🔍

Balgal Beach

QLD 4816 • Queensland

998
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
13.64 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalRuralFamily-FriendlyNature
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About Balgal Beach

Balgal Beach is a small coastal suburb in the City of Townsville, Queensland, located approximately 57 kilometres north-west of the Townsville CBD along the shores of Halifax Bay. The suburb spans 12.6 square kilometres of coastal lowland and recorded a population of 998 at the 2021 census, making it one of the more substantial settlements in Townsville's outer northern coastal fringe. Balgal Beach includes the township of Balgal, a relaxed seaside village popular with retirees, holiday home owners and lifestyle seekers from Townsville. The area faces Halifax Bay and the Palm Islands, with a long, quiet beach offering safe swimming and fishing in a tropical setting.

Balgal Beach offers an unhurried coastal lifestyle characterised by fishing, boating, beach walks and the laid-back atmosphere of a traditional Queensland fishing village. The township has a basic general store and community facilities, but residents rely on Townsville — approximately 57 kilometres south-east via the Bruce Highway and Rollingstone — for supermarkets, schools, medical services and retail. Rollingstone, the nearest township to the south, provides a fuel stop and limited services. The suburb is popular for weekend getaways from Townsville and attracts anglers drawn to the productive inshore fisheries of Halifax Bay. The relatively affordable property prices compared to coastal Townsville suburbs attract budget-conscious buyers seeking a sea change.

Balgal Beach falls under postcode 4816 and is governed by the Townsville Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Kennedy, while state elections fall under the Traeger electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4816
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Townsville
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Traeger
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-19.79°, 146.79°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
13.64 km²
Population Density
73 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4816

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4816, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$46,949
Median 2023–24
$58,280
▲ 24.1% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$68,992

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4816; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Townsville

Distance
57 km
By Train
Not available – no rail service to Balgal Beach
By Bus
No regular public bus service
By Car (Peak)
~45–55 min to Townsville CBD via Bruce Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
~40–45 min

🛣️ Balgal Beach is entirely car dependent. Rollingstone (~10 km south) has a fuel stop. Townsville (57 km) provides all major services. Daily commuting to Townsville is feasible but time-consuming on the Bruce Highway.

Walkability Car Dependent

Balgal Beach has a small general store within the village, making it marginally walkable for very basic needs. However, a car is required for all significant shopping, schooling or medical care.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
998
▲ 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 Balgal Beach. 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 Balgal Beach known for? +

Balgal Beach is known for its peaceful coastal setting north of Townsville, with a quiet beach, fishing, a caravan park, and a tight-knit holiday and permanent community. The beach is a popular escape for Townsville residents.

How far is Balgal Beach from Townsville? +

Balgal Beach is approximately 60-70 kilometres north of Townsville, with a drive time of around 55-65 minutes via the Bruce Highway.

Does Balgal Beach have public transport? +

Balgal Beach has no regular public transport services. Residents rely entirely on private vehicles, with Townsville providing the nearest full range of services.

What is the population of Balgal Beach? +

According to the 2021 Census, Balgal Beach has a population of approximately 998 residents within the Hinchinbrook Shire Council local government area.

Is Balgal Beach a good place to live? +

Balgal Beach offers a quiet coastal lifestyle for those who value fishing, beaches, and a small community atmosphere north of Townsville. It is particularly popular with retirees and holiday homeowners seeking an affordable North Queensland coastal escape.

What is the postcode for Balgal Beach? +

The postcode for Balgal Beach is 4816.

Is Balgal Beach a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Balgal Beach 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.