🔍

Racecourse

QLD 4740 • Queensland

181
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
8.93 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricAffordable

About Racecourse

Racecourse is a small western suburb of Mackay in the Mackay Region of Queensland, situated along the northern bank of the Pioneer River and bordered to the east by the North Coast railway line. With a population of around 181 residents spread across just under 9 square kilometres, it is one of Mackay's quieter industrial-fringe localities. The suburb takes its name from the historic racecourse that once operated in the area, and its flat, low-lying terrain reflects the broader Pioneer Valley landscape. The Racecourse Sugar Mill — now operated by Nordzucker — remains a defining landmark and a reminder of the region's deep ties to the sugar cane industry.

Life in Racecourse revolves around the working character of the Mackay region, with cane farming and industrial operations shaping the local economy. The suburb is close to Mackay's services and retail precincts, offering residents easy access to the city's hospitals, schools, and shopping centres just a short drive away. The Pioneer River provides a scenic natural backdrop, popular with locals for fishing and walking. Racecourse suits those who prefer a quiet, semi-rural lifestyle within easy reach of a regional city.

Racecourse falls under postcode 4740 and is governed by Mackay Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Whitsunday electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4740
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Mackay
Federal Electorate
Dawson
State Electorate
Whitsunday
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-21.34°, 149.06°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
8.93 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Mackay Station
4 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • Local Mackay Transit buses — Mackay City Centre 15-20 min

Commute to Mackay CBD

Distance
4 km
By Train
Not applicable (no regular passenger service)
By Car (Peak)
10-15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
8 min

🛣️ Access via Peak Downs Highway and Bridge Road

Walkability Car-Dependent

Limited footpaths; car required for most trips

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
694.6 / 100k
2yr Down 16.1% 10yr Down 34.3%
Motor vehicle theft
316.5 / 100k
2yr Down 17.0% 10yr Up 42.1%
Non-FV assault
1,256 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 128.6%
Robbery (unarmed)
16.2 / 100k
2yr Down 26.7% 10yr Up 110.6%
Steal from vehicle
716.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
View all offence categories for Mackay →

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

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
181
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
N/A
Personal Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Racecourse QLD located? +

Racecourse is a western suburb of Mackay in Queensland, situated along the Pioneer River and bordered by the North Coast railway line, about 4 km from the Mackay CBD.

What is Racecourse known for? +

Racecourse is known for the Nordzucker Racecourse Sugar Mill, one of the key sugar processing facilities in the Mackay Region, which is Australia's largest sugar-producing area.

What is the population of Racecourse QLD? +

According to the 2021 Census, Racecourse had a population of 181 people.

Is Racecourse a good place to live? +

Racecourse suits those seeking a quiet, affordable lifestyle on the fringe of a regional city, with Mackay's full range of services, schools, and amenities easily accessible by car.

Is Racecourse a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Racecourse is part of the Mackay 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 Racecourse? +

Racecourse had a population of 181 at the 2021 Census.