🔍

Quilpie

QLD 4480 • Queensland

530
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
17846.69 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralOutbackHistoricRetireesRemote
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About Quilpie

Quilpie is a small outback town and locality in far south-western Queensland, serving as the administrative hub of the Shire of Quilpie. Situated 1,099 kilometres west of Brisbane and 211 kilometres west of Charleville, the town had a population of around 530 at the 2021 Census. Established in 1917, Quilpie grew as a service centre for the vast pastoral properties of south-west Queensland, and today retains much of its bush character.

Quilpie is famous throughout Queensland as a gateway to opal country, with the nearby localities of Yowah and Eromanga attracting fossickers and tourists from across the country. The town offers essential services including a hospital, supermarket, and the Quilpie State School and St Finbarr's Catholic School. Outback tourism, cattle and sheep grazing, and petroleum exploration underpin the local economy, and the annual Quilpie Races and outback festivals bring the community together in a distinctive bush spirit.

Quilpie falls under postcode 4480 and is governed by the Quilpie 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
4480
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Quilpie
Federal Electorate
Maranoa
State Electorate
Warrego
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-26.25°, 143.27°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
17846.69 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4480

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4480 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$56,605
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$64,669

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4480; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Queensland Rail Coach / Greyhound connection — Charleville (211 km east) and Brisbane Approx 2.5 hr to Charleville

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
1099 km
By Train
No direct rail. Charleville has a rail connection to Brisbane (approx 17 hr by The Westlander).
By Car (Peak)
Approx 10-11 hr drive via Charleville and Cunnamulla
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx 10-11 hr drive

🛣️ Quilpie Airport (UIR) provides charter and occasional regional flights. Charleville Airport is the nearest major regional airport.

Walkability Car Dependent

A small outback town where all services are reachable on foot locally, but travel between towns requires a vehicle or coach.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
530
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
281.7 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr —
Motor vehicle theft
0 / 100k
2yr Down 100.0% 10yr —
Non-FV assault
1,549.3 / 100k
2yr Up 448.4% 10yr Up 1178.2%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
422.5 / 100k
2yr Up 199.2% 10yr Up 248.6%
View all offence categories for Quilpie →

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Quilpie famous for? +

Quilpie is famous as a gateway to Queensland's opal country, particularly the fossicking fields at Yowah. It is also known for its authentic outback atmosphere and the annual Quilpie Races.

How far is Quilpie from Brisbane? +

Quilpie is approximately 1,099 kilometres west of Brisbane, roughly a 10-11 hour drive via Charleville.

What schools are in Quilpie? +

Quilpie has two schools: Quilpie State School (government) and St Finbarr's School (Catholic), both catering to primary-age students.

Is there an airport at Quilpie? +

Yes, Quilpie Airport (IATA: UIR) serves the town with charter flights. Charleville is the nearest town with scheduled regional airline services.

Is Quilpie a safe area? +

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

What is the population of Quilpie? +

Quilpie had a population of 530 at the 2021 Census.