalwater is approximately 48 kilometres south of Perth CBD. Rockingham station on the Mandurah Line is approximately 5 km away for train access to Perth.

Does Shoalwater have public transport? +

Shoalwater is served by bus routes connecting to Rockingham station on the Mandurah Line, providing train services to Perth CBD.

What is the population of Shoalwater? +

According to the 2021 Census, Shoalwater has a population of approximately 4,368 residents, a coastal suburb in the City of Rockingham.

Is Shoalwater a good place to live? +

Shoalwater is excellent for wildlife enthusiasts and those seeking affordable coastal living near the extraordinary Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. Wild dolphin and sea lion encounters from the beach or boat add to a unique lifestyle appeal.

What is the postcode for Shoalwater? +

The postcode for Shoalwater is 6169.

What is the average income in Shoalwater? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Shoalwater is about $679 per week (around $35,300 per year). The median household income is $1,225 per week and the median family income is $1,896 per week.

What is the age profile of Shoalwater? +

The median age in Shoalwater is 49. The largest age group is 55–64 (671 residents, around 15%). Around 18% of residents are under 20 and about 27% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Shoalwater? +

In Shoalwater, the median weekly rent is $260, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,668 (2021 Census).