suburb.guide

NSW · Newcastle Council

Merewether, 2291

Current weather

18.1°CClear sky

64% humidity · 14.1 km/h wind · 21.8° / 14.1° today · 2.4 mm rain

Updated

Desirability score

60.8/100
Good

Top 13% of New South Wales' suburbs

89% data confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Coastal
  • Green suburb
  • High desirability
  • National parks
  • Excellent transport
What Merewether is known for: Coastal, Green suburb, High desirability, National parks, Excellent transport

Suburb profile

Merewether wears its coastal identity openly, a established suburb built around sand, sea and an easy outdoor rhythm. Set on the coast at a distance from the capital, it trades city proximity for a slower, beach-led rhythm. Sea breezes and coastal air are part of everyday life, especially on warmer evenings.

Residents are mostly families and working professionals, with plenty of young families in the mix. Parks, reserves and open space make it genuinely outdoor-friendly for walks, sport and weekend downtime. Strong public transport connections keep the wider area accessible.

Property is in demand, reflecting the appeal of living in a place people actively choose. Active development is adding new homes and refreshed pockets throughout the suburb.

On the desirability index, the suburb rates good overall, led by growth momentum and parks and green space, while safety and local dining and lifestyle amenities sit closer to the middle of the pack for similar coastal suburbs.

Population

Population
11,788
Median age
39
Median household income / week
$2,287
Dwelling vacancy
8.2%
Unoccupied private dwellings
409 of 5,000
Median monthly mortgage
$2,457
Employment rate
66.7%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
238 / 881 / 904

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.

Housing

Flats / units (January to March 2026)
$600
Houses (January to March 2026)
$950
All types (January to March 2026)
$720
Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
167

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

Crime & safety

Total offences (Jan 2025 to Dec 2025)
984
Against the person
164
Against property
643
Rate per 1,000 residents
83.5
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 72 residents
State safety percentile
59.2th (lower crime is better)
Increase (daily rate)
+0.4%

Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.

Reported offences by period

Most common offence types

  • Break And Enter Dwelling138
  • Fraud76
  • Malicious Damage To Property82
  • Steal From Dwelling74
  • Steal From Motor Vehicle246

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

Schools & preschools

Schools & preschools
5
Median school ICSEA (5 schools)
1,132
  • Hamilton South Public SchoolPrimary
  • Holy Family Primary SchoolPrimary
  • Merewether Public SchoolPrimary
  • St Joseph's Primary SchoolPrimary
  • The Junction Public SchoolPrimary

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Public transport

184 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Fernleigh Loop Opp Faul St
  • Jefferson Park, Frederick St
  • Scenic Dr Opp 62
  • Scenic Dr Opp Charlotte St
  • Scenic Dr Opp Woodward St

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)

Planning & development

Development applications from NSW Planning Portal (lodged 2020–2026).

942 planning-related records

2026· 40 proposals

  • June 2026

  • Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Dual occupancy (attached)
    29 MORGAN STREET MEREWETHER 2291Under Assessment
  • Demolition; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Cabanas, cubby houses, ferneries, garden sheds, gazebos and greenhouses; Swimming pool
    22 JOHN PARADE MEREWETHER 2291Determined
  • Demolition; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure
    5 BERNER STREET MEREWETHER 2291Under Assessment
  • Erection of a new structure; Driveways and hard stand spaces; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Landscaping structures
    24 MYAMBLAH CRESCENT MEREWETHER 2291Under Assessment
  • Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure
    1 CRAM STREET MEREWETHER 2291Under Assessment
  • Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Minor building alterations (internal); Minor building alterations (external)
    72 MACQUARIE STREET MEREWETHER 2291Under Assessment
  • Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah (screened enclosures); Cabanas, cubby houses, ferneries, garden sheds, gazebos and greenhouses; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Fences; Landscaping structures
    89 KENRICK STREET MEREWETHER 2291Under Assessment
  • Demolition; Subdivision; Dual occupancy (attached)
    44 KEMPSTER ROAD MEREWETHER 2291Under Assessment
  • Demolition; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)
    3 NOTT STREET MEREWETHER 2291Under Assessment
  • Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool
    40 WILTON STREET MEREWETHER 2291Determined
  • Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation
    66 MITCHELL STREET MEREWETHER 2291Under Assessment
  • Demolition; Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure
    68 TURNBULL STREET MEREWETHER 2291Under Assessment

  • May 2026

  • Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Cabanas, cubby houses, ferneries, garden sheds, gazebos and greenhouses
    158 NATIONAL PARK STREET MEREWETHER 2291Determined
  • Secondary dwelling; Erection of a new structure
    7 ULICK STREET MEREWETHER 2291Determined
  • Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool
    17 BURWOOD STREET MEREWETHER 2291Determined
  • Subdivision
    190 GLEBE ROAD MEREWETHER 2291Determined
  • Demolition; Multi-dwelling housing; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure
    32 CALDWELL STREET MEREWETHER 2291Additional Information Requested
  • Erection of a new structure; Carport
    3 ARTHUR STREET MEREWETHER 2291Determined
  • Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure
    20 TURNBULL STREET MEREWETHER 2291Under Assessment
  • Demolition; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure
    51A MEREWETHER STREET MEREWETHER 2291Determined
  • Demolition; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool
    18 PELL STREET MEREWETHER 2291Determined
  • Demolition; Subdivision; Dual occupancy (attached)
    54 SELWYN STREET MEREWETHER 2291Under Assessment
  • Shed; Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space
    67 JANET STREET MEREWETHER 2291Under Assessment

