Ooralea suburb profile
Ooralea is a growing suburb located on the outskirts of Mackay, Queensland, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and convenient amenities. Situated just a short drive from Mackay's city center, Ooralea offers residents a peaceful suburban lifestyle with easy access to urban conveniences. The suburb is home to the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, providing a beautiful natural retreat for locals. Ooralea is also close to the Central Queensland University campus, making it a popular choice for students and academics. With its blend of modern housing developments and green spaces, Ooralea is an appealing destination for families and professionals alike.
Ooralea property market performance
Ooralea’s property market has shown robust growth in the housing sector over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 11.9%. The current median house price stands at $773,000. However, the unit market remains inactive, with no sales or value changes reported. This indicates a strong preference for houses in the area.
Sales activity for houses has been moderate, with 18 houses sold in the past 12 months. Houses are selling quickly, with a median of just 14 days on the market, reflecting high demand and buyer interest.
In the rental market, house rents have seen a modest increase of 1.4%, with the average rent at $700. Units, despite no sales activity, have experienced a 3.6% rise in rent, averaging $570, suggesting some demand in the rental sector.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | $725K | N/A |
Change in value Past 12 months | 11.8% | N/A |
Sold Past 3 months | 17 | N/A |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 14 | N/A |
Average rent Past 12 months | $730 | $570 |
Change in rent Past 12 months | 8.5% | 3.6% |
5 year median price trend for houses and units
Ooralea demographics
Ooralea, a suburb in the Mackay region of Queensland, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. With a population of 3,691, it is a community that balances family life with the benefits of living close to a regional city. The median age of 35 suggests a youthful yet mature population, likely comprising young families and professionals who appreciate the suburb's family-friendly environment and proximity to employment opportunities in Mackay.
The suburb's housing landscape is characterized by a strong sense of ownership, with 31.6% of properties owned outright and 42% owned with a mortgage. This indicates a stable community with a significant number of long-term residents. The rental market, accounting for 26.4% of properties, provides options for those seeking flexibility, including newcomers and those transitioning into home ownership.
Family life is a prominent feature of Ooralea, with 47.4% of households being couple families with children, and 38.5% being couple families without children. This demographic composition highlights the suburb's appeal to both growing families and couples enjoying a quieter lifestyle. The presence of one-parent families, making up 12.4% of households, adds to the suburb's diversity and community spirit. Overall, Ooralea offers a welcoming environment with a strong sense of community, making it an attractive place for families and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Ooralea infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Ooralea is benefiting from ongoing residential expansion, with nearby masterplanned estates such as Ooralea Waters adding new housing stock, modern streetscapes and improved parkland connections that enhance the suburb’s appeal to families and investors.[8] Its position on the southern approach to Mackay, close to major employment hubs and retail centres, supports steady buyer demand and underpins recent strong capital growth.[2][6]
Proximity to established education options in the wider Mackay area, along with easy access to key arterial roads, contributes to good connectivity for commuters and students, which is a drawcard for owner-occupiers and renters alike.[2][4] At present there are no widely publicised large-scale new transport or school projects within Ooralea itself, so property performance is being driven mainly by incremental residential development, regional infrastructure and the suburb’s convenient location.
Ooralea rental market trends
The rental market in Ooralea has experienced modest growth, with house rents increasing by 1.4% over the past year to $700 per week, while unit rents have risen 3.6% to $570 per week. This steady growth reflects a stable demand in the area, making Ooralea an attractive option for renters seeking affordability and convenience in Queensland.
Suburbs near Ooralea
Some popular suburbs near Ooralea include:
How does Ooralea compare to nearby suburbs?
- Median house prices: Ooralea’s median house price is 9.0% higher than South Mackay’s.
- House price growth: Property prices in nearby West Mackay have risen 3.9% more than in Ooralea over the past year.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in Ooralea are selling 17.6% faster than in West Mackay.

