Mutarnee

QLD 4816 • Queensland

120
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
59.98 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralCoastalRemoteAgricultural
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About Mutarnee

Mutarnee is a small rural and coastal locality in the City of Townsville, Queensland, situated approximately 70 kilometres north-west of the Townsville CBD along the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Ingham. The locality covers around 60 square kilometres of cane country and coastal lowlands, backed by the rugged peaks of the Paluma Range. With a population of approximately 120 residents, Mutarnee is a sparsely settled community that retains a distinctly agricultural character shaped by the surrounding sugar cane farming landscape.

The nearest service town is Rollingstone, just a few kilometres to the south, which provides basic amenities including a general store and a popular caravan park frequented by travellers along the Bruce Highway. The locality sits close to the coast of the Coral Sea, and access to the Great Barrier Reef and nearby national parks appeals to nature lovers and visitors exploring North Queensland. Life here is quiet and self-sufficient, suited to those who value wide open spaces, tropical scenery, and a relaxed rural lifestyle far from urban conveniences.

Mutarnee falls under postcode 4816 and is governed by the Townsville Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Kennedy, while state elections fall under the Traeger electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4816
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-19.79°, 146.79°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
59.98 km²
Population Density
2 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4816

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4816, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$46,949
Median 2023–24
$58,280
24.1% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$68,992

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4816; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Greyhound/TransLink coach services — Townsville or Cairns (long-distance only) ~1 hr to Townsville

Commute to Townsville CBD

Distance
70 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
55-70 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
50-60 min

🛣️ Located on the Bruce Highway; car is essential for all daily needs

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Mutarnee has minimal local infrastructure; a car is essential for all daily needs and services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
120
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,390.7 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
639.8 / 100k
Non-FV assault
2,598.2 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
32.7 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
724.5 / 100k

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mutarnee known for? +

Mutarnee is known for its sugar cane farming landscape and its location along the Bruce Highway between Townsville and Ingham, close to the tropical Coral Sea coastline and the foothills of the Paluma Range.

How far is Mutarnee from Townsville CBD? +

Mutarnee is approximately 70 kilometres north-west of Townsville CBD, roughly a 55–70 minute drive along the Bruce Highway depending on traffic.

Does Mutarnee have public transport? +

There is no local bus or train service in Mutarnee. Long-distance coaches on the Bruce Highway corridor pass through the area, but a private vehicle is essential for daily living.

What is the population of Mutarnee? +

According to the 2021 Census, Mutarnee has a population of approximately 120 residents, making it a very small and sparsely settled rural locality with a population density of around 2 people per square kilometre.

Is Mutarnee a good place to live? +

Mutarnee suits those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle in tropical North Queensland, with easy access to the Bruce Highway and the natural attractions of the Paluma Range and Coral Sea coast. Residents must be comfortable with a car-dependent lifestyle and limited local services.

What is the postcode for Mutarnee? +

The postcode for Mutarnee is 4816.

Is Mutarnee a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Mutarnee is part of the Townsville 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.