🔍

Arcadia

QLD 4819 • Queensland

246
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
5.85 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideTourist HubPeaceful
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About Arcadia

Arcadia is a coastal suburb on Magnetic Island, Queensland, located within the City of Townsville approximately 11 kilometres offshore from the Townsville mainland. Covering around 5.85 square kilometres, Arcadia sits on the island's eastern side between Nelly Bay and Horseshoe Bay, and recorded a population of 246 at the 2021 Census. The suburb is characterised by its relaxed island atmosphere, fringing coral reefs, sheltered bays, and the tropical bushland that covers much of Magnetic Island — around 60 per cent of which is national park.

Arcadia is home to Geoffrey Bay and Alma Bay, two of the most popular snorkelling and swimming spots on Magnetic Island, with calm, clear waters and easy access to reef life. The suburb has a small local hub with cafes and a resort, and residents access broader shopping and services via the Sealink passenger ferry to Nelly Bay and nearby Horseshoe Bay. Magnetic Island offers a unique island lifestyle with abundant wildlife including koalas, and the Forts Walk — a WWII heritage trail — is accessible from Arcadia. The suburb attracts a mix of permanent island residents, sea-changers, and holiday visitors drawn by its natural beauty and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.

Arcadia falls under postcode 4819 and is governed by the Townsville Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Herbert, while state elections fall under the Townsville electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4819
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Townsville
Federal Electorate
Herbert
State Electorate
Townsville
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-19.14°, 146.83°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
5.85 km²
Population Density
42 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4819

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4819, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$35,158
Median 2023–24
$39,602
▲ 12.6% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$56,101

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4819; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Magnetic Island Bus Service — Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal / Horseshoe Bay 10-15 min

Commute to Townsville CBD

Distance
11 km
By Train
No train; Sealink passenger ferry from Nelly Bay (~2.5km) to Townsville takes approximately 25 minutes
By Car (Peak)
Car ferry not available to Arcadia; vehicle ferry operates to Nelly Bay (~30 min crossing)
By Car (Off-Peak)
Ferry + drive approx 40-60 min total

🛣️ Island living; Sealink ferries run regularly; on-island transport by bus, bike, or car

Walkability Car-Dependent

Arcadia has a small local hub walkable for basics, but most services require a bus or car to reach Nelly Bay or other parts of the island

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
246
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Townsville Local Government Area, which contains Arcadia. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,390.7 / 100k
2yr Down 40.2% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
639.8 / 100k
2yr Down 28.0% 10yr Up 17.0%
Non-FV assault
2,598.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 250.9%
Robbery (unarmed)
32.7 / 100k
2yr Down 35.4% 10yr Up 52.8%
Steal from vehicle
724.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
View all offence categories for Townsville →

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Arcadia known for? +

Arcadia is best known for Geoffrey Bay and Alma Bay, two beautiful sheltered beaches ideal for swimming and snorkelling on Magnetic Island. It is also close to the Forts Walk, a popular WWII heritage walking trail, and sits near some of the island's best koala habitat.

How far is Arcadia from Townsville? +

Arcadia is located on Magnetic Island, approximately 11 kilometres offshore from Townsville. The Sealink passenger ferry from Nelly Bay (2.5km from Arcadia) reaches the Townsville Ferry Terminal in around 25 minutes.

Does Arcadia have public transport? +

Arcadia is served by the Magnetic Island Bus Service, which connects the suburb with Nelly Bay's ferry terminal and Horseshoe Bay. There is no rail service on Magnetic Island; the ferry is the primary link to Townsville.

What is the population of Arcadia? +

According to the 2021 Census, Arcadia has a population of 246 residents. As a small island suburb, it maintains a tight-knit community character typical of permanent island settlements.

Is Arcadia a good place to live? +

Arcadia offers an exceptional island lifestyle with stunning natural surroundings, warm tropical weather, and easy access to Townsville for work and services. It suits sea-changers, retirees, and those drawn to outdoor living, marine activities, and a relaxed island pace.

What is the postcode for Arcadia? +

The postcode for Arcadia on Magnetic Island is 4819.

Is Arcadia a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Arcadia is part of the Townsville LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.