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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Holloways Beach has an estimated 2,389 residents. That puts 427 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to the analysis of ABS demographic updates for the wider region and new addresses verified by AreaSearch since the Census, the suburb of Holloways Beach has a population of approximately 2,389 as of May 2026. This indicates a contraction of 9 people (0.4%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 2,398 people. The variation is calculated from the resident population of 2,385, estimated by AreaSearch following analysis of the most recent ERP data from the ABS (June 2025) and 1 verified new address since the Census date.
This population corresponds to a density of 426 persons per square kilometer, which translates to a large amount of space per resident and potential room for future development. Demographic expansion in this locality was mostly stimulated by overseas migration, which made up roughly 75.0% of overall population increases in recent times, though all indicators, including interstate migration and natural growth, were positive. AreaSearch implements ABS/Geoscience Australia forecasts for each SA2 region, published in 2024 with 2022 as the baseline. For any SA2 regions without this coverage, and for years after 2032, Queensland State Government SA2 forecasts, published in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are utilized. These state projections do not separate data by age bracket; therefore, where applied, AreaSearch distributes proportional growth weights based on the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, using 2022 data) for each age bracket. Factoring in these expected age changes, a population rise slightly under the median for regional parts of Australia is anticipated, with the suburb of Holloways Beach expected to grow by 179 persons by 2041 based on compiled SA2-level forecasts, showing a gain of 7.3% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
The suburb of Holloways Beach has very quiet development volume, averaging 1 approvals per year (7 approvals over five years). These minimal construction volumes reflect the regional nature of the locality, where building activity is generally prompted by specific local residential requirements rather than broad market dynamics. Note that with such minimal approval numbers, annual growth rates and comparative percentages can fluctuate significantly due to single projects. The suburb of Holloways Beach has much lower building activity compared to Rest of Qld. Construction rates are also below national benchmarks. Furthermore, new building activity has consisted entirely of townhouses or apartments.
This concentration on high-density residential options provides lower-cost options for buyers and draws downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. This represents a major shift away from traditional housing layouts (which stand at 63.0% houses), indicating a reduction in available building land and showing a response to changing lifestyle choices and housing cost pressures. The calculation of 4785 people in the locality for each housing approval highlights the quiet, low-activity building market. Projections for the future indicate the suburb of Holloways Beach will add 175 residents by 2041 (starting from the most recent AreaSearch quarterly calculation). At current building rates, housing additions might struggle to keep pace with population expansion, which could increase competition among buyers and support price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Holloways Beach
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 36 current infrastructure and development projects close to Holloways Beach, worth an estimated $4.95 billion. 12 are already under construction and 18 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, education & training and communities, precincts & urban renewal. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and council planning schemes have a significant impact on local performance. In total, no projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are expected to influence the area. Principal projects include Navigation Drive Road Link, Cairns Airport International Terminal Upgrade, Bluewater Living, and Cairns Ring Road, with the listing below details showing the most significant developments.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Navigation Drive Road Link
Construction of a new two-lane trunk road linking the existing sections of Navigation Drive between Trinity Beach and Trinity Park. The project will improve local connectivity, reduce reliance on the Captain Cook Highway and support future growth in the northern beaches area. Works remain in progress with completion targeted for December 2025, subject to weather and site conditions.
Half Moon Bay Estate
A community title scheme estate featuring 249 residential house and land packages on a 19.58ha beachfront site at Trinity Park. Approved by Cairns Regional Council, the project will dedicate about 35% of the site to open space, including a mangrove conservation area and wetlands rehabilitation.
Kanimbla Heights Estate
Kanimbla Heights Estate is a long-running masterplanned hillside residential subdivision in Kanimbla, Cairns. The estate began as a masterplan in 2001 and has been delivered in multiple stages, with engineering records identifying Stage 24 as under construction and marketing continuing for elevated premium land releases. The project provides serviced residential lots on steep terrain near the Macalister Range, with engineered drainage, slope and road works designed for high rainfall conditions and views toward Cairns, Trinity Inlet and surrounding hills.Recent public development data also records a pending 2026 minor change application for a 14-lot reconfiguration with access, easements and road works in Kanimbla.
Seascape Terraces, Trinity Park
Residential development featuring terraced housing and apartments in Trinity Park. Multiple building types proposed with contemporary tropical architecture and landscaped outdoor spaces.
