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Balberra

QLD 4740 • Queensland

425
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
58.05 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalRuralQuietCar-Dependent
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About Balberra

Balberra is a sparsely populated coastal locality in the Mackay Region of Queensland, situated approximately 21 kilometres south of Mackay along the eastern coastline. The locality falls under the Mackay Regional Council and covers an area of around 61 square kilometres between Sandy Creek to the north and Alligator Creek to the south. With a population of 425 residents recorded in the 2021 Census, Balberra maintains a low-density, rural-coastal character with wide open spaces and proximity to the Coral Sea.

The locality's position along Queensland's tropical coast gives it a warm, relaxed character typical of the broader Mackay region, known for its sugar cane farming and natural attractions. Residents rely on nearby Mackay for shopping, schools, healthcare, and employment, as Balberra itself has minimal local services. The surrounding area offers access to coastal landscapes, with the Coral Sea forming part of the locality's eastern boundary, making it well suited to those seeking a quiet, semi-rural retreat near the tropics.

Balberra falls under postcode 4740 and is governed by the Mackay Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Dawson, while state elections fall under the Whitsunday electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4740
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Mackay
Federal Electorate
Dawson
State Electorate
Whitsunday
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-21.34°, 149.06°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
58.05 km²
Population Density
7 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4740

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4740, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$56,413
Median 2023–24
$68,683
▲ 21.8% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$84,174

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4740; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Mackay Approx 30-40 min

Commute to Mackay CBD

Distance
21 km
By Train
No train service
By Car (Peak)
25-35 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20-25 min

🛣️ Access via Bruce Highway or local rural roads; no public transport within the locality

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

No local shops or services — all daily errands require a drive to Mackay

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
425
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
694.6 / 100k
2yr Down 16.1% 10yr Down 34.3%
Motor vehicle theft
316.5 / 100k
2yr Down 17.0% 10yr Up 42.1%
Non-FV assault
1,256 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 128.6%
Robbery (unarmed)
16.2 / 100k
2yr Down 26.7% 10yr Up 110.6%
Steal from vehicle
716.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
View all offence categories for Mackay →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Balberra known for? +

Balberra is a quiet coastal locality on the eastern Queensland coast, known for its proximity to the Coral Sea and the rural-coastal landscape typical of the Mackay Region. It is primarily a residential locality with limited local services.

How far is Balberra from Mackay? +

Balberra is approximately 21 kilometres south of Mackay CBD, a drive of around 25–35 minutes depending on traffic and route.

Does Balberra have public transport? +

There is no rail service to Balberra and public transport within the locality is very limited. Residents rely primarily on private vehicles to access Mackay's shops, schools, and services.

What is the population of Balberra? +

According to the 2021 Census, Balberra has a population of 425 residents across an area of approximately 61 square kilometres, reflecting its low-density rural-coastal character.

Is Balberra a good place to live? +

Balberra suits those seeking a quiet, coastal rural lifestyle close to Mackay without the bustle of the city. The trade-off is a reliance on private transport and limited local amenities, but the natural setting and proximity to the Coral Sea are major drawcards.

What is the postcode for Balberra? +

The postcode for Balberra, Queensland is 4740.

Is Balberra a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Balberra is part of the Mackay 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.