🔍

Yowah

QLD 4490 • Queensland

126
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
2909.33 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteOutbackRuralHistoric

About Yowah

Yowah is a remote outback town and locality in the Shire of Paroo, in south-west Queensland, approximately 959 kilometres west of Brisbane. With a small population of 126, the community is centred on opal mining and retains the rugged, self-sufficient character of Australia's far outback. The locality spans a vast 2,909 square kilometres of mulga and gibber plain country at the edge of the Channel Country.

Yowah is renowned throughout Australia and internationally for 'Yowah nuts' — a rare type of ironstone boulder containing precious opal found almost exclusively in this region. The town hosts the annual Yowah Opal Festival, drawing fossickers, collectors, and travellers from around the country. Facilities are basic and suited to the small mining community, with a general store, campground, and pub serving as the social hub for both locals and visiting fossickers.

Yowah falls under postcode 4490 and is governed by the Paroo Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Maranoa, while state elections fall under the Warrego electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4490
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Paroo
Federal Electorate
Maranoa
State Electorate
Warrego
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.42°, 145.60°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
2909.33 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
0m

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🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular bus service — Cunnamulla (nearest major town) ~2 hrs by car

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
959 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
10–11 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
9–10 hrs

🛣️ Accessible via the Cunnamulla Road; 4WD recommended on some tracks. Nearest larger town is Cunnamulla (158 km east).

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A remote outback mining town where a car or 4WD is essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Paroo Local Government Area, which contains Yowah. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,769.7 / 100k
2yr Down 17.6% 10yr Up 131.0%
Motor vehicle theft
519.3 / 100k
2yr Down 25.3% 10yr Up 333.1%
Non-FV assault
3,577.6 / 100k
2yr Up 37.1% 10yr Up 42.1%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
981 / 100k
2yr Down 32.3% 10yr Up 63.6%
View all offence categories for Paroo →

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
126
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
N/A
Personal Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yowah known for? +

Yowah is famous for 'Yowah nuts' — unique ironstone boulders containing precious opal found almost exclusively in this part of south-west Queensland. The town is a popular destination for fossickers and opal enthusiasts, and hosts the annual Yowah Opal Festival.

How far is Yowah from Brisbane? +

Yowah is approximately 959 kilometres west of Brisbane, requiring a drive of around 9–11 hours via Cunnamulla and outback Queensland roads.

Does Yowah have public transport? +

There is no public transport serving Yowah. The nearest rail access is at Charleville or Cunnamulla, both several hours away. A private vehicle — ideally a 4WD — is essential for reaching and travelling around the area.

What is the population of Yowah? +

According to the 2021 Census, Yowah has a population of 126 people, making it a small and tight-knit outback community. Numbers can fluctuate with mining activity and the seasonal influx of fossickers.

Is Yowah a good place to live? +

Yowah suits those drawn to a self-sufficient outback lifestyle, fossicking, and opal mining. The remote location means amenities are limited, but the unique landscape and community spirit appeal to those seeking an off-the-beaten-track way of life.

What is the postcode for Yowah? +

The postcode for Yowah, Queensland is 4490.

Is Yowah a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Yowah is part of the Paroo LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.