🔍

Picnic Bay

QLD 4819 • Queensland

367
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
1.06 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
BeachsideCoastalTourist HubPeacefulRural
Advertisement

About Picnic Bay

Picnic Bay is a beachside town on the south-western tip of Magnetic Island, part of the City of Townsville in Queensland. Established in 1877, it is one of the oldest settlements on the island and sits approximately 9 kilometres south-west of Horseshoe Bay and 8 kilometres by ferry from Townsville. With a 2021 Census population of 367 and a compact area of around 1 square kilometre, Picnic Bay is a small, close-knit community with a relaxed island lifestyle.

The town retains a quiet, unhurried atmosphere and is known for its sheltered bay, jetty foreshore, and the shallow waters that attract families and snorkellers. Magnetic Island is a national park island with over 70% of its land protected, offering abundant wildlife — including a large koala population — bushwalking trails, and beautiful coral reefs. A regular passenger ferry service operates between Nelly Bay and Townsville, making island life accessible while remaining connected to the services of a major regional city.

Picnic Bay falls under postcode 4819 and is governed by the Townsville Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Herbert, while state elections fall under the Townsville electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4819
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Townsville
Federal Electorate
Herbert
State Electorate
Townsville
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-19.14°, 146.83°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
1.06 km²
Population Density
347 /km²
Elevation
0m

📣 Ad

💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4819

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4819, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$35,158
Median 2023–24
$39,602
▲ 12.6% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$56,101

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4819; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Sunbus Magnetic Island routes — Nelly Bay (ferry terminal) / Horseshoe Bay 10-20 min

Commute to Townsville CBD

Distance
8 km
By Train
No direct rail; Sunferries/SeaLink passenger ferry from Nelly Bay to Townsville CBD in approx. 25 min
By Car (Peak)
45-60 min (including car ferry to Townsville)
By Car (Off-Peak)
40-50 min (including car ferry to Townsville)

🛣️ Passenger ferry from Nelly Bay (approx. 5km away) runs regularly to Townsville; car ferry also available

Walkability Car-Dependent

The foreshore area is walkable but most destinations require a car or the island bus service

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
367
▲ 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 Picnic Bay. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,390.7 / 100k
2yr Down 40.2% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
639.8 / 100k
2yr Down 28.0% 10yr Up 17.0%
Non-FV assault
2,598.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 250.9%
Robbery (unarmed)
32.7 / 100k
2yr Down 35.4% 10yr Up 52.8%
Steal from vehicle
724.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
View all offence categories for Townsville →

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

📣 Ad

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Picnic Bay known for? +

Picnic Bay is known for its sheltered bay, historic jetty foreshore, and position on Magnetic Island — a national park island famous for its large koala population, bushwalking trails, and coral reef snorkelling.

How far is Picnic Bay from Townsville? +

Picnic Bay is approximately 8 kilometres from Townsville across the water. A passenger ferry from nearby Nelly Bay reaches Townsville CBD in approximately 25 minutes, while the car ferry also connects the island to the mainland.

Does Picnic Bay have public transport? +

Picnic Bay is served by Sunbus routes on Magnetic Island connecting it to the Nelly Bay ferry terminal and other island towns like Arcadia and Horseshoe Bay. There is no railway on the island; the ferry to Townsville is the main transport link.

What is the population of Picnic Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Picnic Bay had a population of 367 residents, making it one of the smaller communities on Magnetic Island.

Is Picnic Bay a good place to live? +

Picnic Bay offers a rare island lifestyle with beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and national park bushland, while the regular ferry service keeps Townsville's city amenities within easy reach. It suits those who value nature, tranquillity, and a strong community feel.

What is the postcode for Picnic Bay? +

The postcode for Picnic Bay, QLD is 4819.

Is Picnic Bay a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Picnic Bay 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.