🔍

Cooran

QLD 4569 • Rest of QLD

1,756
Population (2021)
$32,656
Median Income
37.58 km²
Area
$385/wk
Median Rent
HinterlandSemi-RuralAlternative LifestyleLeafyFamily-Friendly

About Cooran

Cooran is a small hinterland township in the Noosa Shire, situated approximately 25 kilometres inland from Noosa Heads at an elevation of 98 metres in the rolling hills of the Sunshine Coast hinterland. With a population of 1,756 at the 2021 Census — up from 1,624 in 2016 — the suburb has grown steadily, attracting lifestyle seekers drawn to its rural character and proximity to the Noosa coast. Median household income of $1,294 per week reflects a comfortable if modest standard of living, and the median age of 46 points to an established community of families and mid-life residents. Cooran covers a substantial 37.5 square kilometres, encompassing both the village centre and surrounding rural properties.

Cooran has a distinctly alternative and creative community flavour, reflected in its high proportion of residents with no religious affiliation — among the highest in the region. The village centre features a pub (the Hotel Cooran), a small general store, and a primary school, while the scenic hinterland landscape of the Mary Valley and Glass House Mountains region makes it popular with those seeking a quieter life without sacrificing access to the Noosa Shire's beaches and amenities. A strong contingent of UK-born residents and families add to the community's diverse character. Residents rely on Pomona, Cooroy, and Noosa for broader shopping and services, with Noosa Heads about 30 minutes by car.

Cooran falls under postcode 4569 and is governed by Noosa Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Noosa electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4569
Urban Area
Noosa
LGA / Council
Noosa
Federal Electorate
Wide Bay
State Electorate
Noosa
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-26.34°, 152.81°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
37.58 km²
Elevation
98m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Cooran Railway Station
0.5 km
6 min

Bus Services

  • Translink regional services — Cooroy / Noosa 15-30 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
140 km
By Train
Train to Cooroy or Nambour, then Sunshine Coast line services; approx. 2h 30min total
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 45 min – 2 hr 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 30 min – 1 hr 50 min

🛣️ Sunshine Motorway and Bruce Highway provide main road links; Noosa Heads is approx. 30 min by car

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Cooran has a small village centre but most residents rely on a car to reach shops, schools, and services in Cooroy, Pomona, or Noosa

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$385
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,517
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
46 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.5%

3 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,624
Census 2021
1,756
▲ 8.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$26,936
Income 2021
$32,656
▲ 21.2% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,295
Born Overseas 304

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 126
  • 2. New Zealand 57
  • 3. Germany 15
  • 4. Scotland 10
  • 5. Netherlands 9
  • 6. South Africa 9
  • 7. Thailand 9
  • 8. France 7
  • 9. Canada 6
  • 10. Wales 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 816
Australian 664
Irish 236
Scottish 229
German 86
Italian 44
Dutch 39
Australian Aboriginal 38
French 18
Maori 13

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,044
Both parents born in Australia
360
Both parents born overseas
218
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
54.8%
Christianity
30.4%
Buddhism
1.8%
Hinduism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
76 (4.3%)
5-14 years
245 (14.0%)
15-19 years
85 (4.8%)
20-24 years
54 (3.1%)
25-34 years
153 (8.7%)
35-44 years
231 (13.2%)
45-54 years
259 (14.7%)
55-64 years
326 (18.6%)
65-74 years
213 (12.1%)
75-84 years
86 (4.9%)
85+ years
28 (1.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cooran known for? +

Cooran is known as a laid-back hinterland village in the Noosa Shire with a strong alternative and creative community spirit. It offers a rural lifestyle close to the Sunshine Coast, with the Hotel Cooran and its scenic hinterland setting being local highlights.

How far is Cooran from Noosa Heads? +

Cooran is approximately 25 kilometres from Noosa Heads, typically around a 25–30 minute drive along hinterland roads.

Does Cooran have public transport? +

Cooran has a railway station on the North Coast Line, though services are limited. Translink regional bus services also connect Cooran to nearby centres such as Cooroy and Pomona. A car is recommended for regular commuting or accessing broader amenities.

What is the population of Cooran? +

Cooran had a population of 1,756 at the 2021 Census, growing from 1,624 in 2016. The suburb covers a large rural area of around 37.5 square kilometres, with the village centre surrounded by rural residential and farming land.

Is Cooran a good place to live? +

Cooran is well suited to those seeking a relaxed hinterland lifestyle within the Noosa Shire. It appeals to families, creative professionals, and lifestyle seekers who want rural space while remaining within reach of Noosa's beaches and amenities. Amenities within Cooran itself are modest — a pub, general store, and primary school — but the quality of life and natural surroundings are highly valued by residents.

What is the postcode for Cooran? +

The postcode for Cooran, QLD is 4569.