🔍

Shorncliffe

QLD 4017 • Greater Brisbane

1,907
Population (2021)
$117,468
Median Household Income
1.22 km²
Area
$275/wk
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideEstablishedFamily-FriendlyAffluent

About Shorncliffe

Shorncliffe is a picturesque bayside suburb situated approximately 16 kilometres north of Brisbane CBD, on the shores of Bramble Bay within the Brisbane City Council area. With a population of 1,907 and a median age of 47, Shorncliffe is one of Brisbane's more mature coastal communities, predominantly attracting established families, retirees, and professionals who value the bay lifestyle with strong city connections. The median household income of $2,259 per week is comfortably above the Queensland average, reflecting Shorncliffe's desirability as a premium bayside address. Housing predominantly comprises timber Queenslander homes, post-war dwellings, and some contemporary residences, many with elevated positions enjoying views across Bramble Bay.

Shorncliffe is best known for its iconic heritage-listed pier — one of Brisbane's longest at 357 metres — which extends over Bramble Bay and is a beloved local landmark for fishing, evening walks, and watching the bay's dramatic sunsets. The suburb has its own railway station at the terminus of the Shorncliffe Line, with direct trains to Brisbane CBD taking approximately 35–45 minutes, making it one of the best-connected bayside suburbs in the city. Foreshore parks, swimming spots, and the Bayside Cycleway attract active residents and day-trippers, while the adjoining Sandgate town centre — just minutes away — provides cafes, restaurants, shops, and community facilities. The suburb's quiet, tree-lined streets and strong neighbourly character make it a prized address for those seeking bayside living without venturing far from Brisbane.

Shorncliffe falls under postcode 4017 and is governed by Brisbane Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Sandgate electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 Queensland Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4017
Urban Area
Brisbane City - Outer North
LGA / Council
Brisbane
Federal Electorate
Lilley
State Electorate
Sandgate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.33°, 153.08°
Statistical Area
Greater Brisbane
Area
1.22 km²
Elevation
1m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$275
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,201
Avg Household Size
2.6 people
Median Age
47 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
8%

57 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Shorncliffe Station
0.4 km
5 min

Bus Services

  • Bus connections within Sandgate and Deagon area — Sandgate / Deagon / Northgate 10-20 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
16 km
By Train
~35-45 min to Brisbane Central via Shorncliffe Line
By Car (Peak)
25-40 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20-25 min

🛣️ Shorncliffe Line terminates here; good rail access to the city via Sandgate Road corridor

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Foreshore areas and Sandgate centre are walkable; broader shopping and services typically require a short drive or bus connection

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
832.9 / 100k
2yr Down 25.0% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
371.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 77.2%
Non-FV assault
713.9 / 100k
2yr Up 17.9% 10yr Up 138.5%
Robbery (unarmed)
29 / 100k
2yr Down 15.0% 10yr Up 83.4%
Steal from vehicle
616.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 28.4%
View all offence categories for Brisbane →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,870
Census 2021
1,907
▲ 2.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$39,312
Personal Income 2021
$48,360
▲ 23.0% 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
$48,360 / yr
$930/wk
Household
$117,468 / yr
$2259/wk
Family
$161,148 / yr
$3099/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,520
Born Overseas 318

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 110
  • 2. New Zealand 62
  • 3. South Africa 22
  • 4. Ireland 14
  • 5. Germany 8
  • 6. Scotland 8
  • 7. Fiji 6
  • 8. Poland 5
  • 9. United States 5
  • 10. India 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 881
Australian 703
Irish 354
Scottish 284
German 117
Dutch 41
Italian 40
Polish 24
Australian Aboriginal 21
Chinese 21

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,175
Both parents born in Australia
391
Both parents born overseas
266
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
48.1%
No Religion
45.7%
Buddhism
0.5%
Hinduism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
66 (3.5%)
5-14 years
265 (13.9%)
15-19 years
123 (6.4%)
20-24 years
78 (4.1%)
25-34 years
124 (6.5%)
35-44 years
220 (11.5%)
45-54 years
338 (17.7%)
55-64 years
321 (16.8%)
65-74 years
257 (13.5%)
75-84 years
80 (4.2%)
85+ years
36 (1.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shorncliffe known for? +

Shorncliffe is best known for its heritage-listed pier extending 357 metres over Bramble Bay — a beloved Brisbane landmark for fishing, walking, and watching sunsets. The suburb is also valued for its Queenslander homes, bayside foreshore parks, and relaxed coastal community character.

How far is Shorncliffe from Brisbane CBD? +

Shorncliffe is approximately 16 kilometres north of Brisbane CBD, making it a 25–40 minute drive in peak hour or a 35–45 minute train journey via the Shorncliffe Line to Brisbane Central.

Does Shorncliffe have public transport? +

Yes, Shorncliffe has its own railway station at the terminus of the Shorncliffe Line, providing regular direct train services to Brisbane CBD. The suburb is one of Brisbane's best-connected bayside communities by rail.

What is the population of Shorncliffe? +

According to the 2021 Census, Shorncliffe has a population of 1,907 residents. The suburb has a notably older median age of 47, reflecting its established and predominantly owner-occupier demographic.

Is Shorncliffe a good place to live? +

Shorncliffe is highly regarded as one of Brisbane's finest bayside suburbs, combining coastal lifestyle — with the pier, foreshore parks, and bay views — with practical rail connections to the CBD. It suits established families and professionals seeking a quieter, community-focused lifestyle near the water.

What is the postcode for Shorncliffe? +

The postcode for Shorncliffe is 4017, shared with the adjacent suburb of Sandgate in Brisbane's Bayside area.

What is the average income in Shorncliffe? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Shorncliffe is about $930 per week (around $48,400 per year). The median household income is $2,259 per week and the median family income is $3,099 per week.

What is the age profile of Shorncliffe? +

The median age in Shorncliffe is 47. The largest age group is 45–54 (338 residents, around 18%). Around 24% of residents are under 20 and about 20% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Shorncliffe a safe area? +

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

In Shorncliffe, the median weekly rent is $275, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,201 (2021 Census).