🔍

Benowa

QLD 4217 • Rest of QLD

9,889
Population (2021)
$40,352
Median Income
6.55 km²
Area
$580/wk
Median Rent
AffluentFamily-FriendlyRetireesCoastal

About Benowa

Benowa is a leafy, established suburb of the City of Gold Coast in Queensland, located just 3.8 kilometres south-west of Surfers Paradise and approximately 75 kilometres south-east of Brisbane. Home to nearly 9,889 residents (2021 Census), Benowa covers 6.6 square kilometres and is characterised by its network of canals, waterways, and easy access to the Nerang River. The suburb's name derives from the Bundjalung word 'Boonow', meaning bloodwood tree, and has roots as a historic sugar cane growing area from the 1870s.

Benowa is regarded as one of the Gold Coast's most desirable addresses, attracting affluent families, professionals, and retirees drawn to its prestige homes, canal-front properties, and proximity to world-class amenities. The suburb features Benowa State High School and Benowa State School, along with St Kevin's Catholic Primary School. Gold Coast University Hospital and Griffith University are nearby, and Pacific Fair Shopping Centre is within easy driving distance. The relaxed Gold Coast lifestyle, combined with excellent schooling and green spaces, makes Benowa highly sought-after.

Benowa falls under postcode 4217 and is governed by Gold Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Southport electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4217
Urban Area
Gold Coast
LGA / Council
Gold Coast
Federal Electorate
Moncrieff
State Electorate
Southport
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.01°, 153.38°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
6.55 km²
Elevation
5m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Nerang Station
3.5 km
Gold Coast Line
Ashmore / G:link Southport South
4 km
Gold Coast Light Rail (G:link)

Bus Services

  • 715, 720 — Southport & Surfers Paradise 15-25 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
75 km
By Train
~90 min (drive to Nerang Station + Gold Coast Line to Roma Street)
By Car (Peak)
75-90 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
60-70 min

🛣️ G:link light rail accessible via short drive or bus to Southport. Easy M1 motorway access.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Canal-side streets walkable; most amenities require a short drive or bus trip

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    21 Ross Street Benowa 4217 QLD

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$580
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,167
Avg Household Size
2.7 people
Median Age
44 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.4%

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
8,741
Census 2021
9,889
▲ 13.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$34,944
Income 2021
$40,352
▲ 15.5% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 5,718
Born Overseas 3,619

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 586
  • 2. England 450
  • 3. China 411
  • 4. South Korea 187
  • 5. Japan 159
  • 6. South Africa 139
  • 7. India 137
  • 8. Taiwan 118
  • 9. Hong Kong 83
  • 10. Philippines 72

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 3,502
Australian 2,439
Irish 956
Chinese 947
Scottish 844
German 362
Italian 299
Korean 263
Indian 223
New Zealander 178

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,592
Both parents born in Australia
4,428
Both parents born overseas
1,309
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
47.9%
No Religion
38.5%
Buddhism
2.2%
Islam
1.5%
Hinduism
1.3%
Judaism
0.5%
Sikhism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
425 (4.3%)
5-14 years
1,403 (14.2%)
15-19 years
714 (7.2%)
20-24 years
462 (4.7%)
25-34 years
768 (7.8%)
35-44 years
1,281 (13.0%)
45-54 years
1,456 (14.7%)
55-64 years
1,293 (13.1%)
65-74 years
1,176 (11.9%)
75-84 years
702 (7.1%)
85+ years
206 (2.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Benowa known for? +

Benowa is known for its picturesque canal estates along the Nerang River, prestigious homes, and excellent schools including Benowa State High School. It is regarded as one of the Gold Coast's most sought-after suburbs.

What schools are in Benowa QLD? +

Benowa has Benowa State School (primary), Benowa State High School (secondary), and St Kevin's Catholic Primary School. It is one of the Gold Coast's best-regarded school catchments.

How far is Benowa from Brisbane? +

Benowa is approximately 75 kilometres south-east of Brisbane, roughly a 60-90 minute drive via the M1 Pacific Motorway depending on traffic.

What public transport is available in Benowa? +

Bus routes 715 and 720 serve Benowa, connecting to Southport and Surfers Paradise. The Gold Coast Light Rail (G:link) is accessible a short drive away at Southport.

What is the population of Benowa? +

Benowa had a population of 9,889 people according to the 2021 Australian Census, with a density of approximately 1,498 people per square kilometre.