Benowa

QLD 4217 • Rest of QLD

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

About Benowa

Benowa is a well-established residential suburb within the City of Gold Coast, located approximately 3.8 kilometres south-west of Surfers Paradise and 75 kilometres south of Brisbane. With a population of 9,889 at the 2021 Census and a median age of 44, the suburb has a mature, settled character that distinguishes it from the more transient areas closer to the coast. Median household income of around $1,918 per week sits comfortably above national averages, reflecting the suburb's appeal to established families and professionals who value proximity to the Gold Coast's amenities without the high-rise density.

Residents enjoy easy access to Surfers Paradise beaches, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre at nearby Broadbeach, and a range of restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues that define the Gold Coast lifestyle. The suburb has a notably high proportion of students in private schools, pointing to its family-oriented demographic. Quiet tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community contrast with the more bustling tourist zones nearby, and connectivity to the G:link light rail network and bus services makes commuting practical for those working across the Gold Coast corridor.

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

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4217
Urban Area
Gold Coast
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
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

Surfers Paradise (G:link)
3.8 km
N/A (drive/bus)
Broadbeach South (G:link)
3.5 km
N/A (drive/bus)

Bus Services

  • Translink routes (704, 745) — Surfers Paradise, Southport 10-20 min

Commute to Gold Coast CBD (Surfers Paradise)

Distance
4 km
By Train
No direct train; G:link light rail accessible via nearby stops
By Car (Peak)
10-20 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
8-12 min

🛣️ Access to Pacific Motorway (M1) for Brisbane commutes (~75 km, 60-80 min). G:link light rail connects Gold Coast corridor.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most daily errands require a car, though buses connect to Surfers Paradise and broader Gold Coast services

🛒 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 as a quiet, established residential suburb popular with Gold Coast families. It is home to Benowa State High School and offers a settled neighbourhood feel just minutes from Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast's beaches and shopping centres.

How far is Benowa from Gold Coast CBD? +

Benowa is approximately 3.8 kilometres south-west of Surfers Paradise (the Gold Coast CBD area), typically a 10–20 minute drive depending on traffic. Brisbane is approximately 75 kilometres to the north.

Does Benowa have public transport? +

Benowa is served by Translink bus routes connecting to Surfers Paradise, Southport, and other Gold Coast hubs. The G:link light rail network is accessible at nearby Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach South stops, though a car is most practical for daily travel.

What is the population of Benowa? +

According to the 2021 Census, Benowa has a population of 9,889 residents, an increase from 8,741 in 2016. The suburb has a median age of 44 and a high proportion of families with school-age children.

Is Benowa a good place to live? +

Benowa is well regarded for its peaceful suburban character, proximity to Gold Coast beaches and shopping, and strong school options. It suits families and established professionals looking for a quieter alternative to the more hectic beachside suburbs while remaining close to all Gold Coast amenities.

What is the postcode for Benowa? +

The postcode for Benowa is 4217.