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Horseshoe Bay

QLD 4819 • Queensland

611
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
6.25 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
BeachsideTourist HubIsland LivingQuietCoastal
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About Horseshoe Bay

Horseshoe Bay is a scenic coastal town and the northernmost locality on Magnetic Island, situated approximately 6 kilometres north of Nelly Bay within the City of Townsville local government area in North Queensland. With a population of 611 according to the 2021 Census, it is the largest settlement on Magnetic Island's north coast and serves as a major tourism and recreation hub for the island. The median household income reflects the island's seasonal tourism economy and the diverse mix of permanent residents and lifestyle-seekers who call Horseshoe Bay home.

Horseshoe Bay is renowned for its sheltered, calm beach that is ideal for swimming and water sports, along with the famous Forts Walk — a heritage bushwalk leading to World War II fortifications with panoramic views over the island and Townsville. The town has a handful of beachside cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options catering to the steady flow of visitors from Townsville. Residents travel around the island by bus and connect to Townsville via the regular passenger ferry from Nelly Bay, making daily mainland trips convenient despite the island setting.

Horseshoe Bay falls under postcode 4819 and is governed by the Townsville Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Herbert, while state elections fall under the Townsville electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4819
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Townsville
Federal Electorate
Herbert
State Electorate
Townsville
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-19.14°, 146.83°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
6.25 km²
Population Density
98 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4819

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4819, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$35,158
Median 2023–24
$39,602
▲ 12.6% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$56,101

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4819; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Sunbus Magnetic Island route — Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal / Arcadia Approx. 15 min to Nelly Bay

Commute to Townsville CBD

Distance
20 km
By Train
No direct train; ferry from Nelly Bay to Townsville (approx. 30 min), then walk or bus to CBD
By Car (Peak)
N/A — car ferry available (SeaLink) but passenger ferry is primary route
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 45 min via car ferry + drive

🛣️ Passenger ferry from Nelly Bay to Townsville runs frequently; Sunbus connects Horseshoe Bay to Nelly Bay terminal

Walkability Car-Dependent

Horseshoe Bay has a small cluster of beachfront amenities but limited shops; a vehicle or bus is needed to access services at other parts of the island.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
611
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,390.7 / 100k
2yr Down 40.2% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
639.8 / 100k
2yr Down 28.0% 10yr Up 17.0%
Non-FV assault
2,598.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 250.9%
Robbery (unarmed)
32.7 / 100k
2yr Down 35.4% 10yr Up 52.8%
Steal from vehicle
724.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
View all offence categories for Townsville →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Horseshoe Bay known for? +

Horseshoe Bay is known for its beautiful sheltered beach, the Forts Walk heritage trail through koala habitat to WWII fortifications, and its relaxed island village atmosphere — making it one of Magnetic Island's most popular destinations.

How far is Horseshoe Bay from Townsville? +

Horseshoe Bay is on Magnetic Island, approximately 20 kilometres from Townsville CBD. The Sunbus connects Horseshoe Bay to the Nelly Bay ferry terminal in around 15 minutes, and the passenger ferry to Townsville takes approximately 30 minutes.

Does Horseshoe Bay have public transport? +

Yes — Sunbus operates a route along Magnetic Island connecting Horseshoe Bay to Nelly Bay, Arcadia, and Picnic Bay. Regular passenger ferries run from Nelly Bay to Townsville, providing the main transport link to the mainland.

What is the population of Horseshoe Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Horseshoe Bay has a population of 611 residents, making it the most populated locality on Magnetic Island's north coast.

Is Horseshoe Bay a good place to live? +

Horseshoe Bay offers a unique island lifestyle with a beautiful beach, national park surroundings, and a strong community feel. It suits those who value natural beauty and a slower pace of life, with Townsville's full range of services just a ferry ride away.

What is the postcode for Horseshoe Bay? +

The postcode for Horseshoe Bay is 4819, shared with other Magnetic Island localities.

Is Horseshoe Bay a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Horseshoe Bay is part of the Townsville 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.