How far is Marcoola from Brisbane CBD?

Marcoola is approximately 90 km from Brisbane CBD. By car, the journey takes around 70-85 min off-peak and 80-110 min during peak hours.

Does Marcoola have public transport?

Marcoola is served by bus routes connecting to Maroochydore / Coolum Beach, though there is no direct rail service. A car is recommended for most journeys.

What is the population of Marcoola?

According to the 2021 Census, Marcoola has a population of approximately 3,355 residents. It is a mid-sized suburb within the Sunshine Coast (Regional Council).

Is Marcoola a good place to live?

Marcoola is a popular choice for those seeking a coastal lifestyle, offering beachside living and a relaxed community atmosphere. It suits retirees, families, and sea-changers looking to escape city life.

What is the postcode for Marcoola?

The postcode for Marcoola, QLD is 4564.

What is the average income in Marcoola?

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Marcoola is about $768 per week (around $39,900 per year). The median household income is $1,401 per week and the median family income is $1,764 per week.

What is the age profile of Marcoola?

The median age in Marcoola is 45. The largest age group is 55–64 (588 residents, around 18%). Around 20% of residents are under 20 and about 18% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Marcoola a safe area?

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Marcoola is part of the Sunshine 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 Marcoola?

In Marcoola, the median weekly rent is $406, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,733 (2021 Census).

Marcoola

QLD 4564 • Rest of QLD

3,355

Population (2021)

$72,852

Median Household Income

14.08 km²

Area

$406/wk

Median Rent

BeachsideCoastalRetiree-HavenQuietLifestyle

About Marcoola

Marcoola is a beachside suburb on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, located within the Sunshine Coast Regional Council area approximately 90 kilometres north of Brisbane. Spreading across 14 square kilometres at near sea-level elevation, it encompasses a mix of residential streets, coastal lowlands, and areas close to the Sunshine Coast Airport. With a population of 3,355 and a median age of 45, the suburb attracts an older demographic of sea-change seekers, retirees, and lifestyle-focused residents drawn to its relaxed coastal setting.

The suburb's beachfront and proximity to Coolum Beach and Mudjimba offer residents easy access to swimming, surfing, and coastal walking paths. Local amenities are available nearby in Coolum Beach township, with more extensive retail and services accessible in Maroochydore, the Sunshine Coast's commercial hub, approximately 10 kilometres south. Transport is largely car-dependent, with bus services connecting to the broader Sunshine Coast network; the median household income reflects the area's lifestyle demographic, with many residents working locally or in nearby Noosa and Maroochydore.

Marcoola falls under postcode 4564 and is governed by Sunshine Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Maroochydore electorate.

📍 Location

State

Queensland

Postcode

4564

Urban Area

Maroochy

LGA / Council

Sunshine Coast

Federal Electorate

Fairfax

State Electorate

Maroochydore

Type

Major Urban

Timezone

Brisbane (UTC+10)

Coordinates

-26.59°, 153.08°

Statistical Area

Rest of QLD

Area

14.08 km²

Elevation

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)

$406

Median Mortgage (monthly)

$1,733

Avg Household Size

2.2 people

Median Age

45 years

Social Housing (% of dwellings)

0.4%

5 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

Sunbus Sunshine Coast services — Maroochydore / Coolum Beach 15-25 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance

90 km

By Train

No direct train; bus to Nambour then train to Brisbane (~2.5 hrs total)

By Car (Peak)

80-110 min

By Car (Off-Peak)

70-85 min

🛣️ Bruce Highway (M1) is the main arterial to Brisbane; Sunshine Motorway links to the Coast

Walkability Car-Dependent

Car is essential for most errands; the beach and nearby coastal paths are accessible on foot for residents close to the shoreline

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏫

Pacific Paradise State School

14-24 Menzies Drive

GovernmentPrimaryCoedNon-Denominational

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)

329.4 / 100k

2yr Down 17.9% 10yr Down 30.4%

Motor vehicle theft

167.5 / 100k

2yr Down 17.0% 10yr Up 28.8%

Non-FV assault

473.3 / 100k

2yr Stable 10yr Up 152.8%

Robbery (unarmed)

13.8 / 100k

2yr Down 20.0% 10yr Up 12.7%

Steal from vehicle

314.6 / 100k

2yr Down 18.3% 10yr Down 26.9%

View all offence categories for Sunshine Coast →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016

3,173

Census 2021

3,355

▲ 5.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016

$34,164

Personal Income 2021

$39,936

▲ 16.9% 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

$39,936 / yr

$768/wk

Household

$72,852 / yr

$1401/wk

Family

$91,728 / yr

$1764/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,579

Born Overseas 534

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

1. England 142
2. New Zealand 111
3. India 24
4. South Africa 23
5. Philippines 22
6. Germany 15
7. United States 13
8. Canada 12
9. Scotland 12
10. Ireland 10
11. Italy 10
12. Netherlands 10
13. China 9
14. Papua New Guinea 9
15. Zimbabwe 7

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,483

Australian 1,117

Irish 471

Scottish 431

German 212

Italian 95

Australian Aboriginal 92

Dutch 78

New Zealander 43

French 30

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,027

Both parents born in Australia

646

Both parents born overseas

417

One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion

48.2%

Christianity

39.8%

Buddhism

1.3%

Hinduism

0.8%

Islam

0.6%

Sikhism

0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years

125 (3.7%)

5-14 years

365 (10.9%)

15-19 years

169 (5.0%)

20-24 years

176 (5.2%)

25-34 years

395 (11.8%)

35-44 years

431 (12.8%)

45-54 years

510 (15.2%)

55-64 years

588 (17.5%)

65-74 years

405 (12.1%)

75-84 years

157 (4.7%)

85+ years

41 (1.2%)