🔍

Beerwah

QLD 4519 • Rest of QLD

7,734
Population (2021)
$78,624
Median Household Income
58.61 km²
Area
$390/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlyRuralGrowth SuburbYoung FamiliesAffordable

About Beerwah

Beerwah is a growing town on the Sunshine Coast hinterland in Queensland, situated approximately 72 kilometres north of Brisbane CBD and 26 kilometres south-west of Caloundra, in the Sunshine Coast Regional Council area. The town recorded a population of 7,734 at the 2021 census, reflecting strong growth driven by its family-friendly reputation and relatively affordable housing compared to coastal Sunshine Coast suburbs. Beerwah is best known as the home of Australia Zoo, founded by the Irwin family, which has become one of Queensland's premier tourist attractions. The town sits at the foot of the Glass House Mountains, giving it a dramatic and scenic backdrop unique to the region.

Beerwah offers a relaxed lifestyle combining small-town community warmth with access to the natural wonders of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, including the Glass House Mountains National Park and scenic walking trails. The town centre provides everyday conveniences including shops, cafes, and services, while Australia Zoo draws visitors and tourism that supports local businesses. Families are drawn by affordable housing, good local schools, and the safe community environment, and the area is increasingly popular with those priced out of coastal suburbs like Caloundra and Maroochydore. A train station on the Sunshine Coast line connects residents to Brisbane and Nambour, making it a viable commuter location.

Beerwah falls under postcode 4519 and is governed by Sunshine Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Caloundra electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4519
Urban Area
Caloundra
LGA / Council
Sunshine Coast
Federal Electorate
Fisher
State Electorate
Caloundra
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-26.86°, 152.96°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
58.61 km²
Elevation
34m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$390
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733
Avg Household Size
2.7 people
Median Age
40 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
2.7%

59 state housing + 13 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Beerwah
0.5 km
6 min

Bus Services

  • 615, 616 — Caloundra / Landsborough 20-30 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
72 km
By Train
~90 min from Beerwah Station to Brisbane Central
By Car (Peak)
75-95 min via Bruce Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
65-75 min

🛣️ Beerwah Station on the Sunshine Coast Line offers direct trains to Brisbane. The Bruce Highway (M1) is the main road corridor.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Town centre and train station are walkable; outer areas require a car. Good footpaths near the main street and station precinct.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    5 Peachester Road Beerwah 4519 QLD

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
329.4 / 100k
2yr Down 17.9% 10yr Down 30.4%
Motor vehicle theft
167.5 / 100k
2yr Down 17.0% 10yr Up 28.8%
Non-FV assault
473.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 152.8%
Robbery (unarmed)
13.8 / 100k
2yr Down 20.0% 10yr Up 12.7%
Steal from vehicle
314.6 / 100k
2yr Down 18.3% 10yr Down 26.9%
View all offence categories for Sunshine Coast →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
6,769
Census 2021
7,734
▲ 14.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$29,484
Personal Income 2021
$35,984
▲ 22.0% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$35,984 / yr
$692/wk
Household
$78,624 / yr
$1512/wk
Family
$90,012 / yr
$1731/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 6,114
Born Overseas 1,175

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 322
  • 2. England 321
  • 3. India 57
  • 4. South Africa 48
  • 5. Philippines 45
  • 6. Netherlands 34
  • 7. United States 33
  • 8. Scotland 29
  • 9. Germany 27
  • 10. Taiwan 17

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 3,434
Australian 3,049
Scottish 882
Irish 841
German 501
Australian Aboriginal 260
Italian 211
Dutch 157
New Zealander 116
Maori 85

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

4,811
Both parents born in Australia
1,443
Both parents born overseas
1,007
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
47.5%
Christianity
42.5%
Buddhism
0.8%
Sikhism
0.6%
Hinduism
0.4%
Islam
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
464 (6.0%)
5-14 years
1,041 (13.5%)
15-19 years
446 (5.8%)
20-24 years
441 (5.7%)
25-34 years
961 (12.4%)
35-44 years
929 (12.0%)
45-54 years
949 (12.3%)
55-64 years
938 (12.1%)
65-74 years
879 (11.4%)
75-84 years
505 (6.5%)
85+ years
175 (2.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beerwah QLD famous for? +

Beerwah is most famous as the home of Australia Zoo, founded by the Irwin family and one of Queensland's top tourist attractions. The town is also known for its stunning Glass House Mountains backdrop and hinterland lifestyle.

Does Beerwah have a train station? +

Yes, Beerwah has its own station on the Sunshine Coast rail line, with regular services to Brisbane CBD in approximately 90 minutes and to Nambour.

How far is Beerwah from Brisbane? +

Beerwah is approximately 72 kilometres north of Brisbane CBD, about a 65-90 minute drive via the Bruce Highway.

What schools are in Beerwah? +

Beerwah has Beerwah State School (Government primary), Beerwah State High School (Government secondary), and Glasshouse Christian College (Independent K-12).

Is Beerwah a good suburb to live in? +

Beerwah is highly regarded for its family-friendly environment, affordable housing, and proximity to Australia Zoo and the Glass House Mountains. It is popular with families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle within commuting distance of Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

What is the average income in Beerwah? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Beerwah is about $692 per week (around $36,000 per year). The median household income is $1,512 per week and the median family income is $1,731 per week.

What is the age profile of Beerwah? +

The median age in Beerwah is 40. The largest age group is 5–14 (1,041 residents, around 13%). Around 25% of residents are under 20 and about 20% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Beerwah a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Beerwah is part of the Sunshine Coast 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.

What is the population of Beerwah? +

Beerwah had a population of 7,734 at the 2021 Census, up 14.3% from 6,769 in 2016.

How much is rent in Beerwah? +

In Beerwah, the median weekly rent is $390, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,733 (2021 Census).