🔍

Eli Waters

QLD 4655 • Rest of QLD

3,758
Population (2021)
$53,976
Median Household Income
6.32 km²
Area
$370/wk
Median Rent
Retiree-HavenCoastalSuburbanQuietAffordable

About Eli Waters

Eli Waters is a suburban locality within the Hervey Bay urban area on Queensland's Fraser Coast, approximately 290 kilometres north of Brisbane within the Fraser Coast Regional Council area. With a population of 3,758 and a median age of 48, the suburb has a notably older demographic, with a large proportion of residents in the 65–84 age bracket reflecting Hervey Bay's well-known status as a retiree destination. Median household income of $1,038 per week is below the national average, consistent with the coastal lifestyle-focused economy of the region.

Eli Waters is a quiet, largely residential suburb characterised by modern detached housing and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Residents are close to the Hervey Bay waterfront, the Esplanade, and attractions including whale watching tours operating from nearby Urangan Marina. The suburb has good access to local shopping via the Stockland Hervey Bay shopping centre and surrounding retail strips. With no rail service in Hervey Bay, private vehicles are essential for getting around, though the flat terrain and mild climate make cycling a popular local option.

Eli Waters falls under postcode 4655 and is governed by Fraser Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Hervey Bay electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4655
Urban Area
Hervey Bay
LGA / Council
Fraser Coast
Federal Electorate
Hinkler
State Electorate
Hervey Bay
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-25.28°, 152.80°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
6.32 km²
Elevation
2m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$370
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
48 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.5%

3 state housing + 4 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Fraser Coast Transit local bus services — Hervey Bay CBD (Pialba) and surrounds 10-20 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
290 km
By Train
No direct service; would require travel to Maryborough West station (~30 km)
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 3.5 hrs to Brisbane CBD
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 3 hrs to Brisbane CBD

🛣️ Hervey Bay is a regional city; most residents commute locally or are retired

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most errands require a car, though the flat terrain supports cycling and walking for local trips

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    Cnr Ibis Boulevard And Maryborough Road Eli Waters 4655 QLD

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
481 / 100k
2yr Down 53.5% 10yr Down 34.0%
Motor vehicle theft
244.5 / 100k
2yr Down 26.2% 10yr Up 144.4%
Non-FV assault
932 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 100.3%
Robbery (unarmed)
15.4 / 100k
2yr Down 21.1% 10yr Up 58.4%
Steal from vehicle
432.4 / 100k
2yr Down 32.4% 10yr Up 20.3%
View all offence categories for Fraser Coast →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,310
Census 2021
3,758
▲ 13.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$24,804
Personal Income 2021
$27,716
▲ 11.7% 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
$27,716 / yr
$533/wk
Household
$53,976 / yr
$1038/wk
Family
$63,492 / yr
$1221/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,787
Born Overseas 704

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 232
  • 2. New Zealand 155
  • 3. India 30
  • 4. Philippines 30
  • 5. Germany 26
  • 6. Netherlands 17
  • 7. Scotland 17
  • 8. South Africa 17
  • 9. Sri Lanka 13
  • 10. Thailand 12

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,732
Australian 1,380
Scottish 388
Irish 321
German 224
Australian Aboriginal 197
Italian 90
Dutch 57
Chinese 51
Maori 48

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,265
Both parents born in Australia
805
Both parents born overseas
415
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
45.7%
No Religion
43.5%
Buddhism
1.0%
Hinduism
0.9%
Sikhism
0.3%
Islam
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
161 (4.3%)
5-14 years
492 (13.1%)
15-19 years
218 (5.8%)
20-24 years
136 (3.6%)
25-34 years
348 (9.3%)
35-44 years
380 (10.1%)
45-54 years
363 (9.7%)
55-64 years
389 (10.4%)
65-74 years
683 (18.2%)
75-84 years
493 (13.1%)
85+ years
86 (2.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eli Waters known for? +

Eli Waters is known for its quiet residential character in the Hervey Bay urban area, with easy access to the Hervey Bay waterfront, Esplanade, and world-famous humpback whale watching between July and November. Modern housing makes it popular with retirees and families.

How far is Eli Waters from Brisbane? +

Eli Waters is approximately 290 kilometres north of Brisbane, a drive of about 3 hours via the Bruce Highway.

Does Eli Waters have public transport? +

Eli Waters is served by local bus routes within the Hervey Bay urban area connecting to Maryborough and Hervey Bay's shopping centres. Maryborough West railway station provides Queensland Rail connections to Brisbane.

What is the population of Eli Waters? +

The 2021 Census recorded approximately 3,758 residents in Eli Waters, an established suburban locality in the Fraser Coast Regional Council area.

Is Eli Waters a good place to live? +

Eli Waters is a popular choice for retirees and families seeking affordable, quiet suburban living on the Fraser Coast near Hervey Bay's beaches, restaurants, and world-class whale watching. Its relaxed coastal lifestyle is a major drawcard.

What is the postcode for Eli Waters? +

The postcode for Eli Waters is 4655, covering parts of the Hervey Bay urban area in Queensland's Fraser Coast Region.

What is the average income in Eli Waters? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Eli Waters is about $533 per week (around $27,700 per year). The median household income is $1,038 per week and the median family income is $1,221 per week.

What is the age profile of Eli Waters? +

The median age in Eli Waters is 48. The largest age group is 65–74 (683 residents, around 18%). Around 23% of residents are under 20 and about 34% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Eli Waters a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Eli Waters is part of the Fraser Coast 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 Eli Waters? +

In Eli Waters, the median weekly rent is $370, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,300 (2021 Census).