Rocklea

QLD 4106 • Greater Brisbane

1,672
Population (2021)
$41,236
Median Income
9.22 km²
Area
$335/wk
Median Rent
SuburbanMulticulturalUp-and-ComingCommuter BeltAffordable

About Rocklea

Rocklea is a mixed-use suburb approximately 12 kilometres south of the Brisbane CBD within the Brisbane City Council area, sitting at just 7 metres elevation beside Oxley Creek. With a population of 1,672 and a youthful median age of 34, it is a diverse, multicultural community with nearly 35 per cent of residents born overseas. The suburb spans around 9 square kilometres and features a combination of residential pockets and significant industrial and commercial land use, which shapes its character as a functional, working-class neighbourhood with improving liveability.

Rocklea is home to the Brisbane Markets — one of Australia's largest fresh produce wholesale markets — which operates on Sherwood Road and is a major employment hub for the region. The suburb also hosts the popular Rocklea Markets (Trash and Treasure), drawing weekend bargain hunters from across Brisbane. Rocklea station on the Beenleigh/Gold Coast rail line puts the Brisbane CBD roughly 25 minutes away, and bus services add further connectivity. The area appeals to first-home buyers, investors, and renters drawn by relatively modest housing costs and strong access to Brisbane's south-side amenities.

Rocklea falls under postcode 4106 and is governed by Brisbane Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Miller electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4106
Urban Area
Brisbane City - Outer South
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.55°, 153.00°
Statistical Area
Greater Brisbane
Area
9.22 km²
Elevation
7m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Rocklea
0.8 km
10 min
Moorooka
1.5 km
18 min

Bus Services

  • Translink Bus (multiple routes) — Brisbane CBD (Roma Street / Cultural Centre) 25-35 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
12 km
By Train
~25 min to Roma Street via Beenleigh/Gold Coast Line from Rocklea station
By Car (Peak)
25-40 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
15-20 min

🛣️ Ipswich Motorway (M2) and Beaudesert Road provide road access; well-connected suburb for Brisbane south-side commuters

Walkability Car-Dependent

The residential pockets are moderately walkable to the train station but the mixed industrial character and limited retail mean most errands require a car

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$335
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,635
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
34 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,595
Census 2021
1,672
4.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$32,240
Income 2021
$41,236
27.9% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 989
Born Overseas 576

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 58
  • 2. Vietnam 49
  • 3. China 44
  • 4. England 40
  • 5. India 36
  • 6. Philippines 33
  • 7. Sri Lanka 18
  • 8. South Korea 16
  • 9. Iran 13
  • 10. Hong Kong 11

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 489
Australian 417
Irish 178
Scottish 136
Chinese 96
German 96
Vietnamese 70
Australian Aboriginal 50
Filipino 41
Russian 38

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

645
Both parents born in Australia
693
Both parents born overseas
183
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
44.7%
Christianity
36.2%
Buddhism
4.1%
Islam
3.6%
Hinduism
1.9%
Sikhism
0.7%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
96 (5.7%)
5-14 years
168 (10.0%)
15-19 years
63 (3.8%)
20-24 years
166 (9.9%)
25-34 years
361 (21.6%)
35-44 years
284 (17.0%)
45-54 years
174 (10.4%)
55-64 years
148 (8.9%)
65-74 years
105 (6.3%)
75-84 years
50 (3.0%)
85+ years
69 (4.1%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rocklea known for? +

Rocklea is best known as the home of the Brisbane Markets — one of Australia's largest fresh produce wholesale hubs — and the Rocklea Markets (Trash and Treasure), a popular weekend market destination for bargain hunters across Brisbane.

How far is Rocklea from Brisbane CBD? +

Rocklea is approximately 12 kilometres south of the Brisbane CBD, a drive of 15–40 minutes depending on traffic. Rocklea train station puts the city centre about 25 minutes away by rail.

Does Rocklea have public transport? +

Yes. Rocklea is served by Rocklea station on the Beenleigh/Gold Coast rail line, with frequent services to Brisbane CBD in around 25 minutes. Multiple Translink bus routes also connect the suburb to the broader network.

What is the population of Rocklea? +

According to the 2021 Census, Rocklea has a population of 1,672 with a median age of 34. The suburb is notably multicultural, with significant communities from Vietnam, China, New Zealand, India, and the Philippines.

Is Rocklea a good place to live? +

Rocklea suits those seeking affordable inner-south Brisbane living with good rail access to the CBD. Its multicultural character, weekend markets, and proximity to employment areas make it attractive to young renters and first-home buyers, though its industrial land use means it lacks the green space and amenity of more residential suburbs.

What is the postcode for Rocklea? +

The postcode for Rocklea, QLD is 4106.