Canungra

QLD 4275 • Rest of QLD

1,436
Population (2021)
$97,916
Median Household Income
30.08 km²
Area
$420/wk
Median Rent
RuralScenicHinterlandNature-LoversHistoric

About Canungra

Canungra is a charming rural town nestled in the Gold Coast hinterland within the Scenic Rim Region of South East Queensland. With a population of around 1,400, this small community sits at an elevation of 129 metres, approximately 77 kilometres south of Brisbane and 32 kilometres west of the Gold Coast. Known as the "Valley of the Owls", the town is surrounded by steep forested slopes and cleared farmlands along the Canungra Creek valley. The population is predominantly Australian-born, with a strong owner-occupier rate of nearly 79% and a median age above the national average.

Canungra offers a relaxed rural lifestyle with a strong sense of community, attracting retirees and families seeking a quieter pace close to nature. The town features a historic main street with cafes, the iconic Canungra Hotel, and local shops, while the nearby Lamington National Park and O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat provide world-class bushwalking and eco-tourism. The area is popular with outdoor enthusiasts for its proximity to the Scenic Rim trail network and hinterland wineries. Most residents work in trades or service industries, with many commuting to the Gold Coast or Brisbane for employment.

Canungra falls under postcode 4275 and is governed by Scenic Rim Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Scenic Rim electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4275
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Rural
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.04°, 153.14°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
30.08 km²
Elevation
129m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$420
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,950
Avg Household Size
2.7 people
Median Age
41 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Nerang Station
30 km
N/A (drive required)
Robina Station
35 km
N/A (drive required)

Bus Services

  • 740 — Nerang via Tamborine Mountain 40-50 min to Nerang (limited service)

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
77 km
By Train
N/A (no direct train)
By Bus
No direct service — connect via Nerang
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
55 min

🛣️ Very car-dependent. Closer to Gold Coast (32 km, ~30 min drive) than Brisbane.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Limited walkability outside the small town centre. Most errands and commuting require a car.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
320.2 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
179.3 / 100k
Non-FV assault
523 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
6.4 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
277.5 / 100k

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,229
Census 2021
1,436
16.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$33,852
Personal Income 2021
$44,980
32.9% 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
$44,980 / yr
$865/wk
Household
$97,916 / yr
$1883/wk
Family
$108,524 / yr
$2087/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,064
Born Overseas 262

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 92
  • 2. New Zealand 73
  • 3. Scotland 11
  • 4. United States 8
  • 5. Germany 7
  • 6. Indonesia 7
  • 7. Netherlands 7
  • 8. Fiji 5
  • 9. South Africa 5
  • 10. Canada 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 656
Australian 578
Irish 181
Scottish 174
German 91
Dutch 33
Australian Aboriginal 29
Italian 23
New Zealander 21
Maori 18

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

796
Both parents born in Australia
314
Both parents born overseas
230
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
49.9%
Christianity
39.3%
Buddhism
0.6%
Hinduism
0.5%
Islam
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
76 (5.3%)
5-14 years
224 (15.6%)
15-19 years
81 (5.6%)
20-24 years
44 (3.1%)
25-34 years
152 (10.6%)
35-44 years
220 (15.3%)
45-54 years
231 (16.1%)
55-64 years
195 (13.6%)
65-74 years
140 (9.7%)
75-84 years
59 (4.1%)
85+ years
12 (0.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Canungra known for? +

Canungra is a charming rural town nestled in the Gold Coast hinterland within the Scenic Rim Region of South East Queensland. With a population of around 1,400, this small community sits at an elevation of 129 metres, approximately 77 kilometres south of Brisbane and 32 kilometres west of the Gold Coast.

How far is Canungra from Brisbane CBD? +

Canungra is approximately 77 km from Brisbane CBD. By car, the journey takes around 55 min off-peak and 1 hr 15 min during peak hours.

Does Canungra have public transport? +

Canungra is served by Nerang Station (30 km away) on the Gold Coast Line (TransLink). Bus services also connect to Nerang via Tamborine Mountain. The commute to Brisbane CBD takes approximately 55 min by car.

What is the population of Canungra? +

According to the 2021 Census, Canungra has a population of approximately 1,436 residents. It is a mid-sized suburb within the Scenic Rim (Regional Council).

Is Canungra a good place to live? +

Canungra suits those who value a quiet rural lifestyle with open spaces and natural surroundings. It is ideal for people seeking acreage, farming, or a secluded country retreat, with urban amenities accessible from nearby towns.

What is the postcode for Canungra? +

The postcode for Canungra, QLD is 4275.

What is the average income in Canungra? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Canungra is about $865 per week (around $45,000 per year). The median household income is $1,883 per week and the median family income is $2,087 per week.

What is the age profile of Canungra? +

The median age in Canungra is 41. The largest age group is 45–54 (231 residents, around 16%). Around 27% of residents are under 20 and about 15% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Canungra a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Canungra is part of the Scenic Rim 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 Canungra? +

In Canungra, the median weekly rent is $420, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,950 (2021 Census).