🔍

Moranbah

QLD 4744 • Rest of QLD

9,425
Population (2021)
$80,756
Median Income
3046.64 km²
Area
$111/wk
Median Rent
Mining TownRuralAffordableYoung Families

About Moranbah

Moranbah is a coal mining town and locality in the Isaac Region of Central Queensland, situated approximately 195 kilometres south-west of Mackay and 1,047 kilometres north-north-west of Brisbane. With a population of around 9,425 (2021 Census), it is one of Queensland's most significant mining communities and was purpose-built in 1969 to support the nearby Goonyella and Peak Downs coal mines. The town sits at an elevation of 249 metres on the Bowen Basin coalfields, one of the world's largest metallurgical coal deposits.

Moranbah has a uniquely high median income driven by well-paid mining workers, and the town features a full suite of amenities including a Coles supermarket, medical centre, swimming pool, golf course, and multiple schools. The community is a mix of permanent residents and a significant fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workforce, giving it an energetic but transient character. Despite its remote location, residents enjoy a tight-knit community spirit, warm Queensland climate, and access to the natural beauty of the Isaac region.

Moranbah falls under postcode 4744 and is governed by Isaac Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Burdekin electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4744
Urban Area
Moranbah
LGA / Council
Isaac
Federal Electorate
Capricornia
State Electorate
Burdekin
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-21.94°, 147.88°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
3046.64 km²
Elevation
258m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Local services — Mackay ~2.5 hrs by car or coach

Commute to Mackay CBD

Distance
195 km
By Train
No passenger rail service
By Car (Peak)
~2 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
~2 hrs

🛣️ Moranbah is accessed via the Peak Downs Highway. Mackay Airport (MKY) is the primary air link; flights connect to Brisbane and other capitals.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

The town centre is compact and flat with some footpaths; a car is generally needed for most trips

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Moranbah Fair Shopping Centre Griffith Street Moranbah 4744 QLD

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$111
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
2.8 people
Median Age
31 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.2%

70 state housing + 14 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
8,735
Census 2021
9,425
▲ 7.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$62,868
Income 2021
$80,756
▲ 28.5% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 6,609
Born Overseas 1,133

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 352
  • 2. Philippines 213
  • 3. South Africa 94
  • 4. England 66
  • 5. India 62
  • 6. Papua New Guinea 27
  • 7. Zimbabwe 23
  • 8. Pakistan 20
  • 9. Thailand 20
  • 10. Sri Lanka 19

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 3,350
English 3,187
Irish 812
Scottish 777
German 481
Australian Aboriginal 454
Filipino 256
Italian 219
Maori 190
Dutch 132

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

5,501
Both parents born in Australia
1,373
Both parents born overseas
834
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
41.6%
Christianity
36.5%
Hinduism
0.7%
Islam
0.6%
Buddhism
0.6%
Sikhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
751 (8.0%)
5-14 years
1,556 (16.5%)
15-19 years
517 (5.5%)
20-24 years
641 (6.8%)
25-34 years
1,883 (20.0%)
35-44 years
1,725 (18.3%)
45-54 years
1,303 (13.8%)
55-64 years
780 (8.3%)
65-74 years
214 (2.3%)
75-84 years
41 (0.4%)
85+ years
13 (0.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Moranbah known for? +

Moranbah is a coal mining town in the Isaac Region of Central Queensland, supporting the nearby Goonyella, Peak Downs, and other Bowen Basin mines. It is one of Australia's most significant mining communities.

What is the population of Moranbah? +

Moranbah had a population of 9,425 in the 2021 Census, plus a significant fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workforce that swells the town's population during work rotations.

How do I get to Moranbah? +

Moranbah is best reached by car via the Peak Downs Highway from Mackay (about 2 hours), or by air through Mackay Airport (MKY) which has regular flights to Brisbane and other cities.

What schools are in Moranbah? +

Moranbah has two state primary schools — Moranbah State School and Moranbah East State School — and Moranbah State High School for secondary students.

What is the median income in Moranbah? +

Due to the high wages in the mining industry, Moranbah has one of the highest median household incomes of any regional town in Queensland, recorded at approximately $85,253 in 2021.