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Mackenzie River

QLD 4705 • Queensland

84
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
3391.37 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRemoteOutbackMining TownAgricultural
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About Mackenzie River

Mackenzie River is a vast rural locality in the Isaac Region of Central Queensland, covering an extraordinary 3,391 square kilometres of outback grazing land and coal country in the Bowen Basin coalfields. The Mackenzie River forms the southern and eastern boundary of the locality, while the Fitzroy Developmental Road connects it to the east (via Bingegang) and north-west towards Middlemount. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 84 residents, predominantly associated with the coal mining operations and cattle station workers who make up the area's workforce.

The locality is home to several significant opencut coal mines including Foxleigh (established 1999), Oak Park (2004), and Lake Lindsay (2008), which form the economic backbone of the region. Grazing on native vegetation remains a key land use across the broader station country. The nearest significant service centre is Middlemount to the north-west, while Emerald is the regional hub for Central Queensland approximately 150 kilometres away. There is no active rail passenger service within the locality, with the Goonyella railway line in neighbouring Middlemount serving coal freight rather than passengers.

Mackenzie River falls under postcode 4705 and is governed by the Isaac Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Capricornia, while state elections fall under the Mirani electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4705
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Isaac
Federal Electorate
Capricornia
State Electorate
Mirani
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-22.77°, 149.72°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
3391.37 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4705

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4705 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$47,001
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$68,908

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4705; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular bus service — Middlemount / Emerald Approx. 30-60 min to Middlemount by car

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
730 km
By Train
No passenger train service
By Car (Peak)
8 hrs+
By Car (Off-Peak)
7 hrs 30 min+

🛣️ Fitzroy Developmental Road connects to Emerald (~150 km); Emerald is the nearest regional hub with fly-in fly-out (FIFO) access for mining workers

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

An extremely remote outback locality; all services require significant car travel, with Middlemount or Emerald being the nearest centres

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
84
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
453.5 / 100k
2yr Up 37.4% 10yr Up 80.9%
Motor vehicle theft
265.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 119.8%
Non-FV assault
1,005.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 301.1%
Robbery (unarmed)
8.6 / 100k
2yr Up 97.0% 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
350.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 45.3%
View all offence categories for Isaac →

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mackenzie River known for? +

Mackenzie River locality is known for its large opencut coal mines — including Foxleigh, Oak Park, and Lake Lindsay — located within the Bowen Basin coalfields. The locality also supports extensive cattle grazing on native vegetation across vast station country.

How far is Mackenzie River from Emerald? +

Mackenzie River locality is approximately 150 kilometres from the regional centre of Emerald in Central Queensland, roughly a 1.5–2 hour drive via the Fitzroy Developmental Road and connecting routes.

Does Mackenzie River have public transport? +

There is no public transport in Mackenzie River. The locality has no passenger rail service, and no regular bus routes. A private vehicle or FIFO arrangements are essential for workers in the mining sector.

What is the population of Mackenzie River? +

According to the 2021 Census, Mackenzie River has a population of 84 residents. The population is primarily composed of mining and station workers; the locality covers 3,391 square kilometres, making it one of Queensland's largest by area.

Is Mackenzie River a good place to live? +

Mackenzie River suits workers in the coal mining or pastoral industries who value the rugged outback environment. It is extremely remote with no local services, making it best suited to those employed at a nearby mine or station, or those seeking a highly self-sufficient rural lifestyle.

What is the postcode for Mackenzie River? +

The postcode for Mackenzie River is 4705, which it shares with the nearby mining town of Middlemount and surrounding localities in the Isaac Region of Central Queensland.

Is Mackenzie River a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Mackenzie River is part of the Isaac 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.