Prior to European colonisation, the Newport area was inhabited by the Guringai (Kuringgai) people.[2] Shell middens from Aboriginal inhabitants are still visible both on the Pittwater side in Salt Pan Cove, as well as on the ocean facing cliff-side banks.
Newport derived its name from being a "new port" for steamers carrying passengers and cargo such as local shell lime and firewood. Bungan Castle is a medieval-style stone castle on Bungan Head built in 1919 by Adolph Albers, a German art dealer.[3] In 1978, the area came to national attention due to the disappearance of Trudie Adams.
Demographics
In the 2021 Census, there were 9,659 people in Newport. 74.7% of people were born in Australia. The next most common countries of birth were England 7.8%, New Zealand 1.7% and South Africa 1.3%. 89.8% of people spoke only English at home. The most common responses for religion were No Religion 46.7%, Catholic 18.8% and Anglican 17.5%.[4]
Pittwater Presbyterian Church has been ministering to the people of Newport and the surrounding suburbs since 1967.[5]
Newport Anglican Church meets right next to the Post Office.
The Link Church meets at its North Campus the first Wednesday of every Month at the Newport Community Centre. Service begins at 7pm. The Link Church also runs Sunday morning and evening Services at Cromer and Narrabeen respectively.