🔍

Dolphin Heads

QLD 4740 • Queensland

413
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
1.08 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideRetireesRural
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About Dolphin Heads

Dolphin Heads is a small coastal suburb in the Mackay Region of Queensland, situated on a peninsula that juts into the Coral Sea approximately 25 km north of Mackay CBD. With a population of around 413 residents, it is a quiet, low-density community characterised by its elevated ocean views, patrolled beach, and the iconic Dolphin Heads Resort complex. The suburb takes its name from the distinctive headland that shelters the local beach.

Life in Dolphin Heads revolves around the outdoors — fishing, snorkelling, and beach walks are everyday pursuits for locals. The suburb has a strong community spirit and attracts a mix of retirees, holiday homeowners, and families drawn by the relaxed coastal pace. The Dolphin Heads Resort provides a focal point for dining and recreation, while Mackay's full range of shopping, schools, and hospitals is an easy 30-minute drive south. It's a true escape-from-it-all address within reach of a regional centre.

Dolphin Heads falls under postcode 4740 and is governed by the Mackay Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Dawson, while state elections fall under the Whitsunday electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4740
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Mackay
Federal Electorate
Dawson
State Electorate
Whitsunday
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-21.34°, 149.06°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
1.08 km²
Population Density
382 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4740

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4740, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$56,413
Median 2023–24
$68,683
▲ 21.8% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$84,174

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4740; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Mackay CBD

Distance
25 km
By Train
No train service to Dolphin Heads
By Car (Peak)
30–40 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
25 min

🛣️ Primarily car-dependent. Mackay Airport is approximately 30 km away.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Very limited walkable amenities; beach and resort accessible on foot within the suburb

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
413
▲ 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 Dolphin Heads. 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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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Dolphin Heads QLD? +

Dolphin Heads is a coastal suburb located on a peninsula about 25 km north of Mackay CBD in the Mackay Region of Queensland.

What is there to do in Dolphin Heads? +

Dolphin Heads has a patrolled beach, ocean views, and the Dolphin Heads Resort complex offering dining and recreation. Fishing, snorkelling, and beach walks are popular local pastimes.

How far is Dolphin Heads from Mackay? +

Dolphin Heads is approximately 25 km north of Mackay CBD, about a 30-minute drive.

Is Dolphin Heads a good place to retire? +

Yes – Dolphin Heads is popular with retirees thanks to its coastal setting, quiet atmosphere, and proximity to Mackay's full range of services.

Is Dolphin Heads a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Dolphin Heads 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.

What is the population of Dolphin Heads? +

Dolphin Heads had a population of 413 at the 2021 Census.