Janelle Bourne
51 Deedes Crescent, Bushland Beach QLD 4818
Where Coastal Living Meets Water Views & Endless Potential
Offers over $159,000
🏛️ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-13)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Bushland Beach — Bindal and Wulgurukaba Country
Originally a remote coastal strip used for fishing and weekend recreation, Bushland Beach underwent significant transformation in the 1990s. It was developed as a master-planned residential enclave to support Townsville's northward expansion.
Today it is a sought-after 'lifestyle' suburb characterized by modern low-set brick homes, wide streets, and a strong community focus centered around the local tavern and beach front.
Overall Score
7.4
A high-performing lifestyle suburb balanced by environmental risks and distance from the CBD.
Name Origin
Descriptive name referring to the original landscape of native bushland meeting the Coral Sea coastline.
Established
Gazetted 1983
Beach Access
Direct access to a 3.5km stretch of sandy coastline.
Wildlife
Known nesting site for sea turtles and diverse birdlife.
Local Landmark
The Bushland Beach Tavern is a regional destination for sunset dining.
📊 Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0–10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
8.2
Strong demand driven by interstate migration and low stock levels in the Townsville region.
Amenity
6.5
Good local essentials including a shopping plaza and tavern, but relies on nearby Burdell for major retail.
Schools
5.8
No schools within the suburb itself; residents rely on North Shore and Bohlevale catchment areas.
Transport
4.5
Highly car-dependent with limited public transport frequency to the Townsville CBD.
Risk Profile
4.2
Significant considerations regarding storm surge, cyclones, and rising insurance premiums.
Liveability
8.5
Exceptional for families seeking a quiet, beachside environment with modern housing.
Demographics
7.8
Dominated by young families and defense personnel with higher-than-average household incomes.
Rental Demand
8.4
Extremely tight vacancy rates reflecting the broader Townsville housing shortage.
Growth Potential
7.2
Solid prospects due to limited new land releases and continued infrastructure investment in the North.
Affordability
6.8
Higher entry point than inland neighbors but offers better value than southern coastal capitals.
Crime & Safety
7.5
Generally considered safer than inner-city Townsville suburbs, though opportunistic crime occurs.
Walkability
3.8
Low walkability score as most services require a vehicle, though beach paths are excellent.
⚡ Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Median House
$645,000
Steady 6.5% annual growth
Vacancy Rate
0.8%
Critically undersupplied
Family Ratio
52%
Couples with children
Risk Zone
Storm Tide
Check council flood maps
CBD Commute
25-30 mins
Via Bruce Highway/Shaw Rd
Zoning
Low Density
Preserving suburb character
✅ Key Advantages
- Premium coastal lifestyle with direct beach access and boat ramp.
- Modern housing stock with minimal immediate renovation requirements.
- Strong sense of community and family-friendly atmosphere.
- High rental yields and extremely low vacancy rates for investors.
- Proximity to the North Shore shopping precinct and aquatic center.
⚠️ Key Watch-Outs
- High insurance premiums due to cyclone and flood overlays.
- Presence of biting midges and sandflies, particularly near mangroves.
- Lack of primary or secondary schools within the suburb boundaries.
- Limited public transport options making a car essential.
- Potential for coastal erosion in long-term climate projections.
🏘️ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
🏙️ Character
Coastal Family
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
🏠 Property Types
Predominantly modern 4-bedroom detached houses on 600sqm+ blocks.
Dominant dwelling stock.
💰 Price Range
$580k – $950k
Typical entry to ceiling.
💡 Why It Matters
Bushland Beach represents the 'aspirational' end of the northern growth corridor. It attracts buyers who want a beach lifestyle without the price tag of Magnetic Island or North Ward, while remaining within commuting distance of major employers like the Hospital and RAAF base.
💰 Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
🏠 House Median
$645,000
$580k – $950k
🏢 Unit Median
$385,000
$340k – $450k
📈 Price Trend
+6.5% past 12 months
12-month movement
🔑 Weekly Rents
Houses $580pw, Units $420pw
Current asking rents
📉 5-Year Price History
🏘️ Property Type Split
Prices have moved from 'affordable' to 'mid-market' rapidly. The gap between older homes and new builds is widening, rewarding those who maintain their properties.
🎯 Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
🏙️ vs Metro Average
12% above Townsville LGA median
Price comparison
📋 Income Ratio
5.8x annual household income
Median price ÷ median income
💳 Gross Yield
4.7% gross yield
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
While more expensive than neighboring Mount Low, it remains highly affordable compared to Queensland's South East corner. High insurance costs must be factored into monthly serviceability.
🔥 Rental Demand
Vacancy rates, demand pressure, tenant profile, and investor outlook.
📊 Vacancy Rate
0.8%
Lower = tighter market
⏱️ Days to Lease
16 days
Avg time on market
📈 Rent Growth p.a.
