🔍

Mapleton

QLD 4560 • Rest of QLD

1,661
Population (2021)
$30,732
Median Income
13.42 km²
Area
$350/wk
Median Rent
HinterlandRetiree-HavenRuralBushlandPeaceful

About Mapleton

Mapleton is a charming hinterland village in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, situated approximately 21 kilometres west of Maroochydore and 95 kilometres north of Brisbane, within the Sunshine Coast Regional Council area. Perched at an elevation of 397 metres on the Blackall Range, it has a population of 1,661 and a notably high median age of 59, reflecting its popularity as a retirement and tree-change destination. The community is predominantly Australian-born, with a relaxed and well-established residential character set among lush subtropical rainforest.

Mapleton is renowned for its scenic beauty, cool hinterland climate, and the Mapleton Falls National Park, which draws visitors to its dramatic lookouts and walking tracks through subtropical rainforest. The village offers a small range of local cafes, galleries, and boutique shops along the main street, complemented by a strong community spirit and regular markets and events. The Hinterland Great Walk passes nearby, and the Blackall Range Scenic Drive connects Mapleton to neighbouring villages including Montville and Maleny, making it a popular destination for day-trippers and weekend escapes from the coast.

Mapleton falls under postcode 4560 and is governed by Sunshine Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Nicklin electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4560
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Sunshine Coast
Federal Electorate
Fairfax
State Electorate
Nicklin
Type
Rural
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-26.63°, 152.86°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
13.42 km²
Elevation
397m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Translink Route 626 — Nambour Station / Maroochydore 30-45 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
95 km
By Train
Drive to Nambour (~14 km), train to Brisbane Central approx 90 min
By Car (Peak)
100-120 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
85-100 min

🛣️ Nambour Connection Road provides main access to the coast; car essential for hinterland living

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Village centre is walkable but most amenities require driving; hinterland location makes car essential

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$350
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,534
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
59 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1%

7 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,564
Census 2021
1,661
▲ 6.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$26,468
Income 2021
$30,732
▲ 16.1% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,162
Born Overseas 362

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 133
  • 2. New Zealand 61
  • 3. Germany 17
  • 4. Scotland 14
  • 5. South Africa 12
  • 6. Netherlands 11
  • 7. France 8
  • 8. Philippines 8
  • 9. Canada 7
  • 10. Japan 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 847
Australian 523
Scottish 265
Irish 232
German 118
Dutch 33
Italian 28
French 24
New Zealander 22
Australian Aboriginal 19

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

889
Both parents born in Australia
425
Both parents born overseas
221
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
44.9%
No Religion
41.2%
Buddhism
1.6%
Judaism
0.3%
Hinduism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
53 (3.2%)
5-14 years
141 (8.5%)
15-19 years
58 (3.5%)
20-24 years
48 (2.9%)
25-34 years
100 (6.0%)
35-44 years
151 (9.1%)
45-54 years
184 (11.1%)
55-64 years
324 (19.5%)
65-74 years
364 (21.9%)
75-84 years
194 (11.7%)
85+ years
47 (2.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mapleton known for? +

Mapleton is known for Mapleton Falls National Park, which features spectacular lookouts and walking tracks through subtropical rainforest. The village also has a vibrant arts and café scene along its main street, and forms part of the popular Blackall Range Scenic Drive.

How far is Mapleton from Brisbane CBD? +

Mapleton is approximately 95 kilometres north of Brisbane CBD, typically a 90–120 minute drive depending on traffic. It is about 21 kilometres inland from Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast.

Does Mapleton have public transport? +

Mapleton is served by limited Translink bus services connecting to Nambour station, where trains run to Brisbane. However, a car is essential for hinterland living as services are infrequent.

What is the population of Mapleton? +

According to the 2021 Census, Mapleton has a population of 1,661, with a high median age of 59 indicating a predominantly retired and semi-retired community.

Is Mapleton a good place to live? +

Mapleton is an excellent choice for retirees, creatives, and those seeking a peaceful hinterland lifestyle with cool mountain air and natural beauty. Its small village character, arts scene, and proximity to the Sunshine Coast make it appealing, though the distance from urban services requires careful consideration.

What is the postcode for Mapleton? +

The postcode for Mapleton, QLD is 4560.

What outdoor activities are near Mapleton? +

Mapleton Falls National Park offers walking tracks and dramatic waterfall lookouts. The Hinterland Great Walk, Kondalilla National Park (near Montville), and the wider Blackall Range provide extensive bushwalking, cycling, and wildlife spotting opportunities.