🔍

Murray

QLD 4814 • Rest of QLD

1,739
Population (2021)
$67,704
Median Income
12.07 km²
Area
$107/wk
Median Rent
Young FamiliesAffordable

About Murray

Murray is a unique suburb of Townsville in North Queensland, located within the City of Townsville LGA and sharing postcode 4814 with surrounding suburbs. Unlike a conventional residential suburb, the developed land in Murray is largely contained within Lavarack Barracks, Australia's largest army base, which dominates its character. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 1,739 people, the majority of whom are Australian Army personnel and their families stationed at the base.

Life in Murray is shaped by the rhythms of the Australian Army. The suburb offers a strong sense of community built around military service, with on-base facilities including housing, recreation areas, and support services for defence families. Townsville's CBD and amenities — including schools, hospitals, shopping centres, and beaches — are within easy reach, making Murray a practical base for service members and their families who need access to the region's infrastructure.

Murray falls under postcode 4814 and is governed by Townsville Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mundingburra electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4814
Urban Area
Townsville
LGA / Council
Townsville
Federal Electorate
Herbert
State Electorate
Mundingburra
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-19.34°, 146.79°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
12.07 km²
Elevation
94m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Townsville City Bus Network — Townsville CBD 25-35 min

Commute to Townsville CBD

Distance
10 km
By Train
No train service; nearest rail at Townsville Station
By Car (Peak)
15-20 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
10-15 min

🛣️ Access to the barracks is restricted; civilian access via gatehouse only

Walkability Car-Dependent

On-base facilities reduce some car dependence, but off-base services require a vehicle

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$107
Avg Household Size
1 people
Median Age
22 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,491
Census 2021
1,739
▲ 16.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$56,212
Income 2021
$67,704
▲ 20.4% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 644
Born Overseas 78

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 19
  • 2. South Africa 11
  • 3. Papua New Guinea 4
  • 4. China 3
  • 5. New Zealand 3
  • 6. Philippines 3
  • 7. Thailand 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 314
English 310
Irish 97
Scottish 89
German 48
Australian Aboriginal 44
Italian 36
Chinese 15
Dutch 12
Filipino 11

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

479
Both parents born in Australia
111
Both parents born overseas
131
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
25.4%
Christianity
14.1%
Islam
0.4%
Buddhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
0 (0.0%)
5-14 years
0 (0.0%)
15-19 years
250 (14.4%)
20-24 years
998 (57.4%)
25-34 years
404 (23.2%)
35-44 years
49 (2.8%)
45-54 years
28 (1.6%)
55-64 years
0 (0.0%)
65-74 years
0 (0.0%)
75-84 years
0 (0.0%)
85+ years
0 (0.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Murray QLD known for? +

Murray is primarily known as the location of Lavarack Barracks, Australia's largest army base, which occupies most of the suburb's developed land.

Who lives in Murray QLD? +

The majority of Murray's residents are Australian Army personnel and their families stationed at Lavarack Barracks. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 1,739.

Is Murray QLD open to the public? +

Access to the developed areas of Murray is largely restricted to authorised personnel and visitors to Lavarack Barracks. Surrounding areas are general public access.

How far is Murray QLD from Townsville CBD? +

Murray is approximately 10 km from Townsville CBD, roughly a 15–20 minute drive in peak traffic.