Karana Downs

QLD 4306 • Greater Brisbane

3,800
Population (2021)
$49,296
Median Income
7.50 km²
Area
$400/wk
Median Rent
Semi-RuralRiversideFamily-FriendlyBrisbane FringeNature Lovers

About Karana Downs

Karana Downs is a leafy, semi-rural suburb in South East Queensland, postcode 4306, nestled along the northern bank of the Brisbane River approximately 35 kilometres west of Brisbane CBD at -27.48°S, 152.73°E. Situated within the Ipswich City Council area, it is a peaceful riverside enclave characterised by spacious properties, native bushland corridors, and scenic river views. The suburb is strongly Anglo-Celtic in composition — around 76% Australian-born — with a predominantly middle-aged demographic of owner-occupier families. Its tranquil setting and semi-rural atmosphere set it apart from the denser suburban sprawl nearby.

Karana Downs is well-regarded for its safe, green, family-oriented lifestyle with excellent access to nature — including walking trails along the Brisbane River and proximity to Colleges Crossing recreation area. Residents commute to Brisbane CBD via an express bus from nearby Bellbowrie, or drive to Ipswich for work and services. Fernvale and Mount Ommaney provide day-to-day retail needs, while Ipswich Hospital and private day surgery options are within 16 km. It suits families and couples seeking a semi-rural escape without being too far from urban conveniences.

Karana Downs falls under postcode 4306 and is governed by Brisbane Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Moggill electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4306
Urban Area
Brisbane City - Outer West
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.54°, 152.82°
Statistical Area
Greater Brisbane
Area
7.50 km²
Elevation
28m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Karrabin
13.8 km
Ipswich Line
Wulkuraka
14.8 km
Ipswich Line

Bus Services

  • 385,386 — Bellbowrie Bus Terminal / Brisbane CBD express ~60–75 min to Brisbane CBD
  • 511 — Ipswich CBD ~30 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
35 km
By Train
Drive to Karrabin (~14 km), then Ipswich Line ~55 min
By Bus
~60–75 min via Bellbowrie express
By Car (Peak)
~55–70 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
~40 min

🛣️ Express bus from Bellbowrie is the popular commute option. Avoid peak-hour Western Motorway congestion.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Semi-rural suburb with very limited walkable amenities; car or bus required for all services.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$400
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,800
Avg Household Size
2.8 people
Median Age
41 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,862
Census 2021
3,800
1.6% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$44,304
Income 2021
$49,296
11.3% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,873
Born Overseas 858

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 255
  • 2. New Zealand 155
  • 3. South Africa 107
  • 4. United States 29
  • 5. Germany 25
  • 6. Scotland 21
  • 7. Ireland 20
  • 8. Netherlands 18
  • 9. Canada 14
  • 10. Zimbabwe 13

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,770
Australian 1,398
Scottish 525
Irish 518
German 328
Dutch 127
Italian 108
Australian Aboriginal 98
South African 58
Maori 48

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,043
Both parents born in Australia
1,043
Both parents born overseas
638
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
50.1%
Christianity
44.4%
Buddhism
0.6%
Judaism
0.3%
Hinduism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
180 (4.7%)
5-14 years
562 (14.8%)
15-19 years
294 (7.7%)
20-24 years
143 (3.8%)
25-34 years
379 (10.0%)
35-44 years
553 (14.6%)
45-54 years
600 (15.8%)
55-64 years
522 (13.7%)
65-74 years
369 (9.7%)
75-84 years
161 (4.2%)
85+ years
23 (0.6%)

Nearby Suburbs