Baralaba

QLD 4702 • Queensland

324
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
373.31 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralMining TownAffordable
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About Baralaba

Baralaba is a small coal-mining community in Central Queensland's Banana Shire, located on the banks of the Dawson River approximately 100 kilometres south of Rockhampton. With a population of around 324 residents, the town is closely associated with the nearby Baralaba Coal Mine operated by Yancoal Australia, which remains a significant employer in the region. The locality covers a wide 373 square kilometre area and is surrounded by the open plains and eucalyptus woodlands typical of Queensland's Bowen Basin coal country. Baralaba falls within the federal electorate of Flynn and the state electorate of Rockhampton.

The community in Baralaba has deep ties to the coal industry, with many residents employed in or connected to mining operations in the Dawson Valley. Despite its small size, the town maintains a primary school, a local pub, and basic community facilities that give it a genuine small-town character. The Dawson River offers local fishing and recreational opportunities, and the surrounding countryside is rich with Queensland wildlife. Baralaba appeals to workers and families who value a quiet, affordable lifestyle in a tight-knit community away from urban centres.

Baralaba falls under postcode 4702 and is governed by the Banana Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Flynn, while state elections fall under the Rockhampton electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4702
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-23.28°, 150.89°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
373.31 km²
Population Density
1 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4702

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4702, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$49,286
Median 2023–24
$61,737
25.3% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$72,932

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4702; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Rockhampton CBD

Distance
100 km
By Train
N/A (no local rail service)
By Car (Peak)
90-110 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
80-100 min

🛣️ Accessible via Dawson Highway; Rockhampton is the nearest major centre

Walkability Car-Dependent

Small town with limited walkable services; car required for most needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
324
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
460.8 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
210.7 / 100k
Non-FV assault
1,000.6 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
13.2 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
197.5 / 100k

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Baralaba located? +

Baralaba is located in Central Queensland's Banana Shire, on the banks of the Dawson River approximately 100 kilometres south of Rockhampton.

What is Baralaba known for? +

Baralaba is known for its coal mining history and proximity to the Baralaba Coal Mine operated by Yancoal Australia, as well as its position on the scenic Dawson River.

What is the population of Baralaba? +

According to the 2021 Census, Baralaba has a population of approximately 324 residents.

What schools are in Baralaba? +

Baralaba State School is the local primary school serving the community and surrounding Dawson Valley area.

How far is Baralaba from Rockhampton? +

Baralaba is approximately 100 kilometres south of Rockhampton, roughly a 90 to 110 minute drive via the Dawson Highway.

Is Baralaba a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Baralaba is part of the Banana 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.