🔍

Prairie

QLD 4816 • Queensland

116
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
8312.59 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoric

About Prairie

Prairie is a small outback township and locality in Queensland's Flinders Shire, positioned along the Flinders Highway between Torrens Creek to the north-east and Hughenden to the north-west. With a population of 116 residents according to the 2021 Census, it is one of the small service points along this iconic outback highway that connects Townsville on the coast to the remote west. The locality covers approximately 8,300 square kilometres of open Mitchell grass plains and savannah country typical of north-west Queensland. Prairie has a proud history as a former Cobb and Co coach depot, reflecting its long-standing role as a stopping point for travellers crossing the outback.

Life in Prairie is quintessentially outback Queensland — unhurried, community-focused, and shaped by the land and the highway that passes through it. The Prairie Hotel is the social heart of the town, providing food, accommodation, and fuel for travellers and locals alike, as it has for generations of outback travellers. The local Prairie State School caters for the children of the community through primary years. Cattle grazing and rural industries form the economic backbone of the area, with residents relying on Hughenden (around 65 km west) or Charters Towers for more comprehensive services. For those who love wide-open spaces and an authentic outback experience, Prairie delivers.

Prairie falls under postcode 4816 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Traeger electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4816
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Traeger
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-19.79°, 146.79°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
8312.59 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
775 km
By Train
No rail service to Prairie; Townsville is the nearest major rail hub (~330 km east)
By Car (Peak)
Approx 3.5 hrs to Townsville via Flinders Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx 3.5 hrs to Townsville

🛣️ Flinders Highway (A6) is the main road link; Hughenden is ~65 km west, Townsville ~330 km east

Walkability Car-Dependent

Tiny outback township; essential services are the hotel and school. A car or roadtrain is necessary for all other needs.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
116
▲ 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

Where is Prairie QLD located? +

Prairie is a small township on the Flinders Highway in north-west Queensland, located between Torrens Creek and Hughenden in Flinders Shire.

What is the population of Prairie QLD? +

The 2021 Census recorded 116 residents in Prairie, QLD.

What is Prairie QLD known for? +

Prairie has a history as a Cobb and Co coach depot and is now a classic outback highway stop, with the Prairie Hotel serving travellers and locals on the Flinders Highway.

Is there a school in Prairie QLD? +

Yes, Prairie State School is a government school serving the local community.

How far is Prairie from Townsville? +

Prairie is approximately 330 km west of Townsville via the Flinders Highway, about a 3.5-hour drive.