🔍

Maroochy River

QLD 4561 • Rest of QLD

1,667
Population (2021)
$111,904
Median Household Income
26.12 km²
Area
$460/wk
Median Rent
RuralRiversideQuietSemi-RuralSunshine Coast

About Maroochy River

Maroochy River is a rural locality on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, situated along the flood plains and cane fields of the Maroochy River, approximately 95 kilometres north of Brisbane within the Sunshine Coast Regional Council area. Covering over 26 square kilometres at near sea-level elevation (3 metres), the locality retains a strongly agricultural and semi-rural character that has historically been shaped by sugarcane farming. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 1,667 with a median age of 42, and the community draws a mix of families, farmers, and lifestyle-seekers attracted by the Sunshine Coast's natural setting.

The Maroochy River locality is flanked by the winding river that gives it its name, offering boating, fishing, and kayaking opportunities that attract outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The nearby townships of Bli Bli and Yandina provide local shops, schools, and services, while the Sunshine Coast's major retail and dining precincts at Maroochydore and Nambour are within a short drive. Surrounded by cane fields, rural properties, and subtropical vegetation, the area has a peaceful, unhurried pace that appeals to those seeking a countryside lifestyle while remaining within easy reach of the coast and Sunshine Coast amenities.

Maroochy River falls under postcode 4561 and is governed by Sunshine Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ninderry electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4561
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Sunshine Coast
Federal Electorate
Fairfax
State Electorate
Ninderry
Type
Rural
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-26.58°, 153.02°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
26.12 km²
Elevation
3m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$460
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,000
Avg Household Size
2.9 people
Median Age
42 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Sunshine Coast Transit routes — Maroochydore / Nambour 15-25 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
95 km
By Train
Drive to Yandina or Nambour Station, then ~90 min by Sunshine Coast Line to Brisbane
By Car (Peak)
90-110 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
80-95 min

🛣️ Access via Bruce Highway (M1); car essential for most trips

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A rural locality with no walkable retail; a car is essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Sunshine Coast Local Government Area, which contains Maroochy River. 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
1,531
Census 2021
1,667
▲ 8.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$35,672
Personal Income 2021
$43,004
▲ 20.6% 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
$43,004 / yr
$827/wk
Household
$111,904 / yr
$2152/wk
Family
$117,780 / yr
$2265/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,314
Born Overseas 291

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 89
  • 2. New Zealand 53
  • 3. South Africa 25
  • 4. Canada 13
  • 5. United States 12
  • 6. Germany 9
  • 7. Zimbabwe 9
  • 8. Netherlands 8
  • 9. Philippines 6
  • 10. Hong Kong 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 784
Australian 640
Irish 216
Scottish 205
German 113
Italian 45
Dutch 37
Australian Aboriginal 32
South African 21
Maltese 19

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,018
Both parents born in Australia
337
Both parents born overseas
247
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
47.8%
No Religion
44.8%
Buddhism
0.8%
Hinduism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
91 (5.5%)
5-14 years
239 (14.3%)
15-19 years
104 (6.2%)
20-24 years
81 (4.9%)
25-34 years
139 (8.3%)
35-44 years
225 (13.5%)
45-54 years
259 (15.5%)
55-64 years
284 (17.0%)
65-74 years
163 (9.8%)
75-84 years
71 (4.3%)
85+ years
23 (1.4%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Maroochy River known for? +

Maroochy River is known for its agricultural heritage, particularly sugarcane farming, and for the scenic river that bears its name. The area offers boating, fishing, and a peaceful rural lifestyle on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

How far is Maroochy River from Brisbane? +

Maroochy River is approximately 95 kilometres north of Brisbane CBD, making it a roughly 90–110 minute drive via the Bruce Highway (M1).

Does Maroochy River have public transport? +

Maroochy River has limited bus services connecting to nearby centres. There is no rail service within the locality; the nearest train stations are Yandina and Nambour, approximately 8–10 kilometres away on the Sunshine Coast Line.

What is the population of Maroochy River? +

According to the 2021 Census, Maroochy River has a population of 1,667 residents, a modest increase from 1,531 in 2016. The locality has a median age of 42 and is predominantly a rural, family-oriented community.

Is Maroochy River a good place to live? +

Maroochy River suits those seeking a rural lifestyle with easy access to Sunshine Coast beaches and urban amenities. It offers affordable land, river access, and a quiet, semi-rural atmosphere, though a car is essential for everyday living.

What is the postcode for Maroochy River? +

The postcode for Maroochy River is 4561, shared with other localities in the Yandina and Nambour area.

What is the average income in Maroochy River? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Maroochy River is about $827 per week (around $43,000 per year). The median household income is $2,152 per week and the median family income is $2,265 per week.

What is the age profile of Maroochy River? +

The median age in Maroochy River is 42. The largest age group is 55–64 (284 residents, around 17%). Around 26% of residents are under 20 and about 15% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Maroochy River a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Maroochy River 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 Maroochy River? +

In Maroochy River, the median weekly rent is $460, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,000 (2021 Census).