Summer (Dec–Feb)
- Usual max / min
- 27° / 18°
- Rainfall
- 295 mm · ~37 rainy days
NSW · Maitland Council
Gillieston Heights, 2321
Population
4,796
Median age
30
Median income
$1,986/wk
Employed
70%
Languages at home
7.2%non-English
Top: Punjabi, Hindi, Malayalam
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Excellent transport
- High desirability
- Education hub
- Café precinct
Suburb profile
Gillieston Heights is a hillside mid-sized suburb in Maitland, with elevated streets and a greener, quieter pace. Well placed between the city and outer suburbs, it offers practical access in every direction. Elevated streets and bushland backdrops bring a sense of fresh country air to daily life.
A younger crowd gives the area energy, with a strong presence of young families throughout. Local shops and services cover the basics well, with more choice a short trip into neighbouring suburbs. Outdoor life is easy here, with generous parks and room for kids, dogs and weekend strolls.
Everyday errands are genuinely walkable, with supermarkets, services and transport within easy reach. Housing carries a premium, but residents tend to feel the lifestyle justifies the commitment.
On the desirability index, the suburb sits around average overall, mainly because safety lag similar metro suburbs, despite relative strength in growth momentum and housing affordability.
Living here
Desirability
- Desirability score
- 53.9/100 — Average
- State standing
- Top 25% of New South Wales' suburbs
- National rank
- 1661st in Australia
- State rank
- 529th in NSW
- Peer rank
- #150 among Metro Sydney · Growth area suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #373 among Metro Sydney suburbs
- Data confidence
- 89%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived score) · Period: current · Updated on site · Derived from source metrics
Housing
- Flats / units (January to March 2026)
- $520
- Houses (January to March 2026)
- $680
- All types (January to March 2026)
- $650
- Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
- 293
Median weekly rent from NSW DCJ rent tables. Figures can be unreliable where few bonds were lodged in the quarter.
Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)
Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum
Data sources & freshness
- DCJ rent tables — NSW Department of Communities and Justice · Period: January to March 2026 · Updated on site · Quarterly releases
Population
- Population
- 4,796
- Median age
- 30
- Median household income / week
- $1,986
- Dwelling vacancy
- 2.8%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 49 of 1,736
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,950
- Employment rate
- 70%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 148 / 126 / 6
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 Census release
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Community & culture
7.2% speak a language other than English at home; 9.8% born overseas
- Language at home
- 4,319 English only · 335 other
- Non-English at home
- 7.2%
- Born overseas
- 459 (9.8%)
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- 380 (7.9%)
- Australian citizens
- 4,449
- Languages spoken at home (other than English)
- 15
Top languages other than English
Share of residents who speak a language other than English at home (2021 Census).
- Punjabi21 · 19.8%
- Hindi18 · 17%
- Malayalam13 · 12.3%
- Korean9 · 8.5%
- Filipino8 · 7.5%
- Arabic6 · 5.7%
- Cantonese5 · 4.7%
- Tagalog5 · 4.7%
2021 Census — languages spoken at home, birthplace, and Indigenous status (usual residence).
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 Census release
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Crime & safety
- Total offences (Jan 2025 to Dec 2025)
- 253
- Against the person
- 106
- Against property
- 92
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 52.8
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 45 residents
- State safety percentile
- 29.7th (lower crime is better)
- Increase (daily rate)
- +8.9%
Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.
