🔍

Hughenden

QLD 4821 • Rest of QLD

1,113
Population (2021)
$40,040
Median Income
932.27 km²
Area
$160/wk
Median Rent
RuralOutbackRemoteAgriculturalHistoric

About Hughenden

Hughenden is a rural town and the administrative seat of Flinders Shire in outback Queensland, situated on the banks of the Flinders River approximately 384 kilometres west-south-west of Townsville. With a population of 1,113 spread across a vast 932 square kilometre locality at an elevation of 333 metres, it serves as the service hub for the surrounding pastoral region. The median age of 42 and a mixed demographic including a significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community reflect the town's deep connection to the land and long pastoral history dating back to the 1870s.

Hughenden is renowned as a dinosaur fossil hotspot — the Muttaburrasaurus, a large herbivorous dinosaur whose remains were found near the town, is celebrated with a life-sized statue in the town centre and the Flinders Discovery Centre museum. The Flinders River provides opportunities for fishing and camping, while the nearby Porcupine Gorge National Park offers dramatic sandstone gorge scenery. Essential services including schools, a hospital, supermarkets, and a hotel serve the town and its surrounding grazing properties, and the Flinders Highway links Hughenden to Townsville and Mount Isa.

Hughenden falls under postcode 4821 and is governed by Flinders Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Traeger electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4821
Urban Area
Flinders - Richmond - Dalrymple
LGA / Council
Flinders
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Traeger
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-20.85°, 144.19°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
932.27 km²
Elevation
333m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Greyhound Australia / Townsville to Mount Isa coach — Townsville / Mount Isa 4-5 hr to Townsville

Commute to Townsville CBD

Distance
384 km
By Train
No passenger rail service to Hughenden
By Car (Peak)
3 hr 45 min - 4 hr 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 hr 30 min - 4 hr

🛣️ Flinders Highway (A2) is the main route east to Townsville and west to Mount Isa; Greyhound coach service available

Walkability Car-Dependent

Small outback town with a walkable main street and basic services, but surrounding areas and most travel require a vehicle

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$160
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$800
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
42 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
9.9%

23 state housing + 18 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,136
Census 2021
1,113
▼ 2% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$32,396
Income 2021
$40,040
▲ 23.6% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 898
Born Overseas 75

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 13
  • 2. England 11
  • 3. India 10
  • 4. Bangladesh 5
  • 5. Philippines 5
  • 6. South Africa 5
  • 7. Canada 4
  • 8. Scotland 4
  • 9. United States 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 432
Australian 417
Irish 136
Australian Aboriginal 135
Scottish 113
German 46
Italian 22
Indian 14
Dutch 10
Chinese 9

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

825
Both parents born in Australia
77
Both parents born overseas
79
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
53.3%
No Religion
31.8%
Hinduism
1.1%
Islam
0.8%
Buddhism
0.4%
Sikhism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
77 (6.9%)
5-14 years
136 (12.2%)
15-19 years
50 (4.5%)
20-24 years
58 (5.2%)
25-34 years
152 (13.7%)
35-44 years
98 (8.8%)
45-54 years
137 (12.3%)
55-64 years
148 (13.3%)
65-74 years
138 (12.4%)
75-84 years
83 (7.5%)
85+ years
30 (2.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hughenden known for? +

Hughenden is best known for its dinosaur fossil heritage — the Muttaburrasaurus fossil was discovered near the town, and a life-sized replica statue stands in the town centre. The Flinders Discovery Centre celebrates the region's prehistoric and pastoral history, and nearby Porcupine Gorge National Park is a spectacular natural attraction.

How far is Hughenden from Townsville CBD? +

Hughenden is approximately 384 kilometres west-south-west of Townsville, typically a 3.5 to 4.5 hour drive via the Flinders Highway.

Does Hughenden have public transport? +

Hughenden is served by Greyhound Australia long-distance coach services running between Townsville and Mount Isa along the Flinders Highway. There is no passenger rail or local bus service; a private vehicle is essential for day-to-day life in the region.

What is the population of Hughenden? +

According to the 2021 Census, Hughenden has a population of 1,113 residents. The town serves as the administrative centre of Flinders Shire and supports the broader pastoral and agricultural community of the region.

Is Hughenden a good place to live? +

Hughenden suits those who value outback Queensland's wide open spaces, strong community spirit, and connection to the land. It offers affordable housing and essential services, and is particularly appealing for those working in agriculture, mining, or the public sector. The isolation and distance from major cities is a significant factor to consider.

What is the postcode for Hughenden? +

The postcode for Hughenden is 4821, covering the town and surrounding Flinders Shire localities in outback Queensland.