🔍

Ball Bay

QLD 4741 • Queensland

384
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
17.82 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideRemoteRural

About Ball Bay

Ball Bay is a small coastal locality in the Mackay Region of Queensland, situated approximately 48 kilometres north-west of Mackay CBD on the shores of the Coral Sea. Covering around 18 square kilometres, it is a quiet beachside community that recorded a population of 384 residents in the 2021 Census. The locality adjoins Cape Hillsborough National Park to the south-east and the coastal town of Seaforth to the south-west, forming part of a string of secluded coastal communities north of Mackay.

Ball Bay is characterised by its peaceful beach setting, with a mix of permanent residents and holiday homes overlooking the Coral Sea in a largely undeveloped coastal landscape. The adjoining Cape Hillsborough National Park is a major attraction, offering walking trails, wildlife encounters — including kangaroos and wallabies on the beach at dawn — and dramatic volcanic headland scenery. The locality is entirely car-dependent with no public transport services, and residents typically make the 45–60 minute drive to Mackay for shopping, healthcare, and broader services, embracing the trade-off for a quiet and beautiful coastal lifestyle.

Ball Bay falls under postcode 4741 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Whitsunday electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4741
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Dawson
State Electorate
Whitsunday
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-20.81°, 149.27°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
17.82 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular bus service — N/A N/A

Commute to Mackay CBD

Distance
48 km
By Train
No rail or bus service; car only
By Car (Peak)
45-60 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
40-50 min

🛣️ Access via Mackay-Bucasia Road and Seaforth Road; no public transport to Mackay

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Remote coastal locality with no local shops or services; a car is essential for everything beyond the beach

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
384
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ball Bay known for? +

Ball Bay is known for its peaceful Coral Sea beach and its proximity to Cape Hillsborough National Park, where visitors can witness kangaroos and wallabies gathering on the beach at sunrise — one of Queensland's most memorable wildlife experiences.

How far is Ball Bay from Mackay? +

Ball Bay is approximately 48 kilometres north-west of Mackay CBD, a drive of around 45–60 minutes via Mackay-Bucasia Road and Seaforth Road through the coastal hinterland.

Does Ball Bay have public transport? +

Ball Bay has no public transport services. There are no bus or rail connections to Mackay, and a private vehicle is essential for accessing shops, healthcare, and services in the Mackay region.

What is the population of Ball Bay? +

The 2021 Census recorded a population of 384 residents in Ball Bay, across a locality that includes both permanent residents and a significant proportion of holiday and semi-permanent properties.

Is Ball Bay a good place to live? +

Ball Bay is ideal for those seeking a secluded coastal lifestyle away from urban bustle, with beautiful beaches, national park surrounds, and a tight-knit community. The trade-off is the 45–60 minute drive to Mackay for everyday services and amenities.

What is the postcode for Ball Bay? +

The postcode for Ball Bay is 4741, which covers a wide rural and coastal area in the Mackay Region of Queensland.