Shearwater suburb profile
Shearwater is a picturesque coastal suburb located on the north-west coast of Tasmania, approximately 20km east of Devonport. Known for its stunning beaches and relaxed lifestyle, Shearwater is a popular destination for families, retirees, and holidaymakers. The suburb offers a range of amenities, including shopping centres, cafes, and recreational facilities, making it a convenient place to live. Its proximity to the scenic Rubicon Estuary and Narawntapu National Park provides residents with ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and bushwalking. With its serene environment and growing community, Shearwater is an appealing choice for those seeking a coastal lifestyle.
Shearwater property market performance
Current median dwelling price$477,500Past 3 months
Property growth+11.8%Past 12 months
Shearwater's property market has shown varied performance over the past 12 months. The median house price has remained stable at $660,000, while unit values have surged by 26.8%, indicating a strong demand for units despite their lower sales volume. Over the past three months, 12 houses and 4 units were sold, with houses taking a median of 73 days on the market compared to 33 days for units, suggesting quicker turnover in the unit sector.
The rental market in Shearwater has experienced notable growth, with house rents increasing by 12.2% and unit rents rising by 15.7% over the last year. The average rent for houses is now $550, while units command an average of $478, reflecting a robust rental demand across both property types.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | $660K | N/A |
Change in value Past 12 months | -3.2% | 26.8% |
Sold Past 3 months | 12 | 4 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 73 | 33 |
Average rent Past 12 months | $550 | $478 |
Change in rent Past 12 months | 12.2% | 15.7% |
5 year median price trend for houses and units
Shearwater demographics
Shearwater, located in Tasmania, is a serene coastal suburb known for its tranquil lifestyle and picturesque surroundings. With a population of 2,051, it offers a close-knit community atmosphere, making it an ideal location for retirees and those seeking a peaceful environment. The median age of 58 reflects a mature population, with many residents enjoying the suburb's natural beauty and relaxed pace of life.
The housing landscape in Shearwater is characterized by a high rate of outright home ownership, with 53.5% of properties owned outright. This indicates a stable community with long-term residents who have settled into the area. Additionally, 24.6% of properties are owned with a mortgage, while 22% are rented, providing a mix of housing options for different preferences and life stages.
Family structures in Shearwater are predominantly couple families without children, accounting for 61.2% of the population. This is complemented by 25.3% of couple families with children and 12.3% of one-parent families, highlighting the suburb's appeal to both established families and those looking to downsize. The median total household income of $1,104 per week reflects the suburb's modest yet comfortable living standards, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality of life.
Shearwater infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Shearwater continues to benefit from its position within the Latrobe council area, which has been actively planning for growth across the Port Sorell–Shearwater coastal corridor, supporting steady residential development and renewed investor interest.[1][6] Ongoing subdivision and infill housing around the established township are gradually increasing dwelling supply, while the area’s popularity as a holiday and lifestyle destination helps underpin demand, particularly for low-maintenance homes and properties close to the waterfront and local retail.[5][6]
Local amenities such as nearby schools in the broader Port Sorell catchment and established shopping and service hubs make Shearwater an attractive option for families and downsizers, and continuing private development activity signals confidence in the suburb’s long-term appeal.[1][6] At this time there are no widely publicised major new transport, school or hospital projects specific to Shearwater beyond incremental council-led upgrades, so property performance is likely to remain driven primarily by lifestyle appeal, tourism influence and broader regional infrastructure improvements rather than a single transformative project.[5][6]
Shearwater rental market trends
The rental market in Shearwater has experienced notable growth, with house rents increasing by 12.2% over the past year to $550 per week, while unit rents have surged 15.7% to $478 per week. This vibrant suburb continues to attract interest from both renters and investors, driven by its appealing lifestyle and strong rental demand.
Suburbs near Shearwater
Some popular suburbs near Shearwater include:
How does Shearwater compare to nearby suburbs?
- Median house prices: Shearwater’s median house price is 13.2% lower than Port Sorell’s.
- House price growth: Property prices in nearby Port Sorell have risen 21.6% more than in Shearwater over the past year.
- Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Shearwater have grown 21.0% higher than in Latrobe.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in Shearwater are selling 24.7% faster than in Port Sorell.
- Selling speed for units: Properties in nearby Latrobe are selling 27.3% faster than in Shearwater.

