Overall score
Bonnells Bay
51.8/100
Dora Creek
32.6/100
Bonnells Bay for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Overall score
Bonnells Bay
51.8/100
Dora Creek
32.6/100
Crime rate
Bonnells Bay
76.5 / 1k
Dora Creek
76.6 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Bonnells Bay
49
Dora Creek
32
Population
Bonnells Bay
4,066
Dora Creek
1,739
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Bonnells Bay | Dora Creek |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 51.8/100 | 32.6/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 51.4/100 | 44.3/100 |
| Crime rate | 76.5 / 1k | 76.6 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 3 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 2 | 1 |
| Public transport stops | 62 | 34 |
| Walkability | 76.0/100 | 32.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 49 | 32 |
| Planning activity | 20 | 34 |
| Population | 4,066 | 1,739 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 4/10 | 3/10 |
Bonnells Bay is a well-serviced metro mid-sized suburb with plenty happening nearby, while Dora Creek is a practical metro smaller community with approachable housing and suburban calm. Bonnells Bay sits in a middle-ring position, whereas Dora Creek is further out with more breathing room.
On the data, Bonnells Bay is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; Dora Creek answers with excellent public transport and relatively affordable housing. Bonnells Bay generally means more sought-after housing, while Dora Creek leans toward more approachable housing costs.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Bonnells Bay, while Dora Creek remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.