🔍

The Gums

QLD 4406 • Queensland

165
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
1084.40 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRemoteOutbackAgriculturalHistoric

About The Gums

The Gums is a small rural town and locality in the Western Downs Region of Queensland, situated at the junction of the Leichhardt Highway and the Surat Developmental Road on the Darling Downs. Spanning over 1,000 square kilometres, it is one of the largest localities by area in the region, though with a population of just 165 it remains very sparsely settled. The locality lies approximately 329 kilometres west of Brisbane, placing it deep in Queensland's pastoral interior.

The name The Gums dates to the early pastoral era, when drovers used a stand of gum trees nearby as a meeting place — a tradition acknowledged by the district's first postmistress who officially adopted the name. Today the locality is a quiet stop along two significant regional highways, with a handful of local services for passing travellers and farming families. The nearest major service centres are Tara to the west and Miles to the north, making a car essential for all daily needs.

The Gums falls under postcode 4406 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Warrego electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4406
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Maranoa
State Electorate
Warrego
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-27.06°, 151.43°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
1084.40 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Greyhound / regional coaches — Brisbane / Miles / Roma Varies by destination

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
329 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
3.5–4 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
3–3.5 hr

🛣️ Located at junction of Leichhardt Highway and Surat Developmental Road; long-distance coaches pass through

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Very limited local services; a car is essential for all daily shopping and errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
165
▲ 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

What is The Gums known for? +

The Gums is known for its historic origins as a drovers' meeting place, named after a stand of gum trees used as a landmark. Today it is a small rural locality at the crossroads of the Leichhardt Highway and Surat Developmental Road in the Western Downs.

How far is The Gums from Brisbane? +

The Gums is approximately 329 kilometres west of Brisbane, a drive of around 3.5 to 4 hours via the Warrego Highway and connecting roads.

Does The Gums have public transport? +

There is no local public transport in The Gums. Long-distance coaches on the Leichhardt Highway pass through the area, but a private vehicle is essential for daily life.

What is the population of The Gums? +

The 2021 Census recorded a population of approximately 165 people in The Gums, reflecting its status as a small rural town and locality spread across a very large area.

Is The Gums a good place to live? +

The Gums suits those seeking a remote rural lifestyle with a strong sense of history and wide open pastoral landscapes. Daily services are limited, with Tara and Miles being the nearest larger centres for shopping and schooling.

What is the postcode for The Gums? +

The postcode for The Gums is 4406.