Kalbar
QLD 4309 • Greater Brisbane
About Kalbar
Kalbar is a small country town in South East Queensland's Scenic Rim region, situated approximately 80 kilometres south-west of Brisbane CBD within the Scenic Rim Regional Council area. Spread across nearly 32 square kilometres of gently undulating rural land at an elevation of 83 metres, the town has a population of 1,246 and a median age of 41. Incomes are modest, with a median household income of around $1,275 per week, and the community is predominantly Australian-born with strong English and German heritage roots reflecting early European settlement in the region. A notable German ancestry presence — about 18 per cent of residents — echoes the historical immigration of German settlers to the Scenic Rim in the 1800s.
Kalbar offers a genuine country lifestyle with a relaxed pace and strong community ties. The town has a small main street with essential services, a local hotel, and access to the scenic Scenic Rim landscape, including rolling farmland, the Moogerah Peaks National Park, and nearby Lake Moogerah. Families are served by Kalbar State School and the town's local sporting clubs, which form the heart of community life. For broader shopping, healthcare, and services, residents head to Boonah (14 km) or Ipswich (50 km). There is no rail service to Kalbar; a private vehicle is essential for most residents.
Kalbar falls under postcode 4309 and is governed by Scenic Rim Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Scenic Rim electorate.
Location
Housing 2021 Census
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Translink regional services — Boonah, Ipswich Infrequent; ~1 hr to Ipswich
Commute to Brisbane CBD
🛣️ Car is essential; via Cunningham Highway or Ipswich-Boonah Road
Kalbar's rural spread and limited town facilities mean a car is essential for virtually all daily needs
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Elizabeth Street
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George Street
Crime Statistics LGA-wide
These are the latest rates for the Scenic Rim Local Government Area, which contains Kalbar. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.
Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census
School Sector Breakdown
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
2021 Census income breakdown
Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.
Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 43
- 2. New Zealand 25
- 3. South Korea 14
- 4. Philippines 4
- 5. United States 3
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)