🔍

Shoalwater

QLD 4702 • Queensland

6
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
2939.65 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteAgriculturalOutbackRural

About Shoalwater

Shoalwater is an extremely remote and vast rural locality in the Rockhampton district of Central Queensland, sharing postcode 4702 with Rockhampton and covering an extraordinary 2,939 square kilometres of open savanna woodland, tropical grassland and semi-arid scrub. The 2021 census recorded a population of just 6 residents, reflecting its character as pure pastoral country with negligible habitation across an area the size of a small European country. The locality lies in the Flynn federal electorate and Rockhampton state electorate, occupying the inland pastoral zone west of Rockhampton between the Fitzroy River catchment and the Capricorn Highlands. Cattle grazing on large, extensively managed stations is the dominant land use across Shoalwater's expansive terrain.

Shoalwater's handful of residents are engaged in extensive cattle station operations, living a self-sufficient lifestyle that typifies Queensland's remote inland pastoral zones. All services are accessed by vehicle over long distances to Rockhampton, the nearest regional city — approximately 100–150 kilometres to the east — which offers hospitals, retail, Queensland Rail connections and Rockhampton Airport with domestic flights. The Fitzroy River system and the spectacular Carnarvon Gorge National Park to the south-west provide natural attractions for adventurous travellers passing through this remote corner of Central Queensland. The locality's vast, open sky landscapes and profound solitude appeal exclusively to those committed to the demanding but rewarding lifestyle of outback cattle farming.

Shoalwater falls under postcode 4702 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Rockhampton electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4702
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Flynn
State Electorate
Rockhampton
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-23.28°, 150.89°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
2939.65 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Rockhampton
130 km
Queensland Rail North Coast Line – Spirit of Queensland to Brisbane (~7.5 hrs)

Commute to Brisbane

Distance
950 km
By Train
~9 hrs (drive ~130 km to Rockhampton, then Spirit of Queensland to Brisbane)
By Bus
Greyhound/Premier coach from Rockhampton (~9 hrs to Brisbane)
By Car (Peak)
~11 hrs to Brisbane via Capricorn and Bruce Highways
By Car (Off-Peak)
~10 hrs 30 min

🛣️ Rockhampton (~130 km east) is the regional centre with full services, airport and rail. Roads are mostly unsealed and can become impassable during wet season flooding. The Royal Flying Doctor Service is critical for emergency medical care.

Walkability Car Dependent

Shoalwater is an uninhabited pastoral locality with zero walkable amenities. A 4WD vehicle and full self-sufficiency (fuel, water, supplies) are essential. Satellite communications are strongly recommended.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
6
▲ 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

What is Shoalwater known for? +

Shoalwater is known for its extreme remoteness and vast pastoral stations in Central Queensland. The locality covers a massive area west of Rockhampton and is characterised by cattle grazing on Mitchell grass and brigalow scrub country.

How far is Shoalwater from Rockhampton? +

Shoalwater is approximately 130 kilometres west of Rockhampton, about 1.5–2 hours on mostly unsealed roads. Rockhampton is the nearest regional centre with full services, an airport, and rail connections.

Does Shoalwater have public transport? +

Shoalwater has absolutely no public transport. Roads are mostly unsealed and can become impassable during wet season flooding. A 4WD vehicle is recommended and the Royal Flying Doctor Service is critical for emergency medical care.

What is the population of Shoalwater? +

According to the 2021 Census, Shoalwater has a population of approximately 6 residents, effectively an uninhabited pastoral locality in Central Queensland.

Is Shoalwater a good place to live? +

Shoalwater is exclusively suited to those running cattle stations in remote Central Queensland. The extreme isolation and limited services mean it is not suitable as a general residential location.

What is the postcode for Shoalwater? +

The postcode for Shoalwater, QLD is 4702.