🔍

Moonie

QLD 4406 • Queensland

182
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
1948.45 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteOutbackRuralCar-DependentHistoric
Advertisement

About Moonie

Moonie is a tiny rural locality in Queensland's Western Downs, split between the Western Downs Region and the Goondiwindi Region, situated at the intersection of the Leichhardt and Moonie Highways approximately 375 kilometres west of Brisbane. With a population of just 182 at the 2021 Census, it covers a vast area of nearly 1,950 square kilometres of sparsely populated outback grazing country. Moonie holds a unique place in Australian history as the site of Queensland's first commercial oil discovery in 1961, which led to construction of Australia's first oil pipeline — the Moonie-Brisbane pipeline.

Known informally as the 'oil capital of Queensland', Moonie is a classic outback pit-stop settlement serving long-distance travellers on the Moonie Highway and the surrounding pastoral properties. A small roadhouse and basic facilities cater to travellers, while the nearby oil infrastructure remains a landmark of the region. Those living here or passing through experience the wide open landscapes, big skies, and self-reliant character of the Darling Downs outback, with Goondiwindi (about 96 kilometres south) and Dalby (around 158 kilometres east) the nearest towns for services.

Moonie falls under postcode 4406 and is governed by the Western Downs Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Maranoa, while state elections fall under the Warrego electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4406
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Western Downs
Federal Electorate
Maranoa
State Electorate
Warrego
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.06°, 151.43°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
1948.45 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
0m

📣 Ad

💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4406

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4406 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$46,345
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$75,479

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4406; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular bus services — N/A N/A

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
375 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
4 hr – 4 hr 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 hr 45 min – 4 hr

🛣️ Moonie Highway east to Dalby, then Warrego or New England Highway to Brisbane; Goondiwindi is the nearest regional hub at approx. 96 km south

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

An extremely remote outback locality with minimal local infrastructure; a car is essential for all aspects of daily life

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
182
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
657.5 / 100k
2yr Down 30.7% 10yr Up 20.4%
Motor vehicle theft
401.8 / 100k
2yr Down 33.7% 10yr Up 135.9%
Non-FV assault
1,093.1 / 100k
2yr Down 23.7% 10yr Up 96.9%
Robbery (unarmed)
8.4 / 100k
2yr Down 41.0% 10yr Down 42.6%
Steal from vehicle
663.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 35.2%
View all offence categories for Western Downs →

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

📣 Ad

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Moonie known for? +

Moonie is known as Queensland's oil capital, having been the site of the state's first commercial oil discovery in 1961. This led to the construction of Australia's first crude oil pipeline — the Moonie-Brisbane pipeline — which remains a key piece of national industrial history.

How far is Moonie from Brisbane? +

Moonie is approximately 375 kilometres west of Brisbane, a drive of around 4 hours via the Moonie and Warrego Highways.

Does Moonie have public transport? +

Moonie has no public transport services. There is no rail, no regular bus routes, and the locality is entirely car-dependent. The Moonie Highway is the main road connecting the town to the wider region.

What is the population of Moonie? +

Moonie had a population of 182 people at the 2021 Census, spread across a vast locality area of nearly 1,950 square kilometres in outback Queensland.

Is Moonie a good place to live? +

Moonie suits those who embrace outback living and value isolation, wide open spaces, and self-sufficiency. It is not suited to those who rely on urban amenities, but serves as an interesting waypoint for travellers crossing the Western Downs.

What is the postcode for Moonie? +

The postcode for Moonie, Queensland is 4406.

Is Moonie a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Moonie is part of the Western Downs 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.