🔍

Parrearra

QLD 4575 • Rest of QLD

4,661
Population (2021)
$76,284
Median Household Income
2.37 km²
Area
$490/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRetireesFamily-Friendly

About Parrearra

Parrearra is a waterfront suburb on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, informally known as Kawana Island due to its unique geography — it is bounded to the west by the Mooloolah River and to the east by the Pumicestone Passage tidal flats, creating an island-like setting within the broader Kawana Waters urban area. With a population of approximately 4,661 residents across 2.37 square kilometres, it is a relatively compact and established community, with a mix of canal-front homes, townhouses, and mid-density residential properties. The suburb is about 12 kilometres south of Mooloolaba and 80 kilometres north of Brisbane.

Parrearra has a notably older demographic, with a median age of 52, reflecting the suburb's appeal to downsizers, retirees, and those seeking a peaceful waterfront lifestyle. The surrounding Kawana precinct provides excellent amenities including the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya Shopping Centre, Sunshine Coast Stadium, and extensive cycling and walking paths around Lake Kawana. Water activities — including kayaking, fishing, and stand-up paddleboarding on the Mooloolah River — are popular among residents. Mooloolaba Beach and Bokarina Beach are both accessible within a short drive or bike ride.

Parrearra falls under postcode 4575 and is governed by Sunshine Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Kawana electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4575
Urban Area
Caloundra
LGA / Council
Sunshine Coast
Federal Electorate
Fisher
State Electorate
Kawana
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-26.71°, 153.12°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
2.37 km²
Elevation
4m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$490
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,000
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
52 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.4%

4 state housing + 3 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • 600, 615 — Maroochydore / Mooloolaba 20-30 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
80 km
By Train
No heavy rail on Sunshine Coast; Nambour station (bus connection) ~35 min drive
By Car (Peak)
90-120 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
75-90 min

🛣️ Car is the primary mode for longer trips. Local Translink buses serve the Kawana precinct. Sunshine Coast Airport (Maroochydore) is ~25 min north.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Walkable within the Kawana precinct; car needed for most retail and CBD trips. Extensive cycling paths around Lake Kawana.

🛒 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 Parrearra. 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
4,468
Census 2021
4,661
▲ 4.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$34,112
Personal Income 2021
$40,196
▲ 17.8% 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
$40,196 / yr
$773/wk
Household
$76,284 / yr
$1467/wk
Family
$98,800 / yr
$1900/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,370
Born Overseas 1,126

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 331
  • 2. New Zealand 249
  • 3. South Africa 59
  • 4. Scotland 41
  • 5. Germany 38
  • 6. Netherlands 34
  • 7. United States 23
  • 8. China 22
  • 9. India 22
  • 10. Canada 19

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,281
Australian 1,451
Scottish 614
Irish 612
German 298
Italian 141
Dutch 81
New Zealander 78
Chinese 63
Australian Aboriginal 58

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,614
Both parents born in Australia
1,282
Both parents born overseas
592
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
51.9%
No Religion
41.1%
Buddhism
0.8%
Hinduism
0.7%
Judaism
0.2%
Islam
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
170 (3.6%)
5-14 years
457 (9.8%)
15-19 years
245 (5.3%)
20-24 years
182 (3.9%)
25-34 years
355 (7.6%)
35-44 years
471 (10.1%)
45-54 years
613 (13.2%)
55-64 years
730 (15.7%)
65-74 years
742 (15.9%)
75-84 years
546 (11.7%)
85+ years
154 (3.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Parrearra also known as? +

Parrearra is informally known as Kawana Island due to its location within the broader Kawana Waters area, bounded by the Mooloolah River to the west. It sits within the Sunshine Coast Regional Council area.

Is there public transport in Parrearra? +

There is no heavy rail on the Sunshine Coast. Parrearra is served by Translink bus routes connecting to Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, and the broader Kawana precinct. Most residents rely on private cars for commuting.

What is the population of Parrearra? +

Parrearra had a population of 4,661 at the 2021 Census, with a median age of 52, making it a popular choice for retirees and downsizers seeking a waterfront lifestyle.

What amenities are near Parrearra? +

Parrearra is close to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya Shopping Centre, Sunshine Coast Stadium, Lake Kawana cycling paths, and beaches at Bokarina and Mooloolaba.

What is the average income in Parrearra? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Parrearra is about $773 per week (around $40,200 per year). The median household income is $1,467 per week and the median family income is $1,900 per week.

What is the age profile of Parrearra? +

The median age in Parrearra is 52. The largest age group is 65–74 (742 residents, around 16%). Around 19% of residents are under 20 and about 31% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Parrearra a safe area? +

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

In Parrearra, the median weekly rent is $490, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,000 (2021 Census).