suburb.guide

NSW · Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

Port Macquarie, 2444

Current weather

16.8°CClear sky

90% humidity · 6.2 km/h wind · 23.1° / 11.8° today · 1 mm rain

Updated

Desirability score

56.9/100
Good

Top 18% of New South Wales' suburbs

89% data confidence

How this score is calculated
  • Excellent transport
  • Green suburb
  • Education hub
  • National parks
  • High desirability
What Port Macquarie is known for: Excellent transport, Green suburb, Education hub, National parks, High desirability

Suburb profile

Port Macquarie is a regional centre in Port Macquarie-Hastings that balances local services with a more relaxed pace of life. A strong local centre anchors daily routines, while the surrounding region adds variety for weekends away. Generous greenery runs through the area, from street trees to tucked-away reserves.

An older demographic makes it especially popular with retirees, with multiple generations sharing the same neighbourhood. The town centre holds its own, with enough local flavour to make staying close to home appealing. Green space is a real strength, with parks and playgrounds woven through the suburb.

Strong public transport connections keep the wider area accessible. Homes here are sought-after, with many people drawn to the lifestyle the area offers.

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

Population

Population
47,693
Median age
48
Median household income / week
$1,282
Dwelling vacancy
9.2%
Unoccupied private dwellings
1,986 of 21,688
Median monthly mortgage
$1,751
Employment rate
49.8%
Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
1,500 / 3,541 / 3,000

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)
$490
Houses (January to March 2026)
$660
All types (January to March 2026)
$600
Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
551

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)
4,395
Against the person
1,185
Against property
1,754
Rate per 1,000 residents
92.2
Person-crime prevalence
About 1 in 40 residents
State safety percentile
64.9th (lower crime is better)
Increase (daily rate)
+2%

Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.

Reported offences by period

Most common offence types

  • Breach Bail Conditions379
  • Fraud335
  • Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment422
  • Malicious Damage To Property387
  • Non-Domestic Violence Related Assault342

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
19
Median school ICSEA (19 schools)
1,017
  • Hastings Public SchoolPrimary
  • Hastings Secondary College, Port Macquarie CampusSecondary
  • Hastings Secondary College, Westport CampusSecondary
  • Heritage Christian SchoolCombined
  • MacKillop College Port MacquarieSecondary
  • Nautilus Senior CollegeSpecial
  • Newman Senior Technical CollegeSecondary
  • North East Public School of Distance EducationPrimary
  • Port Macquarie Adventist SchoolCombined
  • Port Macquarie Public SchoolPrimary

Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)

School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA

Data sources & freshness

Public transport

653 public transport stops in this suburb

  • Garden Village, Findlay Dr
  • Marina Park, Settlement Point Rd
  • Park St Opp Riverview Park Rd
  • Settlement Point Rd At Stevens St
  • Settlement Point Rd Opp Settlement Point Ferry Wharf

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)

Roadworks & transport

1 active roadworks / incidents

  • Check signage. Exercise caution. Use diversions. <strong>ROADWORKS - Hastings River Drive - Between Clifton Drive and Bellbowrie Street, Port Macquarie</strong>From Monday 15 June 2026, until the 19th of July , the eastbound lane of Hastings River Drive between Clifton Drive and Bellbowrie Street will be closed to facilitate sewer construction works, weather and site conditions permitting.A temporary detour via Denham Street will be in place for the duration of the works.<strong>How will traffic be affected?</strong><ul><li>Set up of a site compound and material storage area at 67 - 71 Hastings River Drive.</li><li>Temporary shoulder and single lane closures</li><li>Both eastbound lanes closed between Clifton Drive and Bellbowrie Street, with detours in place via Newport Island Road, Denham Street and Bellbowrie Street. From 15 June until 19 July 2026</li><li>Deep excavations in the area between Clifton Drive and Bellbowrie Street, including machinery and trucks on site.</li><li>Temporary bypass pumping of sewer lines to allow replacement of pipes which will require use of generators.</li><li>Liquid Waste tankers used to remove and transport wastewater during the works.</li><li>Night works to enable pump station bypassing undertaken at Widderson Street and Hastings River Drive Intersection. </li></ul>Hastings River Drive14 Jun 2026 – 03 Jul 2026

