🔍

Shorncliffe

QLD 4017 • Greater Brisbane

1,907
Population (2021)
$48,360
Median Income
1.22 km²
Area
$275/wk
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideEstablishedFamily-FriendlyAffluent

About Shorncliffe

Shorncliffe is a picturesque bayside suburb situated approximately 16 kilometres north of Brisbane CBD, on the shores of Bramble Bay within the Brisbane City Council area. With a population of 1,907 and a median age of 47, Shorncliffe is one of Brisbane's more mature coastal communities, predominantly attracting established families, retirees, and professionals who value the bay lifestyle with strong city connections. The median household income of $2,259 per week is comfortably above the Queensland average, reflecting Shorncliffe's desirability as a premium bayside address. Housing predominantly comprises timber Queenslander homes, post-war dwellings, and some contemporary residences, many with elevated positions enjoying views across Bramble Bay.

Shorncliffe is best known for its iconic heritage-listed pier — one of Brisbane's longest at 357 metres — which extends over Bramble Bay and is a beloved local landmark for fishing, evening walks, and watching the bay's dramatic sunsets. The suburb has its own railway station at the terminus of the Shorncliffe Line, with direct trains to Brisbane CBD taking approximately 35–45 minutes, making it one of the best-connected bayside suburbs in the city. Foreshore parks, swimming spots, and the Bayside Cycleway attract active residents and day-trippers, while the adjoining Sandgate town centre — just minutes away — provides cafes, restaurants, shops, and community facilities. The suburb's quiet, tree-lined streets and strong neighbourly character make it a prized address for those seeking bayside living without venturing far from Brisbane.

Shorncliffe falls under postcode 4017 and is governed by Brisbane Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Sandgate electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4017
Urban Area
Brisbane City - Outer North
LGA / Council
Brisbane
Federal Electorate
Lilley
State Electorate
Sandgate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.33°, 153.08°
Statistical Area
Greater Brisbane
Area
1.22 km²
Elevation
1m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Shorncliffe Station
0.4 km
5 min

Bus Services

  • Bus connections within Sandgate and Deagon area — Sandgate / Deagon / Northgate 10-20 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
16 km
By Train
~35-45 min to Brisbane Central via Shorncliffe Line
By Car (Peak)
25-40 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20-25 min

🛣️ Shorncliffe Line terminates here; good rail access to the city via Sandgate Road corridor

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Foreshore areas and Sandgate centre are walkable; broader shopping and services typically require a short drive or bus connection

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$275
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,201
Avg Household Size
2.6 people
Median Age
47 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
8%

57 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,870
Census 2021
1,907
▲ 2.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$39,312
Income 2021
$48,360
▲ 23.0% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,520
Born Overseas 318

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 110
  • 2. New Zealand 62
  • 3. South Africa 22
  • 4. Ireland 14
  • 5. Germany 8
  • 6. Scotland 8
  • 7. Fiji 6
  • 8. Poland 5
  • 9. United States 5
  • 10. India 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 881
Australian 703
Irish 354
Scottish 284
German 117
Dutch 41
Italian 40
Polish 24
Australian Aboriginal 21
Chinese 21

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,175
Both parents born in Australia
391
Both parents born overseas
266
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
48.1%
No Religion
45.7%
Buddhism
0.5%
Hinduism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
66 (3.5%)
5-14 years
265 (13.9%)
15-19 years
123 (6.4%)
20-24 years
78 (4.1%)
25-34 years
124 (6.5%)
35-44 years
220 (11.5%)
45-54 years
338 (17.7%)
55-64 years
321 (16.8%)
65-74 years
257 (13.5%)
75-84 years
80 (4.2%)
85+ years
36 (1.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shorncliffe known for? +

Shorncliffe is best known for its heritage-listed pier extending 357 metres over Bramble Bay — a beloved Brisbane landmark for fishing, walking, and watching sunsets. The suburb is also valued for its Queenslander homes, bayside foreshore parks, and relaxed coastal community character.

How far is Shorncliffe from Brisbane CBD? +

Shorncliffe is approximately 16 kilometres north of Brisbane CBD, making it a 25–40 minute drive in peak hour or a 35–45 minute train journey via the Shorncliffe Line to Brisbane Central.

Does Shorncliffe have public transport? +

Yes, Shorncliffe has its own railway station at the terminus of the Shorncliffe Line, providing regular direct train services to Brisbane CBD. The suburb is one of Brisbane's best-connected bayside communities by rail.

What is the population of Shorncliffe? +

According to the 2021 Census, Shorncliffe has a population of 1,907 residents. The suburb has a notably older median age of 47, reflecting its established and predominantly owner-occupier demographic.

Is Shorncliffe a good place to live? +

Shorncliffe is highly regarded as one of Brisbane's finest bayside suburbs, combining coastal lifestyle — with the pier, foreshore parks, and bay views — with practical rail connections to the CBD. It suits established families and professionals seeking a quieter, community-focused lifestyle near the water.

What is the postcode for Shorncliffe? +

The postcode for Shorncliffe is 4017, shared with the adjacent suburb of Sandgate in Brisbane's Bayside area.