  • April 2026

  • Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure
    45 WILTON STREET MEREWETHER 2291Determined
  • Demolition; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Driveways and hard stand spaces
    28 RANCLAUD STREET MEREWETHER 2291Determined
  • Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure
    82 TURNBULL STREET MEREWETHER 2291Additional Information Requested
  • Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure
    31A HELEN STREET MEREWETHER 2291Additional Information Requested
  • Demolition; Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure
    6 HELEN STREET MEREWETHER 2291Determined
  • Dual occupancy; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure
    44 RAILWAY STREET MEREWETHER 2291Deferred Commencement
  • Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)
    72 CURRY STREET MEREWETHER 2291Determined
  • Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation
    34 ROWAN CRESCENT MEREWETHER 2291Determined
  • Demolition; Multi-dwelling housing; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached)
    46 ULICK STREET MEREWETHER 2291Under Assessment
  • Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Cabanas, cubby houses, ferneries, garden sheds, gazebos and greenhouses
    56 KENRICK STREET MEREWETHER 2291Determined

  • March 2026

  • Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool
    65 WILTON STREET MEREWETHER 2291Determined
  • Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure
    63 HICKSON STREET MEREWETHER 2291Under Assessment
  • Demolition; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure
    196 MEREWETHER STREET MEREWETHER 2291Determined
  • Demolition; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached)
    4 DENT STREET MEREWETHER 2291Determined
  • Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure
    32 HENRY STREET MEREWETHER 2291Determined
  • Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure
    55 KENRICK STREET MEREWETHER 2291Additional Information Requested
  • Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Garage, carport or carparking space; Swimming pool
    44 KILGOUR AVENUE MEREWETHER 2291Additional Information Requested

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

Amenities

124 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

  • BWSAlcohol

    30C Llewellyn Street, Merewether

  • Bench (5)
  • Rocket MTB SuspensionBicycle

    25 Henry Street, Merewether

  • Bicycle Parking (7)
  • Bicycle rental
  • Alice St at Wilton StBus stop
  • Alice St opp Wilton StBus stop
  • Berner St Near Mitchell StBus stop
  • Carpenter Court Aged Care Plus Centre, Watkins StBus stop
  • Fire and Rescue NSW Fire Station, Llewellyn StBus stop

Names and addresses from OpenStreetMap. Unnamed venues show as their type (e.g. Cafe).

Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)

Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)

Data sources & freshness

  • OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · Period: current · Updated on site · Weekly refresh

Parks & reserves

12 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Campbell ParkPark
  • Charlotte Street ReserverPark
  • Dixon ParkPark
  • Gibbs Brothers ParkPark
  • Hanging gliding padPark
  • Henderson ParkPark
  • Mitchell ParkPark
  • Morgan Street ReservePark
  • Myamblah Crescent ReservePark
  • Robinson Place ReservePark

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Hospitals & GP clinics
1
Emergency department
On site
  • Lingard Private Hospitalhospital

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic (SEIFA)

IRSAD decile (2021)
10/10
IRSD decile (2021)
10/10

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

Heritage

1 state heritage place

  • Ridge, The21 Hillcrest Road NewcastleSHR

Data sources & freshness

  • State heritage register — State heritage authority · Period: current · Updated on site

Childcare

1 childcare service from OpenStreetMap

  • KU Merewether PreschoolCaldwell Streetkindergarten

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

Childcare centre count

Data sources & freshness

  • Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · Period: current · Updated on site

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

Green cover

Parks & woodland (OSM)
19
Parks (OSM)
14

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

Desirability Index

Desirability score
60.8/100 — Good
State standing
Top 13% of New South Wales' suburbs
National rank
780th in Australia
State rank
274th in NSW
Peer rank
#22 among Coastal & beach · Established suburbs
Cohort rank
#39 among Coastal & beach suburbs
Data confidence
89%

Data sources & freshness

  • Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived score) · Period: current · Updated on site · Derived from source metrics

Recent changes

  • Alice St at Wilton Stamenitiesbus_stop
  • Alice St opp Wilton Stamenitiesbus_stop
  • BWSamenities30C Llewellyn Street, Merewetheralcohol
  • Beaches Hotelamenitiespub
  • Benchamenitiesbench
  • Benchamenitiesbench
  • Benchamenitiesbench
  • Benchamenitiesbench
  • Benchamenitiesbench
  • Berner St Near Mitchell Stamenitiesbus_stop

Data sources & freshness

More in Newcastle Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of New South Wales.