Data sources & freshness

  • Road incidents & closures — State road authority open-data feeds · Period: current · Updated on site · Hourly refresh where supported

Planning & development

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

2,402 planning-related records

2026· 40 proposals

  • June 2026

  • Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah
    27 RUBY CIRCUIT PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Garage, carport or carparking space; Minor building alterations (internal); Minor building alterations (external)
    16 CORREA CRESCENT PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Demolition; Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space
    26 ACKROYD STREET PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Restaurant or cafe; Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia; Food and drink premise
    12-24 WILLIAM STREET PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah
    26 BIRCHWOOD COURT PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure
    94 BANGALAY DRIVE PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Dual occupancy; Subdivision; Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia; Dual occupancy (attached); Residential Accommodation
    7 PARIS LANE PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Minor building alterations (internal); Minor building alterations (external)
    16 MORRISH STREET PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Swimming pool
    54 HILL STREET PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Garage, carport or carparking space; Swimming pool
    26 WIDDERSON STREET PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Erection of a new structure; Fences
    42 HILL STREET PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Multi-dwelling housing; Subdivision; Medium Density Housing; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation
    6 RUSH LILY VIEW PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Educational establishment; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; School; Infrastructure
    3 IONA AVENUE PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Driveways and hard stand spaces; Garage, carport or carparking space; Minor building alterations (internal)
    13 SWIFT STREET PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Driveways and hard stand spaces; Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support; Garage, carport or carparking space
    22 MANIKATO WAY PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Minor building alterations (internal); Minor building alterations (external)
    55 THE SUMMIT ROAD PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Minor building alterations (external)
    33 BAY STREET PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Secondary dwelling; Dwelling house; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation
    PHILIP CHARLEY DRIVE PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Signage; Advertising and signage; Advertising structure
    10 HOLLAND CLOSE PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Subdivision
    1 HUDSON AVENUE PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; General industry
    100 HASTINGS RIVER DRIVE PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Erection of a new structure; Environmental protection works; Recreation area
    Hastings RiverAdditional Information Requested
  • Demolition; Residential flat building; Boarding house; Erection of a new structure
    7 RACEWYN CLOSE PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation
    103 PACIFIC DRIVE PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool
    PHILIP CHARLEY DRIVE PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Shed; Temporary building, structure or use
    2 MAHOGANY HILL PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment

  • May 2026

  • Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation
    22 KOEL CRESCENT PORT MACQUARIE 2444Additional Information Requested
  • Secondary dwelling; Erection of a new structure
    6 CALLISTEMON CLOSE PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah
    4 DAVID CLOSE PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (detached); Residential Accommodation
    PHILIP CHARLEY DRIVE PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation
    44 BURRAWONG DRIVE PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Dwelling house; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation
    4 MORRISH STREET PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Industrial development; Erection of a new structure; General industry
    4 10 BELLBOWRIE STREET PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Subdivision
    56 ANNABELLA DRIVE PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Erection of a new structure; Swimming pool
    51 BALLINA CRESCENT PORT MACQUARIE 2444Determined
  • Restaurant or cafe; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Food and drink premise
    22 HORTON STREET PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah
    12 JASMINE STREET PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation
    31 LEWIN CIRCUIT PORT MACQUARIE 2444Determined
  • Dual occupancy; Dwelling house; Subdivision; Erection of a new structure; Dual occupancy (attached); Residential Accommodation
    5 CAIQUE CRESCENT PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment
  • Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah; Swimming pool
    19 LINKS CRESCENT PORT MACQUARIE 2444Under Assessment

Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)

Development and planning activity

Data sources & freshness

Amenities

49 nearby amenities within ~1.5 km

  • Port PickersAntiques
  • Just BeddingBed
  • 55 Greenmeadows DrBus stop
  • 58 Greenmeadows DrBus stop
  • Greenmeadows Dr at Cairncross PlBus stop
  • Greenmeadows Dr at Correa CrBus stop
  • Greenmeadows Dr at Treeview WayBus stop
  • Greenmeadows Dr opp Cairncross PlBus stop
  • Greenmeadows Dr opp Correa CrBus stop
  • Greenmeadows Dr opp Lighthouse Child Care CentreBus 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

37 parks and public open space in this suburb

  • Absalom ReservePark
  • Allman HillPark
  • Amethyst Way ReservePark
  • Bellangry ParkPark
  • Blair ReservePark
  • Calwalla ReservePark
  • Dixie ParkPark
  • Findlay ParkPark
  • Hennessey ParkPark
  • Hibbard ReservePark

Data sources & freshness

Health access

Hospitals & GP clinics
81
Emergency department
On site
  • Adrian Cornale EyeQ Optometrists Port Macquarieoptometrist
  • Amcalpharmacy
  • Audika Port MacquarieWilliam Streetaudiologist
  • Australian Unityaged care
  • Bay Audioaudiologist
  • Beachside Dentaldentist
  • Beachside Medi Spayes
  • Blue Bay Disabilityrehabilitation
  • Body IQyes
  • Central Port ChiropracticHollingworth Streetalternative

Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)

Hospitals and GP clinics

Data sources & freshness

Socio-economic (SEIFA)

IRSAD decile (2021)
4/10
IRSD decile (2021)
4/10

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

8 state heritage places

  • Archaeological Remains of Overseers' Cottages30-44 Clarence Street Port MacquarieSHR
  • Courthouse and Norfolk Island pines (former)Clarence Street (cnr), Port MacquarieSHR
  • Hastings Historical Society Museum22 Clarence Street Port MacquarieSHR
  • Lake Innes House ruins and environsThe Ruins Way, Port MacquarieSHR
  • Port Macquarie First (Allman Hill) Burying Ground 1822 - 1824Clarence Street, Port MacquarieSHR
  • Port Macquarie Government House Site2 Clarence Street Port MacquarieSHR
  • Port Macquarie Second Burying Ground 1824 - 1886Gordon Street, Port MacquarieSHR
  • St Thomas' Anglican ChurchHay Street, Port MacquarieSHR

Data sources & freshness

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

Childcare

5 childcare services from OpenStreetMap

  • Early Explorers AcademyHindman Streetchildcare
  • Green Leaves Early Learning Port MacquarieFernhill Roadchildcare
  • Port Macquarie Community PreschoolMunster Streetkindergarten
  • Smartland Early LearningMajor Innes Roadchildcare
  • kindergartenkindergarten

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)
98
Parks (OSM)
52

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
56.9/100 — Good
State standing
Top 18% of New South Wales' suburbs
National rank
1170th in Australia
State rank
379th in NSW
Peer rank
#23 among Country & regional · Mature suburbs
Cohort rank
#66 among Country & regional 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

  • 55 Greenmeadows Dramenitiesbus_stop
  • 58 Greenmeadows Dramenitiesbus_stop
  • Anacondaamenities180 Lake Roadoutdoor
  • Australia Postamenitiespost_box
  • Belly Bombersamenitiescafe
  • Burson Auto Partsamenitiescar_parts
  • Coastal Musicamenitiesmusical_instrument
  • Enterpriseamenities14 Bolwarra Road, Port Macquariecar_rental
  • Greenmeadows Dr at Cairncross Plamenitiesbus_stop
  • Greenmeadows Dr at Correa Cramenitiesbus_stop

Data sources & freshness

More in Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

Other suburbs in the same local government area.

Comparable suburbs

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