🔍

Macalister

QLD 4406 • Queensland

156
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
325.89 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalHistoricQuiet

About Macalister

Macalister is a small rural town and locality in Queensland's Western Downs Region, situated on the Darling Downs approximately 34 kilometres north-north-west of Dalby and 243 kilometres west-north-west of Brisbane. With a population of 156 spread across a vast locality of more than 325 square kilometres, Macalister is firmly agricultural in character, surrounded by the broad plains and productive grazing lands that define this part of south-east Queensland. The Warrego Highway passes directly through the town, linking it to Dalby to the south-east and the outback communities beyond to the north-west.

Named in honour of former Queensland Premier Arthur Macalister, the town carries a modest historical footprint that includes the Reedeemer Lutheran Church — a marker of the German heritage that shaped many Darling Downs communities in the 19th century. The locality functions primarily as a quiet service node for the surrounding farms and pastoral properties, with Dalby providing the nearest hospital, supermarkets, schools, and a wider range of commercial services. Life here revolves around the land, with grain cropping and cattle grazing defining both the local economy and the unhurried pace of Western Downs community life.

Macalister falls under postcode 4406 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Warrego electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4406
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Maranoa
State Electorate
Warrego
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.06°, 151.43°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
325.89 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Dalby 30-40 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
243 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
2.5-3 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
2.5 hrs

🛣️ Warrego Highway connects to Dalby and Brisbane; car essential

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for all daily needs; the town has minimal on-foot amenities

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
156
▲ 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 Macalister known for? +

Macalister is known as a quiet rural township on the Darling Downs in Queensland's Western Downs Region, named after former Premier Arthur Macalister and defined by its agricultural surroundings of grain cropping and cattle grazing.

How far is Macalister from Brisbane? +

Macalister is approximately 243 kilometres west-north-west of Brisbane, a drive of around 2.5 to 3 hours via the Warrego Highway through Dalby.

Does Macalister have public transport? +

There is no rail service to Macalister. Limited regional bus connections serve the route to Dalby, but a car is the primary means of transport for residents.

What is the population of Macalister? +

According to the 2021 Census, Macalister had a population of 156 people, spread across a locality of more than 325 square kilometres of Darling Downs farmland.

Is Macalister a good place to live? +

Macalister suits those seeking a genuinely rural lifestyle on the Darling Downs, with Dalby about 34 kilometres away for everyday services and a peaceful, community-focused environment for those connected to the land.

What is the postcode for Macalister? +

The postcode for Macalister is 4406.