+8.5% pa
Annual rental increase
Demand Level
Very High
👤 Tenant Profile
Defense families, healthcare professionals, and young families awaiting new builds.
💼 Investor Outlook
Excellent cash-flow potential with low vacancy risk. Capital growth is supported by the lack of available beachfront land in the northern corridor.
🚀 Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+6.5%
1-Year Growth
+22% cumulative
3-Year Growth
+53% cumulative
5-Year Growth
📍 Growth Drivers
- Continued expansion of the Townsville Northern Growth Corridor.
- Ongoing investment in the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct nearby.
- Limited future land releases with direct beach proximity.
- Interstate migration seeking lifestyle-oriented regional hubs.
⛔ Headwinds
- Rising cost of home insurance in North Queensland.
- Interest rate sensitivity for young family demographic.
- Environmental constraints limiting further seaward development.
🔮 5-Year Outlook
Expect moderate but steady growth. As Burdell reaches capacity, Bushland Beach will consolidate its position as the premium coastal choice for the northern suburbs.
🛡️ Crime & Safety
Safety index, trend comparison, and what to check locally.
7.2
Safety Score
Above Average
📉 Trend
Stable
vs last 12 months
🏙️ vs Metro Average
18% below Townsville average crime rate
Relative comparison
Risk Categories
Property Crime: Medium
Personal Safety: Low
Traffic/Hooning: Medium
📋 What to Check Locally
Check local police heat maps for specific streets; property crime is often opportunistic and targets unlocked vehicles.
⚠️ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
📋 Summary
Environmental factors are the primary concern, specifically related to the suburb's low-lying coastal geography.
🌊 Flood Risk
Significant portions are subject to storm tide inundation. Refer to the Townsville City Council City Plan flood maps for lot-specific data.
🔥 Bushfire Risk
Generally low risk, but properties bordering the northern conservation zones should maintain fire breaks.
🏦 Insurance Impact
Critical to obtain insurance quotes before signing a contract; premiums can be significantly higher than inland Townsville.
🗺️ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
📐 Typical Zoning
Low Density Residential
🔲 Overlays
Coastal Hazard (Storm Tide), Flood Hazard, Airport Environs (Noise).
🏗️ Development Hotspots
Final stages of existing master-planned estates; very little 'greenfield' land remains.
Strict zoning ensures the suburb maintains its low-density, family-friendly feel without the risk of high-rise encroachment.
🌳 Liveability
Day-to-day experience — transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
🚌 Transport
Car-dependent; limited bus services to Stockland and CBD.
🛍️ Amenity & Retail
Bushland Beach Plaza provides Coles, pharmacy, and specialty shops.
🌲 Parks & Recreation
Excellent network of local parks, playgrounds, and beach exercise paths.
🏫 Schools
Requires travel to Burdell or Deeragun for primary and secondary education.
🏥 Healthcare
Local GP clinic available; 20-minute drive to Townsville University Hospital.
👥 Demographics
Who lives here — income, age, ownership, and education levels.
A professional and defense-heavy demographic with high rates of home ownership and young children.
💵 Median Income
$105,000 pa (Household)
🏠 Ownership
72% owner-occupied (including mortgaged), 28% renting
🎂 Age Profile
Median age 34
🎓 Education
High proportion of vocational and trade qualifications, plus defense-related certifications.
📊 Age Distribution
The young demographic ensures long-term demand for family-sized homes and local recreational facilities.
🏗️ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
📋 Overview
Focus has shifted from new land releases to infrastructure and amenity upgrades.
📈 Positive Impacts
- Upgrades to the Bruce Highway (Townsville Ring Road) improving CBD access.
- Expansion of retail services in neighboring North Shore (Burdell).
- Proposed improvements to the local boat ramp and foreshore facilities.
📉 Negative Impacts
- Increased traffic congestion on Mount Low Parkway during peak hours.
- Loss of some natural scrubland as final lots are built out.
🗺️ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
📍Mount Low
Position
Adjacent (Inland)
Price
15% cheaper
Lifestyle
No direct beach access; more industrial/bush feel.
Best for
Budget-conscious families.
📍Burdell
Position
South-East
Price
Similar
Lifestyle
Urban hub with more shops and schools; no beach.
Best for
Those prioritizing convenience over lifestyle.
📍Pallarenda
Position
South (Coastal)
Price
30% more expensive
Lifestyle
Older, more established, closer to CBD.
Best for
High-net-worth buyers and retirees.
🔍 Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile — useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
Bargara
QLD
7.6/10
Coastal master-planned feel with a mix of modern homes and tourism appeal.
Emu Park
QLD
7.2/10
Regional beachside community with a strong local identity and family focus.
Burpengary East
QLD
7.4/10
Growth corridor suburb offering larger modern homes near water access.
Point Cook
VIC
7.1/10
Master-planned coastal suburb with high family density and car dependency.
