Woorabinda

QLD 4713 • Rest of QLD

1,019
Population (2021)
$18,772
Median Income
219.51 km²
Area
$120/wk
Median Rent
RemoteRuralIndigenous CommunityOutback

About Woorabinda

Woorabinda is a remote Aboriginal community located in Central Queensland, approximately 180 kilometres north-west of Rockhampton and 115 kilometres south of Emerald, within the Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire. With a population of 1,019, the community is one of Queensland's designated Aboriginal shires and is managed by the Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council, which holds responsibility for local governance and services. According to the 2021 Census, 91% of residents identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and the community has a notably young demographic with a median age of just 23.

Woorabinda provides essential community services including a primary and secondary school, a community health centre, and a general store, though residents travel to Emerald or Rockhampton for a wider range of goods and services. The community sits on pastoral and cultural lands in the Central Highlands region, with deep connections to the Gangulu people of the area. Community life is vibrant and tightly knit, with sport — particularly rugby league — playing a central role in local identity and social cohesion.

Woorabinda falls under postcode 4713 and is governed by Woorabinda Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Gregory electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4713
Urban Area
Woorabinda
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-24.11°, 149.43°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
219.51 km²
Elevation
159m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited community transport — Emerald / Rockhampton 1.5–2.5 hrs to Emerald

Commute to Rockhampton CBD

Distance
180 km
By Train
No direct train service; Rockhampton is served by the Capricornian (approximately 180 km away)
By Car (Peak)
2–2.5 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
1.75–2 hrs

🛣️ Remote community; access via Capricorn Highway to Emerald then local roads; a car is essential

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

The community centre and school are accessible on foot within Woorabinda, but all major services require travelling to Emerald or Rockhampton by car

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$120
Avg Household Size
3.3 people
Median Age
23 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
88.6%

228 state housing + 14 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
962
Census 2021
1,019
5.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$16,588
Income 2021
$18,772
13.2% increase

Income Comparison

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

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian Aboriginal 924
Australian 25
English 21
Irish 7
German 5
New Zealander 4
Scottish 3

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

934
Both parents born in Australia
16
Both parents born overseas
15
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
61.2%
No Religion
30.9%
Buddhism
0.5%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
123 (12.1%)
5-14 years
234 (23.0%)
15-19 years
103 (10.1%)
20-24 years
71 (7.0%)
25-34 years
172 (16.9%)
35-44 years
98 (9.6%)
45-54 years
108 (10.6%)
55-64 years
69 (6.8%)
65-74 years
36 (3.5%)
75-84 years
8 (0.8%)
85+ years
0 (0.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Woorabinda known for? +

Woorabinda is known as one of Queensland's Aboriginal shire communities, with a strong cultural identity connected to the Gangulu people of the Central Highlands. The community is notable for its high proportion of Aboriginal residents and its vibrant sporting culture, particularly rugby league.

How far is Woorabinda from Rockhampton? +

Woorabinda is approximately 180 kilometres north-west of Rockhampton, typically a 1.75 to 2.5 hour drive depending on road conditions. The nearest larger town is Emerald, about 115 kilometres to the north.

Does Woorabinda have public transport? +

Woorabinda has very limited public transport options given its remote location. There is no rail service, and community transport must be arranged for travel to Emerald or Rockhampton. A private vehicle or organised community transport is the primary means of getting around.

What is the population of Woorabinda? +

According to the 2021 Census, Woorabinda has a population of 1,019 residents. The community has a young demographic with a median age of 23, and 91% of residents identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Is Woorabinda a good place to live? +

Woorabinda suits those with strong community ties or cultural connections to the region, offering a close-knit community lifestyle in a remote rural setting. The community provides essential services including schooling and health care, though access to a wider range of amenities requires travelling to Emerald or Rockhampton.

What is the postcode for Woorabinda? +

The postcode for Woorabinda is 4713, which covers the Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire in Central Queensland.