🔍

Lake Macdonald

QLD 4563 • Rest of QLD

1,352
Population (2021)
$37,492
Median Income
26.67 km²
Area
$420/wk
Median Rent
RuralRetireesFamily-FriendlyAffordable

About Lake Macdonald

Lake Macdonald is a scenic residential locality in the Noosa Shire, Queensland, nestled in the hinterland just a few kilometres west of Cooroy and approximately 30 kilometres northwest of Noosa Heads. The suburb takes its name from the freshwater Lake Macdonald, a reservoir that serves as the main water supply for the Noosa region and provides a picturesque backdrop for the community. With a population of around 1,350, Lake Macdonald is characterised by leafy acreage properties, native bushland, and a relaxed hinterland lifestyle. It sits at the edge of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, making it a haven for nature lovers.

Residents enjoy easy access to the lake foreshore for fishing, birdwatching, canoeing, and picnicking, as well as the nearby Noosa Botanic Gardens which features an amphitheatre and tranquil walking paths. The neighbouring township of Cooroy provides everyday amenities including supermarkets, cafes, medical services, and the Cooroy State School. Noosa District State High School's junior and senior campuses in Pomona and Cooroy serve secondary students. The suburb attracts retirees, young families, and tree-changers drawn by the natural beauty of the Noosa hinterland and a short drive to the coast's beaches and attractions.

Lake Macdonald falls under postcode 4563 and is governed by Noosa Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Noosa electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4563
Urban Area
Noosa
LGA / Council
Noosa
Federal Electorate
Wide Bay
State Electorate
Noosa
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-26.39°, 152.94°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
26.67 km²
Elevation
95m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Cooroy Station
4.5 km
Drive required

Bus Services

  • Sunbus Route 631 — Noosa Heads via Cooroy ~50 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
145 km
By Train
~2 hr via Cooroy Station (Sunshine Coast Line to Roma Street)
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 45 min – 2 hr 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 30 min

🛣️ Drive to Cooroy then Queensland Rail Sunshine Coast Line; Bruce Highway access nearby

Walkability Car-Dependent

Leafy rural setting; most residents drive to Cooroy for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$420
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733
Avg Household Size
2.6 people
Median Age
49 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,363
Census 2021
1,352
▼ 0.8% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$31,616
Income 2021
$37,492
▲ 18.6% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,056
Born Overseas 230

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 79
  • 2. New Zealand 58
  • 3. South Africa 9
  • 4. United States 7
  • 5. Germany 5
  • 6. Italy 5
  • 7. Zimbabwe 5
  • 8. Canada 4
  • 9. China 4
  • 10. Scotland 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 665
Australian 495
Scottish 193
Irish 160
German 71
Dutch 32
Australian Aboriginal 28
Italian 22
Greek 19
New Zealander 19

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

799
Both parents born in Australia
293
Both parents born overseas
195
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
53.8%
Christianity
37.6%
Buddhism
1.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
50 (3.7%)
5-14 years
177 (13.1%)
15-19 years
74 (5.5%)
20-24 years
44 (3.3%)
25-34 years
75 (5.5%)
35-44 years
154 (11.4%)
45-54 years
186 (13.8%)
55-64 years
274 (20.3%)
65-74 years
211 (15.6%)
75-84 years
76 (5.6%)
85+ years
22 (1.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lake Macdonald known for? +

Lake Macdonald is known for its beautiful freshwater reservoir, the Noosa Botanic Gardens, and its position at the edge of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve. It offers excellent birdwatching, canoeing, fishing, and picnicking opportunities.

What schools serve Lake Macdonald? +

The nearest primary school is Cooroy State School, about 4–5 km away. Noosa District State High School has its junior campus (Years 7–9) in Pomona and senior campus (Years 10–12) in Cooroy/Tewantin.

How close is Lake Macdonald to Noosa Heads? +

Lake Macdonald is approximately 30 kilometres northwest of Noosa Heads, about a 30-minute drive via the Cooroy-Noosa Road.

Is there public transport from Lake Macdonald? +

The nearest train station is Cooroy (approx. 4.5 km), on the Queensland Rail Sunshine Coast Line. Sunbus services connect Cooroy to Noosa and surrounding areas. Most Lake Macdonald residents drive.