Overall score
Gwelup
57.7/100
Watermans Bay
45.2/100
Gwelup vs Watermans Bay, WA suburb comparison
Gwelup for retirees and families; Watermans Bay for beach lifestyle and schools.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
GwelupWatermans Bay
Crime rate
Gwelup
2034.0 / 1k
Watermans Bay
7978.1 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Gwelup
45
Watermans Bay
17
Population
Gwelup
5,391
Watermans Bay
1,369
Metric leadGwelup 8Watermans Bay 02 tiedacross 10 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesGwelup
- Best for familiesGwelup
- Best for beach lifestyleWatermans Bay
- Best for investmentGwelup
- Best for best valueGwelup
- Best for best schoolsWatermans Bay
Audience fit
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
All metrics
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Full comparison table
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Gwelup | Watermans Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 57.7/100 | 45.2/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 76.0/100 | 61.6/100 |
| Crime rate | 2034.0 / 1k | 7978.1 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 6 | 6 |
| Parks & reserves | 3 | 2 |
| Public transport stops | 22 | 7 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 12.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 45 | 17 |
| Population | 5,391 | 1,369 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Comparison summary
Gwelup is an energetic metro mid-sized suburb where cafés and local life overlap, while Watermans Bay is a coastal smaller community with an easy, sea-led rhythm. Watermans Bay leans into coastal living, while Gwelup feels more inland and suburban in character.
On the data, Gwelup is stronger for housing affordability and a quieter safety profile; Watermans Bay answers with an affluent, sought-after address and easy access to the coast.
Gwelup suits retirees and families more clearly, whereas Watermans Bay is the stronger match for people chasing a beach lifestyle.