🔍

Gunpowder

QLD 4825 • Rest of Queensland

104
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
7808.35 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
OutbackRemoteMining TownIndustrial

About Gunpowder

Gunpowder is a remote outback locality in the City of Mount Isa in north-west Queensland, situated approximately 120 kilometres north of Mount Isa. With a population of 104 at the 2021 Census spread across a vast 7,808 square kilometres, it is one of Queensland's most sparsely populated localities. The high postcode median taxable income of $67,907 reflects the dominance of the mining industry, with a notably male-skewed population of 70 males to 34 females, typical of remote mining communities.

The locality is best known for its copper mining heritage, with the Capricorn Copper mine — formerly the Mt Gordon and Gunpowder mines — being one of the largest copper operations in Australia. Mining in the area dates back to the 1880s when Ernest Henry discovered the Mount Oxide deposit. Beyond the mines, the landscape is dominated by vast tracts of native grassland used for cattle grazing, set within the rugged terrain of the Mount Isa Inlier's Western Fold Belt. All services and amenities are accessed via Mount Isa, the nearest regional centre.

Gunpowder falls under postcode 4825 and is governed by City of Mount Isa Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Barkly electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4825
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
City of Mount Isa
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Barkly
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-21.02°, 137.43°
Statistical Area
Rest of Queensland
Area
7808.35 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular bus service — N/A N/A

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
1800 km
By Train
No direct train service; nearest rail at Mount Isa (~120 km) with Queensland Rail Inlander to Townsville (~20 hours)
By Car (Peak)
20+ hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
20+ hours

🛣️ Extremely remote locality; Mount Isa (120 km south) is the nearest regional centre with flights to Brisbane and other cities

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

No shops, services, or sealed footpaths; completely car-dependent with all services accessed via Mount Isa

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
104
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Income Comparison

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

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gunpowder known for? +

Gunpowder is best known for its copper mining industry, particularly the Capricorn Copper mine (formerly Mt Gordon and Gunpowder mines), one of Australia's largest copper operations. Mining in the district dates back to the 1880s when Ernest Henry discovered the Mount Oxide copper deposit.

How far is Gunpowder from Mount Isa? +

Gunpowder is approximately 120 kilometres north of Mount Isa, which is the nearest regional centre offering flights, rail, shopping, and essential services.

Does Gunpowder have public transport? +

Gunpowder has no public transport services. The nearest rail is at Mount Isa, approximately 120 kilometres south, which is served by the Queensland Rail Inlander service to Townsville. A car or mine transport is essential for travel.

What is the population of Gunpowder? +

According to the 2021 Census, Gunpowder has a population of 104 residents across 7,808 square kilometres — one of Queensland's most sparsely populated localities. The population is predominantly male, reflecting its mining workforce character.

Is Gunpowder a good place to live? +

Gunpowder is primarily a mining and pastoral locality suited to those working in the resources sector or cattle industry. It offers a rugged outback lifestyle in an extremely remote setting, with Mount Isa providing the nearest urban services and facilities.

What is the postcode for Gunpowder? +

The postcode for Gunpowder is 4825, which it shares with Mount Isa and other localities in the north-west Queensland region.