💬 Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
📊 Overall Community Sentiment
Residents are fiercely loyal to the 'Bushy' lifestyle, citing the beach and tavern as major draws, though midges and the commute are common complaints.
★★★★★
Lifestyle
Best place in Townsville to raise kids. They can ride their bikes to the beach and it feels very safe.
Safety
Lifestyle
★★★★☆
Value
Got a modern 4-bedder for much less than I'd pay in Brisbane. The midges are annoying but you get used to it.
Affordability
Insects
★★★★☆
Commute
Easy run to the base most days, but the traffic on Mount Low Parkway is getting worse every year.
Location
Traffic
★★★☆☆
Amenities
The tavern is lovely for lunch, but I wish we had a proper medical center and more buses.
Dining
Services
★★★★★
Investment
Never had a day of vacancy in three years. Tenants love the area and the yields are fantastic.
Rental Demand
Yield
★★★★☆
Schools
The school run to North Shore is only 10 minutes, but a local primary school would make this suburb perfect.
Community
Education
💡 Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
🧑💼 Buyer Strategy
- Prioritize homes on higher ground to minimize storm tide risk.
- Check the age and condition of the air conditioning units; they are essential here.
- Verify if the property is within the 'Midge' zone near the northern mangroves.
- Request a recent insurance premium quote before making an offer.
- Look for properties with side access for boats or caravans, as this is high in demand.
- Negotiate on properties with older roofs; cyclone resilience is a key value driver.
❓ Questions to Ask the Agent
- Is this property located in a designated storm tide inundation zone?
- What were the most recent insurance premiums for this specific address?
- Has the property ever experienced internal flooding during the 2019 Townsville floods?
- Are there any active body corporate fees for this estate (if applicable)?
- What is the current waitlist for the nearest childcare centers?
- Is the property wired for NBN (FTTP or FTTN)?
- Are there any known issues with biting midges at this specific end of the street?
🏷️ Seller Strategy
- Highlight outdoor entertaining areas and proximity to the beach.
- Ensure gardens are tropical but low-maintenance to appeal to defense tenants.
- Provide a recent building and pest report to speed up the contract process.
- Showcase energy-efficient features like solar panels to offset cooling costs.
- Professional photography at sunset near the beach can significantly boost interest.
📣 Positioning Tips
Position the property as a 'lifestyle sanctuary'. Emphasize the move-in-ready nature of the home and the community benefits of the Bushland Beach location.
💼 Investment Case
High-yield play with strong capital protection due to land scarcity.
⚠️ Investment Risks
High insurance costs and potential for environmental damage from tropical storms.
📈 Action Plan
- Target 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom homes with double garages.
- Ensure the property has a high-quality fence for pet-owning tenants.
- Budget for higher-than-average insurance and maintenance (AC/Pools).
- Focus on the 'North Shore' side of the suburb for better school access.
🔑 Renter Tips
- Apply quickly; properties often lease after the first inspection.
- Check for security screens on all windows.
- Ask about the frequency of pest control for midges.
🏘️ What Renters Love Here
Beach lifestyle, modern homes, quiet streets.
⚠️ Renter Watch-Outs
Car is mandatory; limited nightlife outside the tavern.
🏢 Landlord Strategy
- Include pool maintenance in the rent to ensure the asset is protected.
- Install high-quality ceiling fans in every room.
- Regularly clear gutters to prepare for the wet season.
📋 Compliance & Management
Ensure smoke alarms meet the latest QLD 2022/2027 legislative requirements.
🤝 Agent Insights
- Stock levels remain 30% below long-term averages.
- Interstate buyers are often purchasing sight-unseen based on yield.
- The 'Tavern precinct' remains the most requested location.
🎯 Marketing Angles
The 'Resort at Home' angle works best for this suburb.
👤 Target Buyer Profile
Young families, relocating defense members, and southern investors.
✅ Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
✓
Review Townsville City Council Flood Maps.
✓
Obtain a formal insurance quote.
✓
Check the QLD Heritage Register (unlikely but best practice).
✓
Verify school catchment zones via the QLD Department of Education.
✓
Inspect the roof for cyclone tie-down compliance.
✓
Check for signs of salt-air corrosion on external fittings.
✓
Assess the condition of the pool pump and filtration system.
✓
Review the Title Deed for any restrictive covenants or easements.
✓
Confirm the presence of security screens and deadlocks.
✓
Visit the street at dusk to check for insect activity and noise levels.
✓
Verify the distance to the nearest public transport stop.
✓
Check for any planned developments in the adjacent scrubland.
📚 Government Sources & Disclaimer
Official council and government links only. Always verify independently before any property decision.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This report is based on data available as of 2026-03-13 and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial or legal advice. Buyers should conduct their own independent investigations and consult with qualified professionals before making any property purchase.
