Wowan

QLD 4702 • Queensland

170
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
222.55 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRemoteAgriculturalQuiet
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About Wowan

Wowan is a small rural town and locality in the Banana Shire, Central Queensland, situated approximately 70 kilometres south-west of Rockhampton and around 487 kilometres north-west of Brisbane. The locality covers a substantial area of about 222 square kilometres and recorded a population of 170 at the 2021 Census, continuing a gradual decline from its peak of 234 residents in 2011. The Dee River forms part of the locality's eastern boundary, and the nearby historic settlement of Deeford adds to the area's heritage character. Wowan falls within the Banana Shire local government area, a broad agricultural region across central Queensland.

Wowan and the surrounding district have a long history of grazing and mixed farming, with the rural landscape dominated by cattle properties and open pastoral land. The small township supports basic community services including a school and local hall, reflecting the self-reliant spirit common to Queensland's rural outback towns. Rockhampton serves as the nearest major centre for hospital, shopping, and professional services. The lifestyle here appeals to those who value wide-open spaces, a close community, and a genuine connection to the land, though amenities are limited and a car is essential for all daily needs.

Wowan falls under postcode 4702 and is governed by the Banana Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Flynn, while state elections fall under the Rockhampton electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4702
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-23.28°, 150.89°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
222.55 km²
Population Density
1 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4702

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4702, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$49,286
Median 2023–24
$61,737
25.3% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$72,932

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4702; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Rockhampton approx. 1.5 hours

Commute to Rockhampton CBD

Distance
70 km
By Train
No direct rail; Rockhampton has rail connections to Brisbane
By Car (Peak)
55–70 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
50–60 min

🛣️ The Capricorn Highway connects Wowan to Rockhampton and provides the main access route. Brisbane is approximately a 5-hour drive.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Wowan is a very small rural locality with no significant retail or services; a car is essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
170
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
460.8 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
210.7 / 100k
Non-FV assault
1,000.6 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
13.2 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
197.5 / 100k

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wowan known for? +

Wowan is a quiet rural locality in Queensland's Banana Shire, known for its cattle grazing history and the historic Dee River which forms part of its boundary. The nearby settlement of Deeford adds to the area's heritage character.

How far is Wowan from Rockhampton? +

Wowan is approximately 70 kilometres south-west of Rockhampton, roughly a 55–70 minute drive via the Capricorn Highway, making Rockhampton the closest major service centre.

Does Wowan have public transport? +

Public transport in Wowan is extremely limited. There is no local bus service or rail connection; most residents rely entirely on private vehicles for all travel and daily needs.

What is the population of Wowan? +

At the 2021 Census, Wowan had a population of 170, down from 234 in 2011, reflecting a gradual decline typical of small rural Queensland localities.

Is Wowan a good place to live? +

Wowan is best suited to those who embrace a rural lifestyle — wide open spaces, a very small community, and a strong connection to the land. Amenities are minimal, so access to a vehicle and willingness to travel to Rockhampton for services is essential.

What is the postcode for Wowan? +

The postcode for Wowan is 4702.

Is Wowan a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Wowan is part of the Banana 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.