🔍

Hay Point

QLD 4740 • Rest of QLD

1,306
Population (2021)
$45,500
Median Income
24.60 km²
Area
$350/wk
Median Rent
CoastalIndustrialMining TownCommuter BeltFamily-Friendly

About Hay Point

Hay Point is a coastal industrial and residential locality approximately 38 kilometres south of Mackay in the Mackay Regional Council area of Central Queensland. With a population of 1,306, the suburb is centred around one of Australia's largest coal export terminals, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal and Hay Point Coal Terminal, making it a significant industrial hub in the Bowen Basin supply chain. The area sits at a low elevation of 12 metres on the coast near the town of Sarina, and housing is primarily detached residential homes supporting the mine and port workforce.

Residents of Hay Point benefit from a coastal setting with access to beaches and the relaxed lifestyle of the Mackay region, while the suburb is closely linked to the nearby Sarina township for shopping, schools, and community services. The broader Mackay area offers extensive facilities including shopping centres, hospitals, beaches, and recreational activities including water sports and visits to the Whitsundays. The suburb suits workers in the resources industry and their families, offering a practical coastal base with above-average incomes from the port and mining sectors.

Hay Point falls under postcode 4740 and is governed by Mackay Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mirani electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4740
Urban Area
Sarina
LGA / Council
Mackay
Federal Electorate
Capricornia
State Electorate
Mirani
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-21.30°, 149.27°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
24.60 km²
Elevation
12m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited local/school bus services — Sarina / Mackay Approx. 15-45 min

Commute to Mackay CBD

Distance
38 km
By Train
No direct service; nearest station Sarina approx. 10 km away with Queensland Rail tilt train to Mackay
By Car (Peak)
40-55 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
35-45 min

🛣️ Primary access via Bruce Highway and Hay Point Road. Car essential for local travel.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Hay Point has minimal walkable retail or services; a car is required for shopping, schools, and all daily errands in Sarina or Mackay.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$350
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,600
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
43 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,348
Census 2021
1,306
▼ 3.1% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$33,852
Income 2021
$45,500
▲ 34.4% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,019
Born Overseas 119

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 37
  • 2. England 20
  • 3. South Africa 18
  • 4. Scotland 5
  • 5. Thailand 5
  • 6. Germany 4
  • 7. Netherlands 4
  • 8. Ireland 3
  • 9. Philippines 3
  • 10. Poland 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 562
Australian 492
Irish 134
Scottish 127
German 76
Australian Aboriginal 42
Italian 37
South African 15
New Zealander 10
Maltese 8

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

896
Both parents born in Australia
144
Both parents born overseas
97
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
47.0%
No Religion
39.4%
Buddhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
72 (5.5%)
5-14 years
156 (11.9%)
15-19 years
85 (6.5%)
20-24 years
53 (4.1%)
25-34 years
151 (11.6%)
35-44 years
176 (13.5%)
45-54 years
190 (14.5%)
55-64 years
212 (16.2%)
65-74 years
155 (11.9%)
75-84 years
56 (4.3%)
85+ years
11 (0.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hay Point known for? +

Hay Point is best known for hosting two of Australia's largest coal export terminals — the Hay Point Coal Terminal (operated by BHP) and Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal — which together handle tens of millions of tonnes of coal per year from the Bowen Basin. The suburb is a key node in Australia's coal export supply chain.

How far is Hay Point from Mackay? +

Hay Point is approximately 38 kilometres south of Mackay CBD, a drive of around 40-55 minutes via the Bruce Highway and Hay Point Road.

Does Hay Point have public transport? +

Public transport options in Hay Point are very limited. The nearest Queensland Rail station is at Sarina, approximately 10 kilometres to the north, with tilt train services to Mackay and Brisbane. A car is essential for daily life in the area.

What is the population of Hay Point? +

According to the 2021 Census, Hay Point has a population of 1,306 residents. The community has a median age of 43, with a demographic mix typical of resources-industry towns including many working-age adults and families.

Is Hay Point a good place to live? +

Hay Point offers a coastal lifestyle with employment opportunities in one of Australia's most significant coal export operations. It suits those working in the resources sector who value proximity to work, coastal surroundings, and Sarina's community amenities, though it is a very car-dependent area with limited local services.

What is the postcode for Hay Point? +

The postcode for Hay Point, Queensland is 4740.