Reported offences by period
Most common offence types
- Breach Apprehended Violence Order76
- Domestic Violence Related Assault132
- Fraud62
- Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment151
- Malicious Damage To Property99
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Crime rate and year-on-year trend
Data sources & freshness
- BOCSAR postcode crime statistics — NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Period: Jan 2024 to Dec 2024 → Jan 2025 to Dec 2025; Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 · Updated on site · Rolling 12-month windows
Family & Lifestyle
Schools & preschools
- Schools & preschools
- 2
- Median school ICSEA (2 schools)
- 990
- Gillieston Public SchoolPrimary
- The Heights Learning CommunityPrimary
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA
Data sources & freshness
- ACARA school locations — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · Period: 2025 · Updated on site · Annual ACARA release
- School ICSEA scores — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · Period: 2025 · Updated on site · Annual ACARA release
Childcare
2 childcare services from OpenStreetMap
- Saint Nicholas Early Educationkindergarten
- Tillys Play & Development Centrechildcare
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
Childcare centre count
Data sources & freshness
- Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · Period: current · Updated on site
Public transport
47 public transport stops in this suburb
- Redwood Dr After Pine St
- Redwood Dr Opp Pine St
- Scenic Dr After Champion Cres
- Scenic Dr At Peak Way
- Scenic Dr Opp Evergreen Way
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Public transport stop coverage
Data sources & freshness
- Timetables Complete GTFS stops (© Transport for NSW, CC BY 4.0) — Transport for NSW — Open Data Hub · Period: current · Updated on site · GTFS static feed (updated nightly)
Amenities
42 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km
1 restaurants · 1 cafes · 1 supermarkets · 1 pharmacies · 2 fast food · 3 playgrounds
Local character
- Highly walkable for everyday errands
- Great for outdoor family life — 4 parks mapped in suburb, 3 playgrounds nearby
- Well connected by public transport — 47 public transport stops
- Walkability proxy
- 78/100
- Cafés per 1,000 residents
- 0.21
- Food & drink per 1,000 residents
- 0.83
- Parks per 1,000 residents
- 0.83
Food & drink(4)
- SherwoodCafe
- Domino'sFast food
- McDonald'sFast food
- Pandaroo KitchenRestaurant
Shopping(2)
- IGASupermarket
Community(3)
- Tillys Play & Development CentreChildcare
- Gillieston Heights Community HubCommunity centre
- Saint Nicholas Early EducationKindergarten
Health & services(2)
- Gillieston Heights Medical CentreMedical clinic
- Discount Drug StoresPharmacy
Sport & outdoors(7)
- Judd Greedy ParkPark
- Roy Jordan Sports CentrePark
- Victor Warby ReservePark
- Playground (3)
- Sports field
Transport(17)
17 bus stops
Other(5)
- The Tumble ClubLaundry
- Newsagent
- Parking (4)
- Shelter
- Cigarettes Tobacco CigarsTobacco
Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe). Transport stops are summarised by type rather than listed individually.
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived from OpenStreetMap & Census) · Period: current · Updated on site · Derived from source metrics
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
Parks & reserves
4 parks and public open space in this suburb
- Joseph Maxwell VC ParkPark
- Judd Greedy ParkPark
- Roy Jordan Sports CentrePark
- Victor Warby ReservePark
Data sources & freshness
- Parks & reserves — State government + ABS LGA boundaries · Period: current · Updated on site
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 7
- Parks (OSM)
- 4
OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.
Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)
Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap green cover features — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
Health access
- Hospitals & GP clinics
- 1
- Emergency department
- Not in suburb
- Gillieston Heights Medical Centredoctor
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Hospitals and GP clinics
Data sources & freshness
- Hospitals & clinics — OpenStreetMap + state health datasets · Period: current · Updated on site
Weather
Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 23° / 14°
- Rainfall
- 366 mm · ~46 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 18° / 8°
- Rainfall
- 272 mm · ~34 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 23° / 13°
- Rainfall
- 230 mm · ~29 rainy days
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Temperature and humidity comfort
Data sources & freshness
- Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Period: seasonal · Updated on site · Static grid from WorldClim monthly averages
Future & Planning
Planning & development
Development applications from NSW Planning Portal (lodged 2020–2026).
