🔍

Shortland

NSW 2307 • Rest of NSW

4,537
Population (2021)
$69,888
Median Household Income
6.56 km²
Area
$377/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlyWetlands AccessUniversity ProximityAffordable

About Shortland

Shortland is a residential suburb nestled in Newcastle's outer west, just 12 kilometres from the CBD with a population of around 4,500. The suburb is bordered by significant wetlands that limit development but provide unique natural amenities, including the internationally-recognised Hunter Wetlands Centre. Named after Lieutenant John Shortland of the First Fleet, the area combines suburban living with easy access to the University of Newcastle campus in adjacent Callaghan.

Life in Shortland revolves around its natural surroundings and convenient location. The Hunter Wetlands Centre offers walking trails, wildlife spotting, and educational programs, while local parks and sporting facilities serve active residents. Families appreciate the proximity to excellent schools and the University of Newcastle, creating a student-friendly community atmosphere. Shortland attracts young families and professionals seeking affordable Newcastle living with good connections and unique natural assets.

Shortland falls under postcode 2307 and is governed by Newcastle Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Wallsend electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2307
Urban Area
Newcastle - Outer West
LGA / Council
Newcastle
Federal Electorate
Newcastle
State Electorate
Wallsend
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-32.87°, 151.69°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
6.56 km²
Elevation
20m

🏷️ Property Prices 2025

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

🏡House
$763K
70 sales · ▲ 8.9% vs 2024
🏢Unit / Apartment
$663K
32 sales · ▲ 6.9% 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)
$377
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,679
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
33 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
5.3%

64 state housing + 35 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Sandgate
2.5 km
30 min
Warabrook (University)
2.8 km
35 min

Bus Services

  • Newcastle Buses local services — Newcastle CBD, Jesmond, Wallsend 20-30 min to CBD

Commute to Newcastle CBD

Distance
12 km
By Train
25-35 min via Sandgate/Warabrook + bus
By Bus
25-35 min direct
By Car (Peak)
20-25 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
15 min

🛣️ Newcastle Inner City Bypass provides good road access

Walkability Car-Dependent

Local shops accessible but most errands require driving

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏛️ Heritage-Listed Places

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

131 Radar Station (former)
Ash Island • SHR #01815

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest 2025 rates for the Newcastle Local Government Area, which contains Shortland. 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
3,905
Census 2021
4,537
▲ 16.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$25,844
Personal Income 2021
$35,412
▲ 37.0% 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
$35,412 / yr
$681/wk
Household
$69,888 / yr
$1344/wk
Family
$84,708 / yr
$1629/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,668
Born Overseas 647

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. China 76
  • 2. England 63
  • 3. India 63
  • 4. New Zealand 36
  • 5. Philippines 36
  • 6. Pakistan 35
  • 7. Scotland 20
  • 8. Vietnam 19
  • 9. Malaysia 18
  • 10. Indonesia 16

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,812
English 1,808
Scottish 516
Irish 472
Australian Aboriginal 284
German 160
Chinese 137
Indian 75
Italian 74
Filipino 56

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,996
Both parents born in Australia
774
Both parents born overseas
512
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
46.7%
No Religion
41.8%
Islam
2.4%
Buddhism
1.2%
Hinduism
1.0%
Sikhism
0.5%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
288 (6.3%)
5-14 years
422 (9.3%)
15-19 years
212 (4.7%)
20-24 years
518 (11.4%)
25-34 years
942 (20.8%)
35-44 years
499 (11.0%)
45-54 years
362 (8.0%)
55-64 years
396 (8.7%)
65-74 years
438 (9.7%)
75-84 years
352 (7.8%)
85+ years
120 (2.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shortland known for? +

Shortland is a residential suburb nestled in Newcastle's outer west, just 12 kilometres from the CBD with a population of around 4,500.

How far is Shortland from Newcastle CBD? +

Shortland is approximately 12 kilometres from Newcastle CBD. The drive takes around 20-25 min during peak hour and 15 min off-peak. By train, the journey takes approximately 25-35 min via Sandgate/Warabrook + bus.

Does Shortland have public transport? +

Shortland is served by Sandgate station (2.5 km, approximately 30 min walk) on the Hunter Line (NSW TrainLink). Local bus services including Newcastle Buses local services also connect residents to Newcastle CBD, Jesmond, Wallsend.

What is the population of Shortland? +

According to the 2021 Census, Shortland has a population of approximately 4,537 residents.

Is Shortland a good place to live? +

Shortland is considered a good place for families, with a suburban setting and access to schools, parks, and local services. Its community character makes it appealing to households at various life stages.

What is the postcode for Shortland? +

The postcode for Shortland in NSW is 2307.

What is the average income in Shortland? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Shortland is about $681 per week (around $35,400 per year). The median household income is $1,344 per week and the median family income is $1,629 per week.

What is the median house price in Shortland? +

As of 2025, the median house price is $762,500, up 8.9% on the previous year, and the median unit/apartment price is $662,500, up 6.9% on the previous year. Figures are based on NSW Valuer General — Property Sales Information.

What is the age profile of Shortland? +

The median age in Shortland is 33. The largest age group is 25–34 (942 residents, around 21%). Around 20% of residents are under 20 and about 20% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Shortland a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Shortland 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 Shortland? +

In Shortland, the median weekly rent is $377, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,679 (2021 Census).