Fern Bay crime statistics
Reporting period: 2025-07 – 2026-06
102 recorded in this period, compared with 114 in the preceding period.
LGA totals use the selected offence categories. Locality counts and population-adjusted LGA rates are different measures.
About Fern Bay
Fern Bay is a coastal residential locality in the Port Stephens region of New South Wales, situated within the 2295 postcode area. Located approximately 15 kilometres north of Newcastle’s central business district and south of Williamtown, the area is characterised by its natural coastal geography, featuring extensive sand dunes, coastal bushland, and proximity to the Hunter River and Stockton Bight. Demographically, the population largely consists of families and retirees drawn to the area's coastal environment, supported by a mix of established residential pockets and modern housing developments.
Local life in Fern Bay centres primarily on outdoor recreation and community living, with residents utilizing nearby beaches, nature reserves, and Stockton Bight for activities such as four-wheel driving, walking, and fishing. While the locality itself is predominantly residential and quiet, it is serviced by local parks and community spaces. For broader commercial services, secondary education, and major retail hubs, residents typically commute to nearby commercial centres such as Newcastle, Raymond Terrace, or the larger suburbs within the Port Stephens local government area.
Historically, the lands surrounding Fern Bay possess significant cultural heritage for the traditional custodians of the region, the Worimi people, who have long associations with the coastal ecosystems and dune systems. European settlement in the broader Port Stephens and Stockton area initially focused on maritime activities, timber-getting, and grazing. In more recent decades, Fern Bay has transitioned from a sparsely populated coastal strip into a growing residential community, balancing modern suburban expansion with the preservation of its surrounding natural environment.
Recorded offence categories
| Category | Current period | Previous period |
|---|---|---|
| Intimidation, stalking and harassment | 13 | 11 |
| Breach Apprehended Violence Order | 11 | 16 |
| Domestic violence related assault | 11 | 14 |
| Steal from motor vehicle | 10 | 8 |
| Break and enter dwelling | 6 | 5 |
| Malicious damage to property | 6 | 7 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 6 | 2 |
| Sexual assault | 6 | 8 |
| Non-domestic violence related assault | 5 | 4 |
| Fraud | 4 | 14 |
| Other offences | 4 | 0 |
| Prohibited and regulated weapons offences | 4 | 4 |
| Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences | 3 | 3 |
| Steal from dwelling | 3 | 1 |
| Possession and/or use of amphetamines | 2 | 1 |
| Trespass | 2 | 2 |
| Breach bail conditions | 1 | 4 |
| Coercive Control | 1 | 0 |
Community context
The 2021 Census recorded 4,046 residents. This is not a current population estimate.
Sources and interpretation
These are police-recorded incident or victim counts, not every unreported incident or a prediction of personal safety. Percentage changes are not tests of statistical significance; small counts need particular care.