328 planning-related records
2026· 31 proposals
June 2026
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure9 OUTCROP AVENUE GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Additional Information Requested
- Dual occupancy; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)25 TANGERINE STREET GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Additional Information Requested
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool43 PARADISE STREET GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Under Assessment
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah (screened enclosures)17 PRAIRIE WAY GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool1 JAMES LESLIE DRIVE GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
May 2026
- Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Semi-detached dwelling5 SIGNIFERA COURT GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Additional Information Requested
- Shed; Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support13 DARCYS CIRCUIT GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Additional Information Requested
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah40 JAMES LESLIE DRIVE GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Additional Information Requested
- Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Swimming pool29 PEAR STREET GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah5 SADDLERS DRIVE GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
April 2026
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Landscaping structures1 TANGERINE STREET GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Semi-detached dwelling; Residential Accommodation39A CESSNOCK ROAD GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Rejected
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)9 Horsfiled Close Gillieston Heights - DP1323440Under Assessment
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)35 Golden Bell circuit Gillieston HeightsUnder Assessment
- Dual occupancy; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached); Residential Accommodation27 FOOTWALL ROAD GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Additional Information Requested
- Dual occupancy; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached); Residential Accommodation39 ASSAY STREET GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Under Assessment
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)14 Bittern Close Gillieston Heights - DP1323440Under Assessment
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)29 Golden Bell Circ Gillieston Heights-DP1323440Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)11 Bittern Close Gillieston Heights NSW 2321Under Assessment
- Secondary dwelling; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure7 Horsfield Close Gillieston Heights NSW 2321Determined
March 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space28 HILLCREST DRIVE GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
- Dual occupancy; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)26 TANGERINE STREET GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
- Home business; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure7 SORBUS WAY GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
- Subdivision26 REDWOOD DRIVE GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Portable swimming pools and spas and child-resistant barriers56 DARCYS CIRCUIT GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
February 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)24 ASSAY STREET GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure31 HORIZON STREET GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure457 CESSNOCK ROAD GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
January 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space32 KIAH ROAD GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure24 SEMILLON RIDGE GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Fences44 RIVER OAK AVENUE GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
2025· 9 proposals
December 2025
- Dual occupancy; Dwelling house; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Residential Accommodation206 15 APEX STREET GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool6 PEAR STREET GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
November 2025
- Subdivision6 GOLDEN BELL CIRCUIT GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
- Dual occupancy; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Residential Accommodation38 ASSAY STREET GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support36 CAMELIA STREET GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
- Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Semi-detached dwelling8 SIGNIFERA COURT GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure11 ROCKET WAY GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached)4 BRECCIA AVENUE GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
October 2025
- Dual occupancy; Dwelling house; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached); Residential Accommodation23 APEX STREET GILLIESTON HEIGHTS 2321Determined
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- Online DA development application register — NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure · Period: 2020–2026 · Updated on site · Daily open-data feed (applications from Oct 2018)
Roadworks & transport
1 active roadworks / incidents
- RoadworksCessnock Rd, Scenic Drive13 Apr 2026 – 19 Aug 2026
Data sources & freshness
- Road incidents & closures — State road authority open-data feeds · Period: current · Updated on site · Hourly refresh where supported
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- Overlay applies
Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via NSW bush fire prone land mapping.
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Bushfire hazard overlays
Data sources & freshness
- Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · Period: current · Updated on site
Socio-economic
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 5/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 5/10
SEIFA indexes from ABS 2021. Decile 10 = most advantaged / least disadvantaged in Australia.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Period: 2021 · Updated on site · 2021 SEIFA release
Recent changes
- Cartwright St at Beckett Stamenitiesbus_stop
- Cartwright St opp Beckett Stamenitiesbus_stop
- Cessnock Rd after Vintage Dramenitiesbus_stop
- Cessnock Rd at Davies Stamenitiesbus_stop
- Cessnock Rd opp Oakwood Villageamenitiesbus_stop
- Cessnock Rd opp Russell Stamenitiesbus_stop
- Cigarettes Tobacco Cigarsamenitiestobacco
- Discount Drug Storesamenitiespharmacy
- Domino'samenitiesfast_food
- Gillieston Heights Community Hubamenitiescommunity_centre
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Updated on site · Weekly refresh
More in Maitland Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of New South Wales.