🔍

West Wallsend

NSW 2286 • Rest of NSW

2,981
Population (2021)
$84,604
Median Household Income
17.49 km²
Area
$400/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlyAffordableEstablishedRegional

About West Wallsend

West Wallsend is a suburb in the City of Lake Macquarie, part of the Greater Newcastle region in New South Wales, situated approximately 21 kilometres west of Newcastle CBD. The suburb has a population of around 2,981 and sits near the Sydney-Newcastle Freeway, giving it strong road connectivity to the broader Hunter Valley region. Originally a coal-mining community established in the 1860s, West Wallsend retains a tight-knit character with predominantly detached homes on generous blocks.

Residents enjoy a relaxed, semi-rural lifestyle with access to parks, community ovals, and local schools within walking distance. The nearby Glendale Stockland shopping centre provides major retail services, while the Hunter Expressway makes travel north and west straightforward. The suburb attracts families and first-home buyers seeking affordable housing within a reasonable commute of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.

West Wallsend falls under postcode 2286 and is governed by Lake Macquarie Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Cessnock electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2286
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Lake Macquarie
Federal Electorate
Hunter
State Electorate
Cessnock
Type
Rural
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-32.90°, 151.57°
Statistical Area
Rest of NSW
Area
17.49 km²
Elevation
45m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Cockle Creek
8 km
Hunter Line (Newcastle–Sydney)

Bus Services

  • 230,235 — Newcastle Interchange via Wallsend 40–55 min
  • 210 — Glendale Stockland 10–15 min

Commute to Newcastle CBD

Distance
21 km
By Bus
50–70 min
By Car (Peak)
30–40 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
22–28 min

🛣️ No direct train access; buses connect via Wallsend; most residents drive to Newcastle

Walkability Car-Dependent

Limited walkable amenities; a car is needed for most daily errands

🛒 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 West Wallsend. 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)

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$400
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,863
Avg Household Size
2.6 people
Median Age
36 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.4%

5 state housing + 10 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,240
Census 2021
2,981
▲ 33.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$31,824
Personal Income 2021
$39,676
▲ 24.7% 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
$39,676 / yr
$763/wk
Household
$84,604 / yr
$1627/wk
Family
$102,908 / yr
$1979/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,658
Born Overseas 202

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 51
  • 2. New Zealand 38
  • 3. Germany 16
  • 4. India 14
  • 5. Netherlands 12
  • 6. Scotland 10
  • 7. Poland 7
  • 8. South Africa 7
  • 9. Hong Kong 6
  • 10. Indonesia 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,411
English 1,375
Scottish 350
Irish 259
Australian Aboriginal 176
German 117
Italian 53
Dutch 49
Polish 21
Welsh 21

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,281
Both parents born in Australia
252
Both parents born overseas
309
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
47.4%
No Religion
44.8%
Hinduism
0.7%
Buddhism
0.6%
Judaism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
202 (6.8%)
5-14 years
394 (13.2%)
15-19 years
187 (6.3%)
20-24 years
170 (5.7%)
25-34 years
467 (15.7%)
35-44 years
369 (12.4%)
45-54 years
324 (10.9%)
55-64 years
314 (10.5%)
65-74 years
317 (10.6%)
75-84 years
192 (6.4%)
85+ years
45 (1.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is West Wallsend known for? +

West Wallsend is known as an affordable family suburb with a relaxed, semi-rural atmosphere in the Greater Newcastle area. The nearby Glendale retail precinct provides major shopping options, and the suburb has good access to Lake Macquarie's parks and recreational facilities.

How far is West Wallsend from Newcastle CBD? +

West Wallsend is approximately 21 kilometres south-west of Newcastle CBD, with a drive time of around 25-30 minutes via the M1 Pacific Motorway.

Does West Wallsend have public transport? +

West Wallsend is served by local bus routes connecting to Glendale and the broader Newcastle area. The nearest train stations are at Cardiff and Glendale, providing connections to Newcastle and the Central Coast.

What is the population of West Wallsend? +

According to the 2021 Census, West Wallsend has a population of approximately 2,981 residents within the City of Lake Macquarie local government area.

Is West Wallsend a good place to live? +

West Wallsend suits families seeking affordable housing in the Greater Newcastle area with a quiet community feel. Proximity to Glendale's retail hub, local schools, and parks makes it a practical choice for those wanting value and good amenities.

What is the postcode for West Wallsend? +

The postcode for West Wallsend is 2286.