🔍

Broken River

QLD 4757 • Queensland

18
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
5.64 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RainforestPlatypusNational ParkEco-TourismTropical
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About Broken River

Broken River is a small rural locality in the Mackay Region of North Queensland, located approximately 80 kilometres west of Mackay in the Pioneer Valley hinterland. With a population of 18 at the 2021 census across 5.6 square kilometres, it sits in the tropical rainforest country near Eungella National Park. The locality is named after the Broken River, famous as one of the best platypus-viewing locations in Australia.

Broken River is renowned for its wild platypus viewing platforms in Eungella National Park, attracting nature tourists year-round. The crystal-clear rainforest creek provides reliable platypus sightings at dawn and dusk. The area offers a unique tropical-mountain lifestyle surrounded by ancient rainforest at elevation. Residents are primarily involved in tourism and conservation, with Mackay providing all major services about 90 minutes away.

Broken River falls under postcode 4757 and is governed by the Mackay Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Capricornia, while state elections fall under the Mirani electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4757
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Mackay
Federal Electorate
Capricornia
State Electorate
Mirani
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-21.05°, 148.50°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
5.64 km²
Population Density
3 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4757

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4757 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$44,927
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$63,520

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4757; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Mackay Station
80 km
N/A

Commute to Mackay

Distance
80 km
By Train
N/A — drive to Mackay
By Bus
N/A — no bus service
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 15 min

🛣️ Winding mountain road to Mackay. Eungella township (5 km) has a general store. Remote but scenic.

Walkability Car Essential

Rainforest locality with walking tracks but no shops. Car essential for all services.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
18
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
694.6 / 100k
2yr Down 16.1% 10yr Down 34.3%
Motor vehicle theft
316.5 / 100k
2yr Down 17.0% 10yr Up 42.1%
Non-FV assault
1,256 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 128.6%
Robbery (unarmed)
16.2 / 100k
2yr Down 26.7% 10yr Up 110.6%
Steal from vehicle
716.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
View all offence categories for Mackay →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Broken River known for? +

Broken River is famous for its wild platypus viewing platform in Eungella National Park, one of the most reliable places in Australia to observe platypus in the wild. The crystal-clear stream and ancient rainforest setting attract nature tourists year-round.

How far is Broken River from Mackay? +

Broken River is approximately 80 kilometres west of Mackay in the Pioneer Valley hinterland, a scenic drive of about an hour through the Eungella Range.

Does Broken River have public transport? +

There is no public transport to Broken River. The locality is only accessible by private vehicle via the Eungella Road through Finch Hatton Gorge and up the range.

What is the population of Broken River? +

The 2021 Census recorded just 18 residents in Broken River, with the locality essentially being a national park tourism hub within Eungella's Wet Tropics rainforest.

Is Broken River a good place to live? +

Broken River is not suited to conventional suburban living — it is a remote rainforest locality within a national park. However, it is a world-class nature destination for those who seek unparalleled wildlife encounters and tropical mountain scenery.

What is the postcode for Broken River? +

The postcode for Broken River is 4757, covering the Eungella area of the Mackay Region hinterland.

Is Broken River a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Broken River is part of the Mackay 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.