🔍

Lake Macdonald

QLD 4563 • Rest of QLD

1,352
Population (2021)
$92,092
Median Household Income
26.67 km²
Area
$420/wk
Median Rent
RuralRetireesFamily-FriendlyAffordable

About Lake Macdonald

Lake Macdonald is a scenic residential locality in the Noosa Shire, Queensland, nestled in the hinterland just a few kilometres west of Cooroy and approximately 30 kilometres northwest of Noosa Heads. The suburb takes its name from the freshwater Lake Macdonald, a reservoir that serves as the main water supply for the Noosa region and provides a picturesque backdrop for the community. With a population of around 1,350, Lake Macdonald is characterised by leafy acreage properties, native bushland, and a relaxed hinterland lifestyle. It sits at the edge of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, making it a haven for nature lovers.

Residents enjoy easy access to the lake foreshore for fishing, birdwatching, canoeing, and picnicking, as well as the nearby Noosa Botanic Gardens which features an amphitheatre and tranquil walking paths. The neighbouring township of Cooroy provides everyday amenities including supermarkets, cafes, medical services, and the Cooroy State School. Noosa District State High School's junior and senior campuses in Pomona and Cooroy serve secondary students. The suburb attracts retirees, young families, and tree-changers drawn by the natural beauty of the Noosa hinterland and a short drive to the coast's beaches and attractions.

Lake Macdonald falls under postcode 4563 and is governed by Noosa Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Noosa electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4563
Urban Area
Noosa
LGA / Council
Noosa
Federal Electorate
Wide Bay
State Electorate
Noosa
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-26.39°, 152.94°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
26.67 km²
Elevation
95m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$420
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733
Avg Household Size
2.6 people
Median Age
49 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Cooroy Station
4.5 km
Drive required

Bus Services

  • Sunbus Route 631 — Noosa Heads via Cooroy ~50 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
145 km
By Train
~2 hr via Cooroy Station (Sunshine Coast Line to Roma Street)
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 45 min – 2 hr 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 30 min

🛣️ Drive to Cooroy then Queensland Rail Sunshine Coast Line; Bruce Highway access nearby

Walkability Car-Dependent

Leafy rural setting; most residents drive to Cooroy for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
212.7 / 100k
2yr Down 39.2% 10yr Down 34.1%
Motor vehicle theft
144.5 / 100k
2yr Down 34.1% 10yr Stable
Non-FV assault
360.5 / 100k
2yr Down 21.2% 10yr Up 63.4%
Robbery (unarmed)
6.6 / 100k
2yr Down 51.5% 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
262.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 25.9%
View all offence categories for Noosa →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,363
Census 2021
1,352
▼ 0.8% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$31,616
Personal Income 2021
$37,492
▲ 18.6% 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
$37,492 / yr
$721/wk
Household
$92,092 / yr
$1771/wk
Family
$97,916 / yr
$1883/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,056
Born Overseas 230

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 79
  • 2. New Zealand 58
  • 3. South Africa 9
  • 4. United States 7
  • 5. Germany 5
  • 6. Italy 5
  • 7. Zimbabwe 5
  • 8. Canada 4
  • 9. China 4
  • 10. Scotland 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 665
Australian 495
Scottish 193
Irish 160
German 71
Dutch 32
Australian Aboriginal 28
Italian 22
Greek 19
New Zealander 19

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

799
Both parents born in Australia
293
Both parents born overseas
195
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
53.8%
Christianity
37.6%
Buddhism
1.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
50 (3.7%)
5-14 years
177 (13.1%)
15-19 years
74 (5.5%)
20-24 years
44 (3.3%)
25-34 years
75 (5.5%)
35-44 years
154 (11.4%)
45-54 years
186 (13.8%)
55-64 years
274 (20.3%)
65-74 years
211 (15.6%)
75-84 years
76 (5.6%)
85+ years
22 (1.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lake Macdonald known for? +

Lake Macdonald is known for its beautiful freshwater reservoir, the Noosa Botanic Gardens, and its position at the edge of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve. It offers excellent birdwatching, canoeing, fishing, and picnicking opportunities.

What schools serve Lake Macdonald? +

The nearest primary school is Cooroy State School, about 4–5 km away. Noosa District State High School has its junior campus (Years 7–9) in Pomona and senior campus (Years 10–12) in Cooroy/Tewantin.

How close is Lake Macdonald to Noosa Heads? +

Lake Macdonald is approximately 30 kilometres northwest of Noosa Heads, about a 30-minute drive via the Cooroy-Noosa Road.

Is there public transport from Lake Macdonald? +

The nearest train station is Cooroy (approx. 4.5 km), on the Queensland Rail Sunshine Coast Line. Sunbus services connect Cooroy to Noosa and surrounding areas. Most Lake Macdonald residents drive.

What is the average income in Lake Macdonald? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Lake Macdonald is about $721 per week (around $37,500 per year). The median household income is $1,771 per week and the median family income is $1,883 per week.

What is the age profile of Lake Macdonald? +

The median age in Lake Macdonald is 49. The largest age group is 55–64 (274 residents, around 20%). Around 22% of residents are under 20 and about 23% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Lake Macdonald a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Lake Macdonald is part of the Noosa 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.

What is the population of Lake Macdonald? +

Lake Macdonald had a population of 1,352 at the 2021 Census, down 0.8% from 1,363 in 2016.

How much is rent in Lake Macdonald? +

In Lake Macdonald, the median weekly rent is $420, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,733 (2021 Census).