Gilston

QLD 4211 • Rest of QLD

2,669
Population (2021)
$49,036
Median Income
9.48 km²
Area
$540/wk
Median Rent
Semi-RuralFamily-FriendlyLifestyleGold Coast HinterlandAcreage

About Gilston

Gilston is a rural residential locality in the City of Gold Coast, Queensland, situated approximately 17 kilometres west-southwest of Surfers Paradise and 77 kilometres south-southeast of Brisbane. The suburb covers around 9.5 square kilometres of gently rolling hinterland, characterised by semi-rural blocks, acreage properties, and natural bushland. At the 2021 census, Gilston recorded a population of 2,669 residents, reflecting its appeal as a peaceful retreat within easy reach of the Gold Coast's urban centre. The area lies between the busy suburbs of Nerang and Worongary, offering a quieter lifestyle without sacrificing city access.

Gilston appeals to families and lifestyle seekers who want space and greenery while remaining connected to Gold Coast amenities. The surrounding Nerang area provides shopping centres, schools, and services, while the broader Gold Coast region offers beaches, theme parks, and entertainment within a short drive. The suburb's semi-rural character attracts horse owners and those seeking larger blocks, and it sits near the Nerang River corridor and hinterland parks. It is well-suited to residents who commute into the Gold Coast or northern New South Wales.

Gilston falls under postcode 4211 and is governed by Gold Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mudgeeraba electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4211
Urban Area
Gold Coast
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.03°, 153.30°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
9.48 km²
Elevation
50m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Nerang Station
4.5 km
N/A – drive required

Bus Services

  • 723,750 — Nerang Station / Robina Town Centre 15–25 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
77 km
By Train
~1 hr 20 min via Nerang to Roma Street (Gold Coast line)
By Bus
Not practical for Brisbane CBD
By Car (Peak)
~1 hr 10 min via M1 Pacific Motorway
By Car (Off-Peak)
~55 min

🛣️ Most residents drive to Nerang Station and use the Gold Coast rail line into Brisbane.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Gilston is a semi-rural locality with no footpath network in most areas; a car is essential for day-to-day errands and commuting.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$540
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,172
Avg Household Size
3.2 people
Median Age
35 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,459
Census 2021
2,669
8.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$39,832
Income 2021
$49,036
23.1% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,033
Born Overseas 537

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 157
  • 2. England 125
  • 3. Scotland 26
  • 4. South Africa 26
  • 5. Japan 16
  • 6. Netherlands 13
  • 7. India 12
  • 8. Germany 11
  • 9. United States 10
  • 10. China 8

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,157
Australian 1,032
Scottish 308
Irish 296
German 177
New Zealander 84
Italian 69
Dutch 60
Australian Aboriginal 39
Maori 33

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,416
Both parents born in Australia
702
Both parents born overseas
440
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
47.8%
Christianity
43.7%
Islam
0.9%
Buddhism
0.7%
Sikhism
0.3%
Hinduism
0.3%
Judaism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
195 (7.3%)
5-14 years
486 (18.2%)
15-19 years
170 (6.4%)
20-24 years
108 (4.0%)
25-34 years
356 (13.3%)
35-44 years
461 (17.3%)
45-54 years
382 (14.3%)
55-64 years
247 (9.3%)
65-74 years
173 (6.5%)
75-84 years
73 (2.7%)
85+ years
10 (0.4%)

Nearby Suburbs