🔍

Bellara

QLD 4507 • Greater Brisbane

3,278
Population (2021)
$26,364
Median Income
2.12 km²
Area
$320/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRetireesFamily-FriendlyHistoric

About Bellara

Bellara is a quiet coastal suburb on the southern end of Bribie Island, located approximately 65 kilometres north of Brisbane in the Moreton Bay Region. With a population of around 3,278 residents, it occupies just over two square kilometres of the island and is connected to the mainland via the Bribie Island Bridge at Sandstone Point. The suburb has a distinct island character defined by its proximity to Pumicestone Passage and the surrounding national park, making it a haven for those who value natural beauty and a slower pace of life.

Bellara's demographic profile skews older, with a median age of 59, reflecting its strong appeal among retirees and sea-changers seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle away from city pressures. Local amenities include small shops, cafés, and the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre, while residents enjoy easy access to beaches, fishing spots, and the Bribie Island National Park. The community is close-knit and welcoming, with a strong voluntary sector and regular markets and events that bring the island together.

Bellara falls under postcode 4507 and is governed by Moreton Bay Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Pumicestone electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4507
Urban Area
Caboolture
LGA / Council
Moreton Bay
Federal Electorate
Longman
State Electorate
Pumicestone
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.06°, 153.15°
Statistical Area
Greater Brisbane
Area
2.12 km²
Elevation
4m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Caboolture Station
18.5 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • 640, 641 — Caboolture Station 30 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
70 km
By Train
~1 hr 30 min via Caboolture Station to Central
By Car (Peak)
80-100 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
60-70 min

🛣️ Drive to Caboolture then North Coast Line to Brisbane Central

Walkability Car-Dependent

Island layout requires a car for most errands; pleasant walking near the foreshore

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$320
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,394
Avg Household Size
2 people
Median Age
59 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
5.3%

71 state housing + 13 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,225
Census 2021
3,278
▲ 1.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$23,920
Income 2021
$26,364
▲ 10.2% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,390
Born Overseas 635

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 222
  • 2. New Zealand 162
  • 3. South Africa 21
  • 4. Philippines 20
  • 5. Netherlands 17
  • 6. Scotland 17
  • 7. Ireland 14
  • 8. Sri Lanka 13
  • 9. Germany 12
  • 10. Croatia 10

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,549
Australian 1,109
Scottish 435
Irish 421
German 189
Australian Aboriginal 129
New Zealander 59
Italian 53
Dutch 47
Welsh 33

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,985
Both parents born in Australia
736
Both parents born overseas
336
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
50.6%
No Religion
39.8%
Buddhism
0.9%
Hinduism
0.2%
Islam
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
73 (2.2%)
5-14 years
244 (7.4%)
15-19 years
124 (3.8%)
20-24 years
101 (3.1%)
25-34 years
215 (6.6%)
35-44 years
270 (8.2%)
45-54 years
384 (11.7%)
55-64 years
564 (17.2%)
65-74 years
699 (21.3%)
75-84 years
453 (13.8%)
85+ years
148 (4.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Bellara located? +

Bellara is on the southern tip of Bribie Island in the Moreton Bay Region, QLD, approximately 65 km north of Brisbane.

How do you get to Bellara from Brisbane? +

You can drive via the Bruce Highway and cross the Bribie Island Bridge at Sandstone Point, about a 60–70 minute drive off-peak. Alternatively, take a Citytrain to Caboolture and connect via bus service 640 or 641.

What is the median rent in Bellara? +

According to the 2021 Census, the median weekly rent in Bellara is $320.

Is Bellara a good place to retire? +

Yes — Bellara is very popular with retirees thanks to its relaxed island lifestyle, coastal scenery, and proximity to national park walking tracks and fishing spots.

What schools are near Bellara? +

Bribie Island State School and Bribie Island State High School are located nearby on Bribie Island, serving Bellara residents.