🔍

Tannum Sands

QLD 4680 • Rest of QLD

5,227
Population (2021)
$105,820
Median Household Income
76.97 km²
Area
$290/wk
Median Rent
CoastalBeachFamily-FriendlyAffordableIndustrial Proximity

About Tannum Sands

Tannum Sands is a coastal town and locality in the Gladstone Region of Queensland, located approximately 25 km south-east of Gladstone CBD along the Coral Sea coast. With a 2021 census population of 5,227, it is one of the larger coastal settlements in the region, sharing the Boyne Island–Tannum Sands twin-town community across the Boyne River. The suburb is predominantly residential, attracting families and workers from the nearby Gladstone industrial precinct who prefer a beach lifestyle without living in the industrial city itself. Population density is relatively low given the suburb's expansive 84 km² land area.

Tannum Sands offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle centred on its beautiful beaches, foreshore parklands, and the Boyne River. The beach is excellent for swimming and fishing, and residents enjoy numerous parks, a boat ramp, and the Tannum Sands Surf Life Saving Club. Local amenities include a shopping centre with supermarket, schools, and sporting facilities, while larger retail options are available in Gladstone. The suburb is popular with families and retirees, and its affordable housing prices compared to coastal communities in southern Queensland attract steady interest from both owner-occupiers and investors.

Tannum Sands falls under postcode 4680 and is governed by Gladstone Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Gladstone electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4680
Urban Area
Gladstone - Surrounds
LGA / Council
Gladstone
Federal Electorate
Flynn
State Electorate
Gladstone
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-23.99°, 151.38°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
76.97 km²
Elevation
47m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$290
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733
Avg Household Size
2.6 people
Median Age
41 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.2%

44 state housing + 17 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Gladstone Regional Transit — Gladstone CBD via Boyne Island ~35–40 min

Commute to Gladstone CBD

Distance
25 km
By Train
N/A – no passenger rail service to Tannum Sands
By Bus
~35–40 min via regional bus services (limited frequency)
By Car (Peak)
~25–30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
~20 min

🛣️ Car is the primary mode of transport. Bus services are limited and most residents drive to Gladstone for work and major shopping.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Walkable within the town centre and beachfront area for daily exercise, but a car is essential for most errands and commuting to Gladstone.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Hampton Drive Tannum Sands 4680 QLD

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
637.6 / 100k
2yr Down 10.5% 10yr Up 15.5%
Motor vehicle theft
232.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 109.1%
Non-FV assault
1,262.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 170.5%
Robbery (unarmed)
11.5 / 100k
2yr Down 40.7% 10yr Up 263.6%
Steal from vehicle
327.4 / 100k
2yr Down 20.1% 10yr Stable
View all offence categories for Gladstone →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,145
Census 2021
5,227
▲ 1.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$40,404
Personal Income 2021
$45,604
▲ 12.9% 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
$45,604 / yr
$877/wk
Household
$105,820 / yr
$2035/wk
Family
$125,268 / yr
$2409/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 4,201
Born Overseas 833

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 248
  • 2. England 165
  • 3. South Africa 122
  • 4. Scotland 36
  • 5. United States 25
  • 6. Ireland 18
  • 7. Philippines 15
  • 8. Zimbabwe 13
  • 9. Canada 11
  • 10. Germany 11

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,230
Australian 2,101
Scottish 641
Irish 600
German 377
Australian Aboriginal 258
Italian 122
Dutch 100
New Zealander 94
South African 77

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,469
Both parents born in Australia
954
Both parents born overseas
590
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
46.7%
Christianity
46.6%
Buddhism
0.6%
Islam
0.3%
Hinduism
0.2%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
269 (5.1%)
5-14 years
862 (16.5%)
15-19 years
395 (7.6%)
20-24 years
196 (3.7%)
25-34 years
474 (9.1%)
35-44 years
711 (13.6%)
45-54 years
891 (17.0%)
55-64 years
778 (14.9%)
65-74 years
449 (8.6%)
75-84 years
173 (3.3%)
85+ years
44 (0.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tannum Sands known for? +

Tannum Sands is a coastal town and locality in the Gladstone Region of Queensland, located approximately 25 km south-east of Gladstone CBD along the Coral Sea coast. With a 2021 census population of 5,227, it is one of the larger coastal settlements in the region, sharing the Boyne Island–Tannum Sands twin-town community across the Boyne River.

How far is Tannum Sands from Brisbane CBD? +

Tannum Sands is approximately 25 km from Gladstone CBD. By car, the journey takes around ~20 min off-peak and ~25–30 min during peak hours.

Does Tannum Sands have public transport? +

Tannum Sands is served by bus routes connecting to Gladstone CBD via Boyne Island, though there is no direct rail service. A car is recommended for most journeys.

What is the population of Tannum Sands? +

According to the 2021 Census, Tannum Sands has a population of approximately 5,227 residents. It is a well-established suburb within the Gladstone (Regional Council).

Is Tannum Sands a good place to live? +

Tannum Sands is a popular choice for those seeking a coastal lifestyle, offering beachside living and a relaxed community atmosphere. It suits retirees, families, and sea-changers looking to escape city life.

What is the postcode for Tannum Sands? +

The postcode for Tannum Sands, QLD is 4680.

What is the average income in Tannum Sands? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Tannum Sands is about $877 per week (around $45,600 per year). The median household income is $2,035 per week and the median family income is $2,409 per week.

What is the age profile of Tannum Sands? +

The median age in Tannum Sands is 41. The largest age group is 45–54 (891 residents, around 17%). Around 29% of residents are under 20 and about 13% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Tannum Sands a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Tannum Sands is part of the Gladstone 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 Tannum Sands? +

In Tannum Sands, the median weekly rent is $290, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,733 (2021 Census).