🔍

Barcaldine

QLD 4725 • Rest of QLD

1,540
Population (2021)
$45,188
Median Income
745.68 km²
Area
$200/wk
Median Rent
RuralHistoricOutbackHeritageAgricultural

About Barcaldine

Barcaldine is a historic outback town in central Queensland, situated approximately 900 kilometres west of Brisbane within the Barcaldine Regional Council area. With a population of 1,540, the town serves as the commercial and administrative hub of the Barcaldine region, drawing residents from surrounding pastoral properties and smaller localities. The median age of 43 and predominantly Australian and English ancestry reflect a tight-knit rural community with deep generational ties to the land.

Barcaldine is perhaps best known as the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party, where striking shearers gathered beneath the legendary Tree of Knowledge in 1891 — a landmark now protected beneath a striking memorial structure in the town centre. Residents enjoy access to local schools, a hospital, supermarkets, and community sporting facilities, with the town's heritage streetscape lending it a distinctive outback character. The Great Artesian Spa and the Australian Workers Heritage Centre are popular drawcards, and the town's position along the Capricorn Highway makes it a natural stopping point for travellers crossing the Queensland interior.

Barcaldine falls under postcode 4725 and is governed by Barcaldine Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Gregory electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4725
Urban Area
Barcaldine
LGA / Council
Barcaldine
Federal Electorate
Maranoa
State Electorate
Gregory
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-23.60°, 145.31°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
745.68 km²
Elevation
266m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Barcaldine
0.5 km
7 min

Bus Services

  • Greyhound / Queensland Rail coach connections — Rockhampton / Longreach 4–5 hrs to Rockhampton

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
900 km
By Train
Spirit of the Outback rail service operates twice-weekly; journey approx. 18 hours
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 9–10 hrs via Capricorn Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 9 hrs

🛣️ Remote outback town; private vehicle essential for most travel. Nearest regional hub is Longreach (~107 km west) or Emerald (~280 km east).

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

The compact town centre means most daily errands — supermarket, shops, services — can be reached on foot, though a car is needed for trips beyond the town.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$200
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,213
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
43 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
5.2%

24 state housing + 6 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,422
Census 2021
1,540
▲ 8.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$37,180
Income 2021
$45,188
▲ 21.5% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,257
Born Overseas 86

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 18
  • 2. England 11
  • 3. South Africa 11
  • 4. Scotland 8
  • 5. India 7
  • 6. China 5
  • 7. Ireland 5
  • 8. Germany 4
  • 9. Philippines 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 658
English 599
Irish 162
Scottish 161
Australian Aboriginal 133
German 68
South African 18
Chinese 17
Italian 17
Dutch 10

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,139
Both parents born in Australia
113
Both parents born overseas
82
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
56.0%
No Religion
29.1%
Buddhism
0.3%
Hinduism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
72 (4.7%)
5-14 years
211 (13.7%)
15-19 years
83 (5.4%)
20-24 years
62 (4.0%)
25-34 years
181 (11.8%)
35-44 years
161 (10.5%)
45-54 years
202 (13.1%)
55-64 years
208 (13.5%)
65-74 years
162 (10.5%)
75-84 years
130 (8.4%)
85+ years
43 (2.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barcaldine known for? +

Barcaldine is best known as the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party, where striking shearers gathered under the Tree of Knowledge ghost gum in 1891. The town also features the Australian Workers Heritage Centre and the Great Artesian Spa.

How far is Barcaldine from Brisbane? +

Barcaldine is approximately 900 kilometres west of Brisbane CBD, roughly a 9–10 hour drive via the Capricorn Highway. Longreach, the nearest regional centre, is about 107 kilometres to the west.

Does Barcaldine have public transport? +

Barcaldine is served by Queensland Rail's Spirit of the Outback, which runs twice weekly between Brisbane and Longreach, stopping at Barcaldine. Coach connections are available via Greyhound. A private vehicle is essential for everyday travel.

What is the population of Barcaldine? +

According to the 2021 Census, Barcaldine has a population of 1,540 residents, a modest increase from 1,422 in 2016, reflecting the town's stable role as a rural service centre.

Is Barcaldine a good place to live? +

Barcaldine suits those who embrace outback Queensland life — wide open spaces, a strong community spirit, and genuine Australian rural heritage. The town offers essential services, schools, and healthcare, though the remote setting means limited retail and entertainment options compared to coastal cities.

What is the postcode for Barcaldine? +

The postcode for Barcaldine, Queensland is 4725.