Warana

QLD 4575 • Rest of QLD

3,831
Population (2021)
$78,572
Median Household Income
2.98 km²
Area
$420/wk
Median Rent
CoastalFamily-FriendlyBeachsideGrowth Suburb

About Warana

Warana is a coastal suburb on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, located within the Kawana Waters area approximately 102 km north of Brisbane. With a population of around 3,800, it is part of the Sunshine Coast Region local government area. The suburb covers about 3 square kilometres and features a mix of families and retirees. Originally developed in the 1980s and 1990s, Warana has a relaxed beachside character with a predominantly Australian-born population.

Warana offers an enviable coastal lifestyle with easy access to patrolled beaches, Palkana Park, and the Kawana Shoppingworld precinct nearby. The suburb is popular with families thanks to its quiet streets, local schools, and proximity to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital at neighbouring Birtinya. Residents enjoy cafes, restaurants, and sporting facilities, including the Kawana Aquatic Centre. The suburb attracts families, retirees, and healthcare professionals working at the nearby hospital precinct.

Warana falls under postcode 4575 and is governed by Sunshine Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Kawana electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4575
Urban Area
Caloundra
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-26.72°, 153.13°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
2.98 km²
Elevation
-1m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$420
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,000
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
42 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.8%

44 state housing + 8 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Birtinya Station (planned)
2 km
25 mins

Bus Services

  • 615 — Caloundra to Maroochydore 15-20 mins to Maroochydore
  • 620 — Kawana Shoppingworld to Mooloolaba 15 mins

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
102 km
By Bus
2-2.5 hrs (bus to Landsborough then train)
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 30 mins
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 15 mins

🛣️ Most residents drive or use express bus services; Sunshine Coast line train station at Landsborough (25 km away)

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Beach and local shops within walking distance; Kawana Shoppingworld accessible by foot or short drive

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
329.4 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
167.5 / 100k
Non-FV assault
473.3 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
13.8 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
314.6 / 100k

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,688
Census 2021
3,831
3.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$32,344
Personal Income 2021
$37,648
16.4% 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
$37,648 / yr
$724/wk
Household
$78,572 / yr
$1511/wk
Family
$103,220 / yr
$1985/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,965
Born Overseas 635

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 143
  • 2. New Zealand 140
  • 3. Germany 47
  • 4. South Africa 40
  • 5. Scotland 34
  • 6. Netherlands 21
  • 7. United States 21
  • 8. Philippines 19
  • 9. Ireland 16
  • 10. Nepal 14

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,614
Australian 1,432
Irish 538
Scottish 488
German 246
Italian 116
Dutch 93
Australian Aboriginal 85
New Zealander 50
Chinese 28

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,356
Both parents born in Australia
740
Both parents born overseas
492
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
49.9%
Christianity
41.5%
Buddhism
0.7%
Hinduism
0.3%
Sikhism
0.2%
Islam
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
203 (5.3%)
5-14 years
502 (13.1%)
15-19 years
195 (5.1%)
20-24 years
174 (4.5%)
25-34 years
431 (11.3%)
35-44 years
503 (13.1%)
45-54 years
475 (12.4%)
55-64 years
458 (12.0%)
65-74 years
359 (9.4%)
75-84 years
299 (7.8%)
85+ years
234 (6.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Warana known for? +

Warana is a coastal suburb on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, located within the Kawana Waters area approximately 102 km north of Brisbane. With a population of around 3,800, it is part of the Sunshine Coast Region local government area.

How far is Warana from Brisbane CBD? +

Warana is approximately 102 km from Brisbane CBD. By car, the journey takes around 1 hr 15 mins off-peak and 1 hr 30 mins during peak hours.

Does Warana have public transport? +

Warana is served by Birtinya Station (planned) (2 km away) on the Sunshine Coast Mass Transit (future). Bus services also connect to Caloundra to Maroochydore. The commute to Brisbane CBD takes approximately 1 hr 15 mins by car.

What is the population of Warana? +

According to the 2021 Census, Warana has a population of approximately 3,831 residents. It is a mid-sized suburb within the Sunshine Coast (Regional Council).

Is Warana a good place to live? +

Warana 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 Warana? +

The postcode for Warana, QLD is 4575.

What is the average income in Warana? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Warana is about $724 per week (around $37,600 per year). The median household income is $1,511 per week and the median family income is $1,985 per week.

What is the age profile of Warana? +

The median age in Warana is 42. The largest age group is 35–44 (503 residents, around 13%). Around 23% of residents are under 20 and about 23% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Warana a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Warana is part of the Sunshine 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 Warana? +

In Warana, the median weekly rent is $420, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,000 (2021 Census).