Port Kembla suburb profile
Port Kembla is a coastal suburb in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, known for its industrial heritage and stunning beaches. Situated approximately 8km south of Wollongong, it is home to one of Australia's key ports, contributing significantly to the local economy. The suburb offers a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas, with a strong community spirit and a growing arts scene. Port Kembla Beach and Hill 60 Reserve provide picturesque coastal views and recreational opportunities. The suburb's unique blend of industry, culture, and natural beauty makes it an intriguing place to live and visit.
Port Kembla property market performance
Current median dwelling price$707,500Past 3 months
Port Kembla's property market has seen positive growth over the past 12 months, with house values rising by 7.1%, bringing the median house price to approximately $1.2 million. The unit market remains stagnant, with no change in median values, reflecting limited activity.
Sales have been relatively low, with 12 houses and 7 units sold in the past year. Houses are selling faster, with a median of 35 days on market. The lack of data for units suggests limited transactions in this category.
The rental market has been strong, witnessing a 7.7% increase in house rental prices to $700 and a 7% rise in unit rentals to $460, indicating solid demand across the board.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | $1.20M | N/A |
Change in value Past 12 months | 7.1% | N/A |
Sold Past 3 months | 12 | 7 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 35 | N/A |
Average rent Past 12 months | $700 | $460 |
Change in rent Past 12 months | 7.7% | 7.0% |
5 year median price trend for houses and units
Port Kembla demographics
Port Kembla, located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, is a suburb known for its rich industrial history and coastal charm. With a population of 5,088, it offers a blend of community-focused living and access to natural beauty, including beaches and parks. The median age of 42 suggests a mature community, with a mix of families, professionals, and retirees who appreciate the suburb's laid-back lifestyle and proximity to Wollongong's amenities.
The suburb's housing landscape is diverse, with a significant portion of properties owned outright (38.8%), reflecting a stable and established community. Additionally, 26.6% of homes are owned with a mortgage, indicating a mix of long-term residents and newer homeowners. Renting is also a viable option, with 34.6% of properties available for rent, catering to those seeking flexibility or temporary residence in this coastal suburb.
Family dynamics in Port Kembla are varied, with couple families with children making up 38% of the population, while couple families without children account for 35.5%. One-parent families represent 24.7%, highlighting the suburb's inclusivity and support for diverse family structures. The area's industrial roots and ongoing development provide employment opportunities, while its coastal location offers residents a balanced lifestyle with both urban and natural attractions.
Port Kembla infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Port Kembla is the focus of a long-term revitalisation strategy under Wollongong City Council’s Port Kembla 2505 Revitalisation Plan 2018–2043, which aims to guide new residential, commercial and public domain investment across key precincts.[2] The plan responds to the suburb’s unique mix of heavy industry, working port and coastal setting, seeking to improve town centre amenity, activate underutilised land and support modest population growth, all of which are likely to enhance local property demand over time.[2] As part of this broader vision, council is prioritising better connections between the beachfront, local parks and the main street, which should improve walkability and liveability for residents and visitors.[2]
Proximity to major employment hubs at the port and industrial complex, together with easy access to Wollongong’s CBD about 10 km to the north, underpins ongoing buyer interest from both local workers and commuters.[3][4] The suburb’s coastal recreation assets, including beaches and foreshore reserves, support its appeal for lifestyle-focused purchasers, complementing the more affordable housing relative to nearby blue-chip coastal suburbs.[4][5] Council’s long-range planning emphasis on balancing industrial activity with better public spaces and main street renewal suggests continued gradual improvement in amenity, which may translate into stronger capital growth prospects over the medium to long term.[2]
Port Kembla rental market trends
The rental market in Port Kembla has shown steady growth, with house rents increasing 7.7% over the past year to $700 per week and unit rents rising 7% to $460 per week. The suburb's ongoing development and strategic location make it an attractive option for both tenants and investors seeking growth in a burgeoning community.
Suburbs near Port Kembla
Some popular suburbs near Port Kembla include:
How does Port Kembla compare to nearby suburbs?
- Median house prices: Port Kembla’s median house price is 30.2% higher than Warrawong’s.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Port Kembla have grown 1.7% higher than in Lake Heights.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in Port Kembla are selling 14.6% faster than in Primbee.

