🔍

Bluewater

QLD 4818 • Rest of QLD

1,085
Population (2021)
$98,332
Median Household Income
88.60 km²
Area
$320/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRuralQuietFamily-Friendly
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About Bluewater

Bluewater is a coastal rural locality situated approximately 25 kilometres north of Townsville CBD within the Townsville City Council area. Spread across a large 88.6 square kilometre area with a population of 1,085, it is a low-density community characterised by large residential lots, acreage properties, and easy access to the Coral Sea coastline. The suburb has a median age of 41 and an above-average household income, reflecting its appeal to established families and sea-changers seeking space and coastal living north of Townsville.

Bluewater Beach offers a relaxed, semi-rural lifestyle with boat ramps, beachside reserves, and proximity to the waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Bruce Highway passes through the locality, providing the main road link to Townsville, and residents rely on private vehicles for the majority of daily needs. The community is predominantly Anglo-Australian with a strong outdoor culture, and the area suits families, retirees, and those working in Townsville who prefer a quieter coastal setting with more space.

Bluewater falls under postcode 4818 and is governed by the Townsville Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Herbert, while state elections fall under the Hinchinbrook electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4818
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Townsville
Federal Electorate
Herbert
State Electorate
Hinchinbrook
Type
Rural
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-19.17°, 146.53°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
88.60 km²
Population Density
12 /km²
Elevation
21m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4818

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4818, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$57,479
Median 2023–24
$69,270
▲ 20.5% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$77,585

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4818; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

Census personal income 2016 vs 2021

Personal Income 2016
$35,672
Personal Income 2021
$41,964
▲ 17.6% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

2021 Census income breakdown

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

Personal
$41,964 / yr
$807/wk
Household
$98,332 / yr
$1891/wk
Family
$107,952 / yr
$2076/wk
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$320
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733
Avg Household Size
2.8 people
Median Age
41 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Townsville SunBus (limited services) — Townsville CBD 40-50 min

Commute to Townsville CBD

Distance
25 km
By Train
No urban rail service; Townsville city centre accessible by bus or car only
By Car (Peak)
25-40 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20-30 min

🛣️ Bruce Highway (A1) provides main road access to Townsville; car is essential for residents

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for daily life; limited local facilities in this large, low-density rural locality

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,040
Census 2021
1,085
▲ 4.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Townsville Local Government Area, which contains Bluewater. 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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 899
Born Overseas 112

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 41
  • 2. New Zealand 19
  • 3. Scotland 11
  • 4. Fiji 5
  • 5. Singapore 5
  • 6. Germany 3
  • 7. Italy 3
  • 8. Netherlands 3
  • 9. United States 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 488
Australian 459
Scottish 117
Irish 93
German 61
Australian Aboriginal 51
Italian 38
Dutch 23
Chinese 17
Russian 9

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace

750
Both parents born in Australia
137
Both parents born overseas
115
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
46.8%
Christianity
43.0%
Buddhism
0.9%

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📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
77 (7.1%)
5-14 years
174 (16.0%)
15-19 years
55 (5.1%)
20-24 years
27 (2.5%)
25-34 years
140 (12.9%)
35-44 years
145 (13.4%)
45-54 years
146 (13.5%)
55-64 years
137 (12.6%)
65-74 years
124 (11.4%)
75-84 years
48 (4.4%)
85+ years
13 (1.2%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bluewater known for? +

Bluewater is known for its relaxed coastal and rural lifestyle north of Townsville, with beach access, boat ramps, and large residential blocks. It attracts families and retirees seeking space and coastal living with reasonable proximity to Townsville's amenities.

How far is Bluewater from Townsville? +

Bluewater is approximately 25 kilometres north of Townsville CBD, a 25–40 minute drive via the Bruce Highway depending on traffic.

Does Bluewater have public transport? +

Public transport in Bluewater is very limited. Townsville has no urban rail network, and bus services to the area are infrequent. A private vehicle is essential for residents of this large, low-density locality.

What is the population of Bluewater? +

According to the 2021 Census, Bluewater has a population of 1,085 residents spread across a large area of approximately 88.6 square kilometres, resulting in a very low population density typical of a rural coastal locality.

Is Bluewater a good place to live? +

Bluewater suits those seeking coastal acreage living with a peaceful, low-density community feel. It is well-suited to families, retirees, and those who work in Townsville but prefer a sea-change setting with larger blocks and beach access.

What is the postcode for Bluewater? +

The postcode for Bluewater, Queensland is 4818.

What is the average income in Bluewater? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Bluewater is about $807 per week (around $42,000 per year). The median household income is $1,891 per week and the median family income is $2,076 per week.

What is the age profile of Bluewater? +

The median age in Bluewater is 41. The largest age group is 5–14 (174 residents, around 16%). Around 28% of residents are under 20 and about 17% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Bluewater a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Bluewater 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.

How much is rent in Bluewater? +

In Bluewater, the median weekly rent is $320, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,733 (2021 Census).