🔍

Gilston

QLD 4211 • Rest of QLD

2,669
Population (2021)
$127,192
Median Household Income
9.48 km²
Area
$540/wk
Median Rent
Semi-RuralFamily-FriendlyLifestyleGold Coast HinterlandAcreage

About Gilston

Gilston is a rural residential locality in the City of Gold Coast, Queensland, situated approximately 17 kilometres west-southwest of Surfers Paradise and 77 kilometres south-southeast of Brisbane. The suburb covers around 9.5 square kilometres of gently rolling hinterland, characterised by semi-rural blocks, acreage properties, and natural bushland. At the 2021 census, Gilston recorded a population of 2,669 residents, reflecting its appeal as a peaceful retreat within easy reach of the Gold Coast's urban centre. The area lies between the busy suburbs of Nerang and Worongary, offering a quieter lifestyle without sacrificing city access.

Gilston appeals to families and lifestyle seekers who want space and greenery while remaining connected to Gold Coast amenities. The surrounding Nerang area provides shopping centres, schools, and services, while the broader Gold Coast region offers beaches, theme parks, and entertainment within a short drive. The suburb's semi-rural character attracts horse owners and those seeking larger blocks, and it sits near the Nerang River corridor and hinterland parks. It is well-suited to residents who commute into the Gold Coast or northern New South Wales.

Gilston falls under postcode 4211 and is governed by Gold Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mudgeeraba electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4211
Urban Area
Gold Coast
LGA / Council
Gold Coast
Federal Electorate
Wright
State Electorate
Mudgeeraba
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.03°, 153.30°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
9.48 km²
Elevation
50m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$540
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,172
Avg Household Size
3.2 people
Median Age
35 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Nerang Station
4.5 km
N/A – drive required

Bus Services

  • 723,750 — Nerang Station / Robina Town Centre 15–25 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
77 km
By Train
~1 hr 20 min via Nerang to Roma Street (Gold Coast line)
By Bus
Not practical for Brisbane CBD
By Car (Peak)
~1 hr 10 min via M1 Pacific Motorway
By Car (Off-Peak)
~55 min

🛣️ Most residents drive to Nerang Station and use the Gold Coast rail line into Brisbane.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Gilston is a semi-rural locality with no footpath network in most areas; a car is essential for day-to-day errands and commuting.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
550.5 / 100k
2yr Down 27.0% 10yr Down 27.2%
Motor vehicle theft
337.3 / 100k
2yr Down 18.9% 10yr Stable
Non-FV assault
838.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 59.3%
Robbery (unarmed)
19.8 / 100k
2yr Down 16.5% 10yr Down 19.2%
Steal from vehicle
578 / 100k
2yr Down 17.0% 10yr Down 31.5%
View all offence categories for Gold Coast →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,459
Census 2021
2,669
▲ 8.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$39,832
Personal Income 2021
$49,036
▲ 23.1% 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
$49,036 / yr
$943/wk
Household
$127,192 / yr
$2446/wk
Family
$126,672 / yr
$2436/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,033
Born Overseas 537

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 157
  • 2. England 125
  • 3. Scotland 26
  • 4. South Africa 26
  • 5. Japan 16
  • 6. Netherlands 13
  • 7. India 12
  • 8. Germany 11
  • 9. United States 10
  • 10. China 8

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,157
Australian 1,032
Scottish 308
Irish 296
German 177
New Zealander 84
Italian 69
Dutch 60
Australian Aboriginal 39
Maori 33

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,416
Both parents born in Australia
702
Both parents born overseas
440
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
47.8%
Christianity
43.7%
Islam
0.9%
Buddhism
0.7%
Sikhism
0.3%
Hinduism
0.3%
Judaism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
195 (7.3%)
5-14 years
486 (18.2%)
15-19 years
170 (6.4%)
20-24 years
108 (4.0%)
25-34 years
356 (13.3%)
35-44 years
461 (17.3%)
45-54 years
382 (14.3%)
55-64 years
247 (9.3%)
65-74 years
173 (6.5%)
75-84 years
73 (2.7%)
85+ years
10 (0.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gilston known for? +

Gilston is known for its semi-rural acreage character in the Gold Coast hinterland, offering spacious properties with rural views while remaining close to the Nerang area's shops, schools, and services. It attracts families seeking a lifestyle block within the Gold Coast area.

How far is Gilston from Surfers Paradise? +

Gilston is approximately 17 kilometres west-south-west of Surfers Paradise, a drive of about 20–25 minutes via the Pacific Motorway or Gilston Road.

Does Gilston have public transport? +

Gilston has limited public transport, with bus routes connecting to Nerang railway station on the Gold Coast Line. A private vehicle is generally needed for local travel given the semi-rural acreage character.

What is the population of Gilston? +

The 2021 Census recorded approximately 2,669 residents in Gilston, a semi-rural suburb in the City of Gold Coast.

Is Gilston a good place to live? +

Gilston is popular with families seeking acreage living within the Gold Coast, with the hinterland setting providing space and greenery while the Nerang area's amenities and Gold Coast beaches are easily accessible. It suits those wanting space without sacrificing urban convenience.

What is the postcode for Gilston? +

The postcode for Gilston is 4211, covering the hinterland area west of Nerang in the City of Gold Coast.

What is the average income in Gilston? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Gilston is about $943 per week (around $49,000 per year). The median household income is $2,446 per week and the median family income is $2,436 per week.

What is the age profile of Gilston? +

The median age in Gilston is 35. The largest age group is 5–14 (486 residents, around 18%). Around 32% of residents are under 20 and about 10% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Gilston a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Gilston is part of the Gold 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 Gilston? +

In Gilston, the median weekly rent is $540, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,172 (2021 Census).