Rathdowney

QLD 4287 • Queensland

320
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
71.36 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralHistoricAffordable

About Rathdowney

Rathdowney is a charming rural town in the Scenic Rim Region of South East Queensland, located approximately 113 kilometres south-south-west of Brisbane and 31 kilometres south-west of Beaudesert. The town sits in a picturesque valley surrounded by the mountains of the Scenic Rim, with Mount Barney National Park and Lamington National Park both accessible nearby. With a population of around 320 residents as recorded in the 2021 Census, it is a small but historically significant community that has served the surrounding agricultural district for well over a century.

Rathdowney is popular with visitors and residents alike for its access to stunning national parks, bush walking, and nature experiences. The town offers basic local services and a friendly community feel, with residents drawn to the lifestyle of quiet rural living close to the Queensland–New South Wales border ranges. Beef cattle grazing and dairying are the traditional industries of the area. Those who live here treasure the dramatic mountain scenery, the clean air, and the tight community bonds that small rural towns foster.

Rathdowney falls under postcode 4287 and is governed by Scenic Rim Regional Council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Scenic Rim electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4287
Urban Area
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.26°, 152.82°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
71.36 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
113 km
By Train
No train service; nearest station is Beaudesert (bus connection)
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 20 min

🛣️ Car is essential; route via Beaudesert and Mt Lindesay Highway

Walkability Car-Dependent

Small rural town with very limited pedestrian infrastructure

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
320
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 Rathdowney located? +

Rathdowney is a rural town in the Scenic Rim Region of South East Queensland, about 113km south-south-west of Brisbane and near the Queensland–NSW border.

What national parks are near Rathdowney? +

Rathdowney is a gateway to both Mount Barney National Park and Lamington National Park, offering exceptional hiking, wildlife spotting, and nature experiences.

What is the population of Rathdowney? +

The 2021 Census recorded a population of 320 people in Rathdowney.

How far is Rathdowney from Brisbane? +

Rathdowney is approximately 113 kilometres south-south-west of Brisbane CBD, a drive of about 1.5 hours via the Mt Lindesay Highway and Beaudesert.

What is the economy of Rathdowney based on? +

The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, particularly beef cattle grazing and dairying, with tourism related to the nearby national parks also contributing.