🔍

Southern Cross

QLD 4820 • Queensland

575
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
238.74 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralOutbackHistoricAffordable
Advertisement

About Southern Cross

Southern Cross is a rural locality in north Queensland's Charters Towers Region, situated approximately 3.8 kilometres west of the Charters Towers CBD and around 140 kilometres south-west of Townsville. With a 2021 Census population of 575 spread across a vast area of nearly 239 square kilometres, the locality reflects the broad, sparsely settled character of Queensland's inland tropics. It falls within the Charters Towers Regional Council area, a region historically shaped by the gold rush of the 1870s.

The landscape around Southern Cross is typical of Queensland's dry inland — open eucalypt woodland and savanna stretching across rolling terrain. Charters Towers itself, just minutes away, provides residents with access to schools, shops, hospitals, and the heritage streetscapes of one of Queensland's most historically significant gold rush towns. Townsville's urban amenities are within reasonable reach, and the region attracts those drawn to pastoral lifestyles, with cattle grazing remaining central to the local economy.

Southern Cross falls under postcode 4820 and is governed by the Charters Towers Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Kennedy, while state elections fall under the Traeger electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4820
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Charters Towers
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Traeger
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-20.43°, 146.28°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
238.74 km²
Population Density
2 /km²
Elevation
0m

📣 Ad

💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4820

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4820, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$48,656
Median 2023–24
$56,547
▲ 16.2% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$67,894

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4820; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Greyhound / regional coaches — Townsville and regional centres Approx. 2 hr to Townsville

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
1309 km
By Train
No direct passenger rail service; nearest long-distance train from Townsville
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 13–14 hr to Brisbane via Bruce Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 12–13 hr to Brisbane

🛣️ Charters Towers CBD is only 3.8 km away; Townsville is the primary regional centre at 140 km

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential in Southern Cross; daily needs are met in nearby Charters Towers town centre

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
575
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
712.6 / 100k
2yr Down 38.9% 10yr Down 37.6%
Motor vehicle theft
265.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 14.5%
Non-FV assault
2,112.8 / 100k
2yr Down 13.4% 10yr Up 180.6%
Robbery (unarmed)
33.1 / 100k
2yr Up 298.1% 10yr Up 300.6%
Steal from vehicle
314.9 / 100k
2yr Up 22.0% 10yr Stable
View all offence categories for Charters Towers →

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

📣 Ad

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Southern Cross known for? +

Southern Cross is known for its location on the outskirts of Charters Towers, one of Queensland's most historically significant gold rush towns. The surrounding landscape of open savanna and cattle country is typical of inland north Queensland.

How far is Southern Cross from Townsville? +

Southern Cross is approximately 140 kilometres south-west of Townsville, a drive of around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours via the Flinders Highway.

Does Southern Cross have public transport? +

Public transport options in Southern Cross are very limited. There is no passenger train service; the nearest rail connection is in Townsville. Greyhound coaches provide regional bus services. A car is the most practical option.

What is the population of Southern Cross? +

According to the 2021 Census, Southern Cross has a population of 575 residents across a large area of approximately 239 square kilometres in the Charters Towers Region.

Is Southern Cross a good place to live? +

Southern Cross appeals to those seeking a rural lifestyle in the dry tropics of north Queensland, with the conveniences of Charters Towers just minutes away. It suits people comfortable with outback living, wide open spaces, and a quiet, community-focused environment.

What is the postcode for Southern Cross? +

The postcode for Southern Cross, Queensland is 4820.

Is Southern Cross a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Southern Cross is part of the Charters Towers 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.