🔍

Booral

QLD 4655 • Rest of QLD

1,636
Population (2021)
$30,420
Median Income
27.86 km²
Area
$335/wk
Median Rent
CoastalFamily-FriendlyRetiree-HavenAffordableSemi-Rural

About Booral

Booral is a coastal locality in Queensland's Fraser Coast Region, situated approximately 22 kilometres south-east of Hervey Bay and 303 kilometres north of Brisbane, within the Fraser Coast Regional Council area. Spread across 27.9 square kilometres at an elevation of 41 metres, the suburb sits on the southern fringe of the Hervey Bay urban area, offering a semi-rural lifestyle with relatively low population density. With 1,636 residents and a median age of 47, Booral attracts established families and retirees who favour a quieter pace while remaining within reach of Hervey Bay's services and coastline.

Booral's location places residents close to River Heads — the departure point for ferries to World Heritage-listed K'gari (Fraser Island) — and within easy reach of Hervey Bay, Australia's premier whale-watching destination. The locality is predominantly car-dependent, with local conveniences accessed in the surrounding Hervey Bay suburbs. Affordable housing is a key drawcard: median rent of just $335 per week makes Booral one of the more accessible coastal communities in Queensland, attracting families seeking space and a relaxed lifestyle with the beach and natural reserves never far away.

Booral falls under postcode 4655 and is governed by Fraser Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Hervey Bay electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4655
Urban Area
Fraser Coast
LGA / Council
Fraser Coast
Federal Electorate
Hinkler
State Electorate
Hervey Bay
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-25.35°, 152.89°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
27.86 km²
Elevation
41m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited TransLink/Hinterland services — Hervey Bay city centre 30-45 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
303 km
By Train
No direct service; Maryborough West station ~30km away with Queensland Rail Tilt Train to Brisbane (~4.5h)
By Car (Peak)
3h 30min - 4h
By Car (Off-Peak)
3h 15min

🛣️ Hervey Bay city is ~22km away; car is essential for daily needs

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for all daily needs; no local shops or services within walking distance

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$335
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,517
Avg Household Size
2.8 people
Median Age
47 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,540
Census 2021
1,636
▲ 6.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$23,764
Income 2021
$30,420
▲ 28.0% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,309
Born Overseas 268

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 75
  • 2. New Zealand 59
  • 3. South Africa 13
  • 4. Germany 12
  • 5. Philippines 10
  • 6. Netherlands 9
  • 7. Thailand 7
  • 8. United States 7
  • 9. Scotland 6
  • 10. Canada 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 793
Australian 652
Scottish 153
Irish 134
German 133
Australian Aboriginal 58
Dutch 41
Italian 31
New Zealander 23
Maltese 19

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,073
Both parents born in Australia
315
Both parents born overseas
190
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
49.8%
Christianity
42.9%
Buddhism
1.2%
Islam
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
65 (4.0%)
5-14 years
204 (12.5%)
15-19 years
117 (7.2%)
20-24 years
72 (4.4%)
25-34 years
146 (8.9%)
35-44 years
177 (10.8%)
45-54 years
235 (14.4%)
55-64 years
286 (17.5%)
65-74 years
218 (13.3%)
75-84 years
110 (6.7%)
85+ years
13 (0.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Booral known for? +

Booral is known for its relaxed semi-rural lifestyle on the southern edge of Hervey Bay, with proximity to River Heads (the gateway to K'gari/Fraser Island) and Hervey Bay's famous whale-watching season from July to November.

How far is Booral from Brisbane? +

Booral is approximately 303 kilometres north of Brisbane, roughly a 3.5 to 4 hour drive via the Bruce Highway.

Does Booral have public transport? +

Public transport in Booral is very limited. There is no rail service, and bus connections to Hervey Bay are infrequent. A car is essential for daily life and commuting.

What is the population of Booral? +

Booral had a population of 1,636 at the 2021 Census, a modest increase from 1,540 in 2016, with a median age of 47 reflecting its popularity with retirees and established families.

Is Booral a good place to live? +

Booral suits retirees and families who value space, coastal proximity, and affordable housing — median rent is around $335 per week. It's best suited to those comfortable with car dependency and a quieter, semi-rural lifestyle.

What is the postcode for Booral? +

The postcode for Booral, QLD is 4655, which it shares with Hervey Bay and surrounding localities.