🔍

Comet

QLD 4702 • Queensland

360
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
1756.96 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralOutbackRemoteAgricultural
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About Comet

Comet is a small rural town and locality in Queensland's Central Highlands Region, located 41 kilometres east of Emerald and approximately 230 kilometres west of Rockhampton along the Capricorn Highway. Recognised as the oldest town in the Emerald area, Comet was established at the confluence of the Comet River and the Nogoa River, and its locality covers a vast 1,757 square kilometres of Central Queensland outback. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 360, reflecting the sparse settlement typical of remote Queensland grazing and mining country.

The Comet area is dominated by cattle grazing, dryland cropping, and coal mining activity, characteristic of the broader Central Highlands economy. The Central Western railway line passes through the locality, though no passenger services currently stop at Comet station, making the Capricorn Highway the primary transport artery. Residents rely on Emerald — the regional centre — for shopping, healthcare, and schooling, while the vast open landscapes, clear Central Queensland skies, and the strong community ties of outback life define the character of this historic bush town.

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

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4702
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Central Highlands
Federal Electorate
Flynn
State Electorate
Rockhampton
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-23.28°, 150.89°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
1756.96 km²
Population Density
0 /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

Bus Services

  • Greyhound / regional coach — Emerald / Rockhampton Emerald approx. 30-35 min; Rockhampton approx. 2.5 hrs

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
841 km
By Train
No direct passenger train service
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 9-10 hrs to Brisbane
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 9 hrs to Brisbane

🛣️ Capricorn Highway connects to Rockhampton; Emerald is the nearest regional service centre 41 km west

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Comet is a remote rural town where a car is essential for all daily needs; Emerald is the nearest service centre

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
360
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
841.5 / 100k
2yr Up 79.3% 10yr Up 85.7%
Motor vehicle theft
309.7 / 100k
2yr Up 12.1% 10yr Up 169.2%
Non-FV assault
1,373.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 210.3%
Robbery (unarmed)
6.7 / 100k
2yr Down 51.2% 10yr Up 93.1%
Steal from vehicle
356.8 / 100k
2yr Up 43.6% 10yr Down 39.1%
View all offence categories for Central Highlands →

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Comet known for? +

Comet is known as the oldest town in the Emerald area, established at the confluence of the Comet River and Nogoa River. It has a long history tied to cattle grazing and the broader Central Highlands coal mining and agricultural industries.

How far is Comet from the nearest major centre? +

Comet is approximately 41 kilometres east of Emerald, which is the nearest regional service centre, and around 230 kilometres west of Rockhampton. It is approximately 841 kilometres north-west of Brisbane.

Does Comet have public transport? +

Comet has no regular passenger rail or local bus services. The Central Western railway line passes through the locality but carries freight only. Regional coach services (such as Greyhound) connect Comet to Emerald and Rockhampton along the Capricorn Highway.

What is the population of Comet? +

Comet had a population of approximately 360 residents in the 2021 Census, spread across a locality of over 1,750 square kilometres, making it one of Queensland's most sparsely populated communities.

Is Comet a good place to live? +

Comet suits those drawn to remote outback Queensland living, with wide open landscapes, a genuine rural community, and a strong connection to the land. Essential services require a trip to Emerald, and the area is best suited to those who are self-reliant and comfortable with country isolation.

What is the postcode for Comet? +

The postcode for Comet is 4702, shared with Rockhampton and other Central Queensland localities.

Is Comet a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Comet is part of the Central Highlands 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.