Toobeah

QLD 4498 • Queensland

149
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
1123.72 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralOutbackAgriculturalQuiet
Advertisement

About Toobeah

Toobeah (locally pronounced "two beer") is a small rural town and locality in the Goondiwindi Region of Queensland, situated on the Barwon Highway approximately 49 kilometres west of Goondiwindi and 389 kilometres south-west of Brisbane. It sits on the border of Queensland and New South Wales within the vast cotton and grain farming country of the Darling Downs. With a population of 149 residents in the 2021 Census, across a very large locality area of over 1,125 square kilometres, the community is defined by its agricultural surroundings and remote outback character.

The town is framed by gum trees lining either side of the highway, giving it a shaded, welcoming feel amid the open farming landscape. Toobeah is best known locally for its annual September rodeo, a popular event that draws visitors from across the region. There are no schools within the town itself; local children typically attend schools in Goondiwindi or surrounding communities. The town name is believed to derive from an Aboriginal word meaning "to point," possibly referencing a signpost at a historic road junction where the original railway station was established in 1910.

Toobeah falls under postcode 4498 and is governed by the Goondiwindi Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Maranoa, while state elections fall under the Southern Downs electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4498
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.42°, 149.82°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
1123.72 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
0m

📣 Ad

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional coach services — Goondiwindi / Toowoomba Approx 45 min to Goondiwindi by car

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
389 km
By Train
No train service; the former South Western railway line to Toobeah closed
By Car (Peak)
Approx 4 hrs 30 min via Goondiwindi and Toowoomba
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx 4 hrs

🛣️ Goondiwindi (49km east) is the nearest major service centre; a car is essential for all daily needs

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Very small remote town with minimal local services; a car is essential for groceries, medical care, and schooling

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
149
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
1,404.1 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
531.3 / 100k
Non-FV assault
1,404.1 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
417.4 / 100k

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

📣 Ad

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Toobeah known for? +

Toobeah is best known for its annual September rodeo, a well-regarded local event, and its position in the heart of Queensland's cotton and grain growing country on the border with New South Wales. The town name is famously pronounced "two beer" by locals.

How far is Toobeah from Goondiwindi? +

Toobeah is approximately 49 kilometres west of Goondiwindi along the Barwon Highway, a drive of around 40–45 minutes. It is 389 kilometres south-west of Brisbane.

Does Toobeah have public transport? +

Toobeah has no active rail service — the former Toobeah railway station closed long ago. There are limited regional coach connections, but a car is the only practical way to travel to and from the town for most purposes.

What is the population of Toobeah? +

Toobeah had a population of 149 people in the 2021 Census, a decline from 191 in 2016, reflecting broader rural population trends in remote Queensland.

Is Toobeah a good place to live? +

Toobeah suits those who embrace remote rural life, with a tight-knit community, agricultural surroundings, and a connection to the land. It is best suited to those working in farming or who can work remotely, with Goondiwindi providing the nearest major services.

What is the postcode for Toobeah? +

The postcode for Toobeah is 4498.

Is Toobeah a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Toobeah is part of the Goondiwindi 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.