🔍

Varsity Lakes

QLD 4227 • Rest of QLD

16,493
Population (2021)
$85,592
Median Household Income
5.91 km²
Area
$490/wk
Median Rent
University TownLakesideModern DesignSouthern Gold Coast

About Varsity Lakes

Varsity Lakes is a modern suburb of 16,500 residents in the southern Gold Coast, purpose-built around Bond University and a series of lakes. Located 15 kilometres south of Surfers Paradise, it offers contemporary living in a planned environment. The lake system provides scenic walks and waterside living options.

University life and family living blend here—Bond University students and staff mix with families in surrounding estates. The Varsity Lakes Town Centre provides shopping and dining, while the lakeside pathways encourage outdoor living. Varsity Lakes attracts academics, families seeking modern Gold Coast living, and those who appreciate planned community design.

Varsity Lakes falls under postcode 4227 and is governed by Gold Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Burleigh electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4227
Urban Area
Gold Coast
LGA / Council
Gold Coast
Federal Electorate
McPherson
State Electorate
Burleigh
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.09°, 153.41°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
5.91 km²
Elevation
20m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$490
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,842
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
36 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
4%

226 state housing + 25 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local bus services — Brisbane CBD 234-312 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
78 km
By Train
Train access via local station; check Transport NSW/PTV/Translink for times
By Car (Peak)
70-120 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
55-90 min

🛣️ Located 78 km from Brisbane CBD

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be done on foot near the local centre, but most residents rely on a car for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
550.5 / 100k
2yr Down 27.0% 10yr Down 27.2%
Motor vehicle theft
337.3 / 100k
2yr Down 18.9% 10yr Stable
Non-FV assault
838.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 59.3%
Robbery (unarmed)
19.8 / 100k
2yr Down 16.5% 10yr Down 19.2%
Steal from vehicle
578 / 100k
2yr Down 17.0% 10yr Down 31.5%
View all offence categories for Gold Coast →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
15,026
Census 2021
16,493
▲ 9.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$33,852
Personal Income 2021
$41,028
▲ 21.2% 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
$41,028 / yr
$789/wk
Household
$85,592 / yr
$1646/wk
Family
$100,932 / yr
$1941/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 10,201
Born Overseas 5,576

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 1,030
  • 2. England 691
  • 3. China 517
  • 4. Brazil 312
  • 5. South Africa 247
  • 6. Japan 228
  • 7. Philippines 203
  • 8. India 169
  • 9. Malaysia 132
  • 10. South Korea 120

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 6,072
Australian 4,708
Irish 1,529
Scottish 1,502
Chinese 1,150
German 685
Italian 610
Australian Aboriginal 338
Filipino 301
New Zealander 294

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

6,608
Both parents born in Australia
6,755
Both parents born overseas
2,266
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
47.5%
Christianity
40.5%
Buddhism
2.0%
Hinduism
1.1%
Islam
1.0%
Sikhism
0.3%
Judaism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
882 (5.3%)
5-14 years
2,145 (13.0%)
15-19 years
1,027 (6.2%)
20-24 years
1,265 (7.7%)
25-34 years
2,618 (15.9%)
35-44 years
2,479 (15.0%)
45-54 years
2,252 (13.7%)
55-64 years
1,515 (9.2%)
65-74 years
1,249 (7.6%)
75-84 years
748 (4.5%)
85+ years
301 (1.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Varsity Lakes known for? +

Varsity Lakes is a well-established residential suburb in Gold Coast, QLD, with a population of approximately 16,493 residents. The suburb is valued for its range of local schools, parks, and shopping facilities.

How far is Varsity Lakes from Brisbane CBD? +

Varsity Lakes is approximately 78 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. The drive typically takes 55-90 min outside peak hours.

Does Varsity Lakes have public transport? +

Varsity Lakes is served by local bus services connecting to the broader network. Train access is available via nearby stations.

What is the population of Varsity Lakes? +

According to the 2021 Census, Varsity Lakes has a population of approximately 16,493 residents. It is a significant residential area in the Gold Coast district.

Is Varsity Lakes a good place to live? +

Varsity Lakes offers a practical and liveable lifestyle with access to local schools, parks, and shopping. With a median income around $45,934, it attracts a broad demographic mix. Like most QLD suburbs, its appeal depends on proximity to work and preferred amenities.

What is the postcode for Varsity Lakes? +

The postcode for Varsity Lakes, QLD is 4227.

What is the average income in Varsity Lakes? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Varsity Lakes is about $789 per week (around $41,000 per year). The median household income is $1,646 per week and the median family income is $1,941 per week.

What is the age profile of Varsity Lakes? +

The median age in Varsity Lakes is 36. The largest age group is 25–34 (2,618 residents, around 16%). Around 25% of residents are under 20 and about 14% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Varsity Lakes a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Varsity Lakes is part of the Gold Coast 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 Varsity Lakes? +

In Varsity Lakes, the median weekly rent is $490, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,842 (2021 Census).