🔍

Palen Creek

QLD 4287 • Queensland

368
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
100.74 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRemoteHinterlandPeaceful
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About Palen Creek

Palen Creek is a rural locality in Queensland's Scenic Rim Region, situated approximately 110 kilometres south-south-west of Brisbane and around 9 kilometres south-west of the township of Rathdowney. Covering over 100 square kilometres of hilly hinterland terrain, the locality sits near the McPherson Range close to the New South Wales border. With a population of 368 at the 2021 Census, Palen Creek is a sparsely settled agricultural area characterised by low-density farming properties and bushland.

The locality is accessed via rural roads connecting to Rathdowney and the broader Scenic Rim, a region celebrated for its stunning national parks, mountain scenery, and proximity to Lamington National Park. Residents and visitors enjoy the quiet, unspoilt landscapes typical of the Scenic Rim hinterland, with nearby Rathdowney offering basic services. The area suits those seeking a genuinely rural lifestyle close to nature, with the Gold Coast approximately 80 kilometres to the north-east.

Palen Creek falls under postcode 4287 and is governed by the Scenic Rim Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Wright, while state elections fall under the Scenic Rim electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4287
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Scenic Rim
Federal Electorate
Wright
State Electorate
Scenic Rim
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.26°, 152.82°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
100.74 km²
Population Density
4 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4287

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4287 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$45,648
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$68,900

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4287; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Rathdowney / Beaudesert Varies

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
110 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
1h 45min - 2h 15min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1h 30min - 1h 50min

🛣️ Car is essential; access via Beaudesert–Boonah Road and Cunningham Highway

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Palen Creek is a rural locality with no shops or services; a car is essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
368
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
320.2 / 100k
2yr Up 15.0% 10yr Down 48.3%
Motor vehicle theft
179.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 31.2%
Non-FV assault
523 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 168.0%
Robbery (unarmed)
6.4 / 100k
2yr Down 27.6% 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
277.5 / 100k
2yr Up 29.5% 10yr Stable
View all offence categories for Scenic Rim →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Palen Creek known for? +

Palen Creek is known for its quiet rural character and scenic hinterland landscapes in the Scenic Rim Region of Queensland, close to the McPherson Range and the New South Wales border.

How far is Palen Creek from Brisbane? +

Palen Creek is approximately 110 kilometres south-south-west of Brisbane CBD, roughly a 1.5 to 2 hour drive depending on traffic and route.

Does Palen Creek have public transport? +

There is no regular public transport service to Palen Creek. The nearest township with basic services is Rathdowney, around 9 kilometres to the north-east, and a private vehicle is essential.

What is the population of Palen Creek? +

According to the 2021 Census, Palen Creek has a population of 368 residents spread across more than 100 square kilometres of rural land, giving it a very low population density.

Is Palen Creek a good place to live? +

Palen Creek suits those seeking a truly rural lifestyle in a scenic hinterland setting, with wide open spaces and peace and quiet. It is best suited to self-sufficient residents comfortable with limited services and long drives to town.

What is the postcode for Palen Creek? +

The postcode for Palen Creek, Queensland is 4287.

Is Palen Creek a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Palen Creek is part of the Scenic Rim 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.