🔍

Tanawha

QLD 4556 • Rest of QLD

1,312
Population (2021)
$47,060
Median Income
12.38 km²
Area
$408/wk
Median Rent
LeafyFamily-FriendlyAffluentBushlandSemi-Rural

About Tanawha

Tanawha is a leafy, semi-rural locality within the Sunshine Coast Regional Council area in south-east Queensland, located approximately 89 kilometres north of Brisbane CBD and 4 kilometres south-west of Buderim. Set at an elevation of 82 metres among hinterland bushland, Tanawha is characterised by large residential properties and a peaceful, acreage lifestyle that contrasts with the busier coastal strip nearby. With a population of 1,312, a median age of 40, and a median household income of $2,542 per week — well above the national average — Tanawha sits firmly within the Sunshine Coast's premium residential tier.

Tanawha is home to the Maroochy Bushland Botanical Gardens, a popular nature reserve featuring native rainforest, boardwalks, and lagoon habitats popular with locals and families. The suburb's elevated hinterland setting draws professional families seeking privacy and space while remaining close to Sunshine Coast amenities, with Maroochydore's CBD, beaches, and the Sunshine Coast University Hospital all within 15 kilometres. A notably high proportion of school-age children attend independent and Catholic schools, reflecting the community's focus on private education, and the quiet, tree-lined environment creates a genuine sense of retreat from the Coast's more developed areas.

Tanawha falls under postcode 4556 and is governed by Sunshine Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Nicklin electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4556
Urban Area
Maroochy
LGA / Council
Sunshine Coast
Federal Electorate
Fisher
State Electorate
Nicklin
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-26.72°, 153.03°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
12.38 km²
Elevation
82m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Nambour
14 km
N/A
Landsborough
18 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • Translink Route 612 / local Sunshine Coast routes — Maroochydore and Buderim 20–35 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
89 km
By Train
Drive to Nambour (~14 km), then Queensland Rail Sunshine Coast Line to Brisbane (~1 hr 45 min)
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 15 min – 1 hr 45 min (via Bruce Highway)
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr – 1 hr 20 min

🛣️ Sunshine Coast Airport (~20 km) at Marcoola; Maroochydore CBD ~12 km

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

An acreage hinterland suburb with no local shops or walkable retail; a car is required for all daily errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$408
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,450
Avg Household Size
3.2 people
Median Age
40 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,327
Census 2021
1,312
▼ 1.1% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$36,140
Income 2021
$47,060
▲ 30.2% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 977
Born Overseas 263

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 77
  • 2. New Zealand 59
  • 3. South Africa 31
  • 4. Zimbabwe 17
  • 5. United States 11
  • 6. China 7
  • 7. Scotland 7
  • 8. Wales 7
  • 9. Germany 6
  • 10. Papua New Guinea 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 614
Australian 484
Irish 177
Scottish 174
German 98
Italian 43
New Zealander 36
Australian Aboriginal 28
Maori 24
Dutch 21

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

718
Both parents born in Australia
301
Both parents born overseas
221
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
47.7%
No Religion
43.8%
Buddhism
1.1%
Judaism
0.5%
Islam
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
68 (5.2%)
5-14 years
206 (15.7%)
15-19 years
88 (6.7%)
20-24 years
65 (5.0%)
25-34 years
123 (9.4%)
35-44 years
154 (11.7%)
45-54 years
207 (15.8%)
55-64 years
214 (16.3%)
65-74 years
122 (9.3%)
75-84 years
43 (3.3%)
85+ years
17 (1.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tanawha known for? +

Tanawha is known for the Maroochy Bushland Botanical Gardens — a popular nature reserve with native rainforest, lagoons, and walking trails — and for its spacious acreage lifestyle in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. It's a sought-after address for affluent families seeking large properties in a peaceful, bushland setting.

How far is Tanawha from Brisbane? +

Tanawha is approximately 89 kilometres north of Brisbane CBD, a drive of around 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes off-peak via the Bruce Highway, making it feasible for Brisbane commuters seeking a Sunshine Coast lifestyle.

Does Tanawha have public transport? +

Public transport in Tanawha is limited. The nearest train stations are Nambour (approximately 14 km) and Landsborough (approximately 18 km), both on Queensland Rail's Sunshine Coast Line to Brisbane. Local Translink bus services connect to Maroochydore and Buderim, though a car is the practical choice for most residents.

What is the population of Tanawha? +

According to the 2021 Census, Tanawha has a population of 1,312, with a median age of 40 and an average household size of 3.2, consistent with its family-oriented character and large properties.

Is Tanawha a good place to live? +

Tanawha is ideal for families seeking an affluent, nature-surrounded lifestyle close to the Sunshine Coast's beaches and services. The suburb combines the peace of the hinterland with proximity to top schools, hospitals, and Maroochydore's commercial centre, making it one of the Sunshine Coast's most desirable residential addresses.

What is the postcode for Tanawha? +

Tanawha's postcode is 4556, which also covers nearby suburbs including Buderim and Sippy Downs.