🔍

Shute Harbour

QLD 4802 • Queensland

113
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
0.57 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalTourist HubHarboursideWhitsundays
Advertisement

About Shute Harbour

Shute Harbour is a compact coastal locality and working harbour in the Whitsunday Region of Queensland, situated approximately 15 kilometres east of Cannonvale and 37 kilometres north-east of Proserpine. Despite a small resident population of 113 at the 2021 Census, the harbour has significant strategic importance as a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, with its port facilities providing passenger ferry and charter boat services to some of Australia's most celebrated marine destinations. The locality essentially encompasses the harbour area and its immediately surrounding hillside at the terminus of the Proserpine–Shute Harbour Road (State Route 59), covering just 0.57 square kilometres.

Shute Harbour draws visitors year-round who board vessels bound for Whitehaven Beach, the Whitsunday Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef, making it a busy hub despite its tiny residential footprint. The surrounding Coral Sea and Conway National Park provide a dramatic tropical backdrop, with hiking trails and scenic lookouts easily accessible from the foreshore area. While amenities within the locality itself are limited, Airlie Beach — the major tourist centre for the Whitsundays — is just 15 kilometres to the west, providing restaurants, accommodation, and services for the many visitors who pass through Shute Harbour.

Shute Harbour falls under postcode 4802 and is governed by the Whitsunday Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Dawson, while state elections fall under the Whitsunday electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4802
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Whitsunday
Federal Electorate
Dawson
State Electorate
Whitsunday
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-20.27°, 148.99°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
0.57 km²
Population Density
200 /km²
Elevation
0m

📣 Ad

💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4802

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4802, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$44,759
Median 2023–24
$54,467
▲ 21.7% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$70,127

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4802; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Proserpine
37 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • Whitsunday Transit Route — Airlie Beach / Cannonvale 20-30 min

Commute to Mackay CBD

Distance
162 km
By Train
No direct service; Proserpine station (37 km) connects to Mackay and Cairns
By Car (Peak)
2 hr – 2 hr 20 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 45 min – 2 hr

🛣️ Primary access via Proserpine–Shute Harbour Road (State Route 59); Airlie Beach and Cannonvale are the nearest urban centres, 15 km west

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Minimal local services at the harbour itself; residents and visitors need to drive to Airlie Beach or Cannonvale for shopping and daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
113
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
564.6 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 14.5%
Motor vehicle theft
263.1 / 100k
2yr Up 17.4% 10yr Up 85.5%
Non-FV assault
1,583.7 / 100k
2yr Up 27.6% 10yr Up 218.0%
Robbery (unarmed)
23.9 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 65.2%
Steal from vehicle
287.1 / 100k
2yr Down 10.9% 10yr Down 33.5%
View all offence categories for Whitsunday →

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

📣 Ad

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shute Harbour known for? +

Shute Harbour is best known as the main gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, with its port facilities offering passenger ferry and charter boat services to Whitehaven Beach, Hamilton Island, and the Great Barrier Reef. It is one of the most visited departure points for island adventures in Queensland.

How far is Shute Harbour from Airlie Beach? +

Shute Harbour is approximately 15 kilometres east of Airlie Beach (via Cannonvale), a drive of around 15 to 20 minutes along the Proserpine–Shute Harbour Road. Airlie Beach is the main tourist hub for the Whitsundays.

Does Shute Harbour have public transport? +

Whitsunday Transit bus services connect Shute Harbour to Airlie Beach and Cannonvale. The nearest train station is Proserpine, approximately 37 kilometres to the west, on the Brisbane–Cairns Spirit of Queensland line. Most visitors arrive by car or organised transfer.

What is the population of Shute Harbour? +

According to the 2021 Census, Shute Harbour had a resident population of 113 people. The locality is primarily a working harbour and tourist departure point rather than a residential suburb, with most visitors staying in nearby Airlie Beach.

Is Shute Harbour a good place to live? +

Shute Harbour suits those who love a tropical coastal lifestyle with immediate access to the Whitsunday Islands and Conway National Park on their doorstep. For day-to-day conveniences, residents travel to Airlie Beach or Cannonvale, which are just 15 kilometres west.

What is the postcode for Shute Harbour? +

The postcode for Shute Harbour, Queensland is 4802.

Is Shute Harbour a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Shute Harbour is part of the Whitsunday 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.