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Sunshine Acres

QLD 4655 • Rest of QLD

1,009
Population (2021)
$37,596
Median Income
14.40 km²
Area
$300/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlySuburbanCoastalAffordableCommuter Belt

About Sunshine Acres

Sunshine Acres is a residential urban locality on the outskirts of Hervey Bay within the Fraser Coast Regional Council area, approximately 290 kilometres north of Brisbane. With a population of 1,009 at the 2021 Census, the suburb has a mature demographic profile with a median age of 44, predominantly comprising established families and longer-term residents. Covering 14.4 square kilometres at low coastal elevation, the suburb offers a mix of housing styles typical of regional Queensland, with median household income of around $1,912 per week broadly in line with the Fraser Coast region.

Sunshine Acres benefits from proximity to Hervey Bay's growing retail and services hub, with shops, medical facilities, and cafés accessible within a short drive. The Fraser Coast region is celebrated as the gateway to K'gari (Fraser Island), one of the world's largest sand islands, and seasonal whale watching is a highlight of local life. Residents enjoy a relaxed, semi-regional lifestyle with easy access to Hervey Bay's beaches and waterways. Bus services connect the area to Hervey Bay's town centre, though a private vehicle is the most practical option for daily transport.

Sunshine Acres falls under postcode 4655 and is governed by Fraser Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Maryborough electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4655
Urban Area
Fraser Coast
LGA / Council
Fraser Coast
Federal Electorate
Hinkler
State Electorate
Maryborough
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-25.36°, 152.79°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
14.40 km²
Elevation
14m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Fraser Coast Transit local routes — Hervey Bay CBD 15-25 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
290 km
By Train
No direct train service; Translink coach from Hervey Bay ~4.5 hrs
By Car (Peak)
3.0-3.5 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
2.75-3.0 hrs

🛣️ Hervey Bay city centre is ~10 min drive; Bruce Highway connects south to Brisbane

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most errands require a car; local bus routes serve the area but a vehicle is essential for daily life

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$300
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733
Avg Household Size
3.1 people
Median Age
44 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
949
Census 2021
1,009
▲ 6.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$26,364
Income 2021
$37,596
▲ 42.6% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 846
Born Overseas 119

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 40
  • 2. New Zealand 19
  • 3. South Africa 12
  • 4. Canada 4
  • 5. France 4
  • 6. Germany 4
  • 7. Netherlands 3
  • 8. Papua New Guinea 3
  • 9. Philippines 3
  • 10. Wales 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 461
Australian 417
Irish 110
Scottish 87
German 81
Australian Aboriginal 64
Dutch 20
South African 13
Filipino 12
Italian 12

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

685
Both parents born in Australia
143
Both parents born overseas
130
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
49.6%
No Religion
43.5%
Buddhism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
40 (4.0%)
5-14 years
164 (16.3%)
15-19 years
63 (6.2%)
20-24 years
51 (5.1%)
25-34 years
85 (8.4%)
35-44 years
122 (12.1%)
45-54 years
176 (17.4%)
55-64 years
157 (15.6%)
65-74 years
100 (9.9%)
75-84 years
50 (5.0%)
85+ years
6 (0.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sunshine Acres known for? +

Sunshine Acres is a quiet residential suburb in the Fraser Coast region of Queensland, known for its affordable family housing and proximity to Hervey Bay's beaches, whale watching, and K'gari (Fraser Island) — one of the world's largest sand islands.

How far is Sunshine Acres from Brisbane? +

Sunshine Acres is approximately 290 kilometres north of Brisbane CBD, roughly a 3 to 3.5 hour drive via the Bruce Highway.

Does Sunshine Acres have public transport? +

Sunshine Acres is served by Fraser Coast Transit bus routes connecting to Hervey Bay's town centre. There is no passenger rail service; the nearest station is Maryborough West, about 35 kilometres to the south.

What is the population of Sunshine Acres? +

According to the 2021 Census, Sunshine Acres has a population of 1,009 residents, with a median age of 44, reflecting a mature, established community.

Is Sunshine Acres a good place to live? +

Sunshine Acres suits families and retirees who value a relaxed regional lifestyle, affordable housing, and proximity to Hervey Bay's beaches and natural attractions, while accepting a degree of car dependence for daily errands.

What is the postcode for Sunshine Acres? +

The postcode for Sunshine Acres, Queensland is 4655.