Forrest Beach
QLD 4850 • Rest of QLD
About Forrest Beach
Forrest Beach is a laid-back coastal locality in the Shire of Hinchinbrook, North Queensland, situated approximately 16 kilometres southeast of Ingham and 85 kilometres northwest of Townsville. With a population of around 1,364, the town was established in 1925 and named after George Brownrigg Forrest, former manager of the nearby Victoria Sugar Mill. The locality covers 67 square kilometres and features long sandy beaches sheltered by the Orpheus and Palm Island groups, with Lady Elliot Reef of the Great Barrier Reef lying just 5 kilometres offshore. Forrest Beach has a distinctly tropical, unhurried character.
Life at Forrest Beach centres on fishing, swimming, and enjoying the tropical coastal environment, with the Forrest Beach Surf Life Saving Club a key community institution since 1927. The Cassady Beach area in the south and the main residential area along the northern beaches provide a relaxed seaside lifestyle. Palm Creek Conservation Park borders the locality, offering nature walks through tropical wetlands. The town has a state school and basic facilities, with most shopping and services accessed in Ingham. Forrest Beach attracts retirees, fishing enthusiasts, and families seeking an affordable tropical coastal lifestyle.
Forrest Beach falls under postcode 4850 and is governed by Hinchinbrook Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Hinchinbrook electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Nearest Train Stations
Bus Services
- Chris Watson Travel / Ingham Travel — Ingham 20 min
- Greyhound / Premier Motor Service — Townsville (via Ingham) 1h 30min from Ingham
Commute to Townsville
🛣️ Most residents commute to Ingham (20 min drive) as the local service centre. Very limited public transport - car essential. Local bus runs Monday to Friday only
Small residential beachside community with minimal footpaths and no local shops. Car required for all services and amenities.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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5 Venables Road
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10 Bambaroo School Road
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11 Stone River Road
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40 Pandanus Street
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17 Chamberlain Street
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17 Victoria Terrace
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Bruce Highway
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Halifax Road
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12 Menzies Street
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28 McIlwraith Street
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79 Farrell Drive
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2957 Mt Fox Road
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18 Abbott Street
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27 Anderssen Street
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3819 Abergowrie Road
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Bruce Highway
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71 Stone River Road
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Victoria Estate
Housing Costs 2021 Census
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 57
- 2. New Zealand 29
- 3. Italy 12
- 4. Canada 8
- 5. China 8
- 6. Netherlands 7
- 7. Philippines 7
- 8. Indonesia 6
- 9. United States 6
- 10. Thailand 5
- 11. Fiji 4
- 12. Germany 4
- 13. Papua New Guinea 3
- 14. Scotland 3
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)