Bluewater Living
A master-planned community spanning 155 hectares with parkland, rainforest, waterfront home sites, and a 108-berth marina, offering a blend of natural beauty, security, and community amenities.
Woolworths Trinity Beach Shopping Centre
A $60 million retail development by Fabcot Pty Ltd, Woolworths' property arm. Following years of planning delays and legal challenges, construction is underway with completion targeted for Q2 2027. The project features a 3,800sqm full-line Woolworths supermarket, approximately 15 specialty retail stores, a medical/consulting precinct, 269 on-grade car parks, six direct-to-boot bays, and four electric vehicle charging stations.
Cairns Chinese Culture and Heritage Centre
Queensland's first purpose-built Chinese Culture and Heritage Centre, located in the cultural precinct of Edge Hill opposite the Centenary Lakes Chinese Friendship Gardens. The $4 million project is jointly funded by the Crisafulli Queensland Government ($2.7 million) and CADCAI. Designed by local firm TPG Architects and constructed by local builder MyBuildGroup, the centre will house the nationally significant Lit Sung Goong Temple artefacts collection of over 240 objects, alongside climate-controlled exhibition spaces, a community performing arts hub, and research and education facilities.A groundbreaking ceremony was held in February 2026, with construction expected to complete in late 2026 and the grand opening scheduled for Chinese New Year 2027.
Johanna Road Residential Development
Completed in 2024, a fully leased 20-dwelling build-to-rent estate (mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes) at Trinity Beach, designed for long term rental demand and positioned near JCU and Smithfield services.
1,324 residents of Holloways Beach are employed, from a labour force of 1,396. Unemployment sits at 5.2%, with participation at 65.7%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.9% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,779, about 74% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The suburb of Holloways Beach has a qualified workforce, with strong representation in essential services industries, and an unemployment rate of 5.2%, based on AreaSearch compilations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 1,324 residents are employed, while the jobless rate is 1.2% higher than the Regional Qld rate of 3.9%, and labour force participation matches the Regional Qld rate of 64.3%. Census data indicates that a moderate 13.9% of residents worked from their homes, although the influence of Covid-19 restrictions should be kept in mind. The main industries employing local residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training.
The area exhibits a notable concentration in health care & social assistance, with a workforce share that is 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.7% of the local workforce, which is below the 4.5% seen in Regional Qld. The area presents sparse employment opportunities locally, as shown by comparing the working population at the Census against the resident population. Based on AreaSearch research of SALM and ABS statistics, aggregated from broader regional areas, over the 12 months leading to March 2026, workforce levels contracted by 3.0% alongside a 5.3% employment reduction, which caused the unemployment rate to climb by 2.3 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.1%, labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment go up by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia from May-25 can give more perspective on future demand in the suburb of Holloways Beach. These forecasts, spanning five and ten-year horizons, have been aligned with the local employment profile to estimate growth. Although national employment is predicted to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary greatly across different sectors. Applying these industry-specific forecasts to the employment mix in the suburb of Holloways Beach indicates local employment should grow by 6.9% over five years and 14.2% over ten years (note that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustration and does not incorporate local population projections).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Holloways Beach is $1,342 a week (about $70,000 a year), with median personal income at $788 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $51,703 a year against an average of $62,297. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to the most recent postcode level ATO data from AreaSearch released for financial year 2023, the median income of taxpayers in the suburb of Holloways Beach is $51,703, with an average of $62,297. This sits below the national average, and compares to a median of $53,146 and average of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current projections would be roughly $57,576 (median) and $69,374 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census data shows individual income sits at the 47th percentile ($788 weekly), whereas household income is at the 23rd percentile.
Looking at the income brackets, the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings bracket contains 30.2% of the local population (721 individuals), mirroring regional patterns where 31.7% are in this bracket. Housing affordability strain is significant, with only 83.3% of income remaining, placing the area in the 23rd percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Holloways Beach had 992 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 63% detached houses and 3% apartments. 34% are owned with a mortgage, 37% rented and 29% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $305 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,400 a month. Rent absorbs 22.7% of household income here and mortgage repayments 24.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Residential structures in the suburb of Holloways Beach, recorded at the most recent Census, consisted of 63.0% houses and 37.1% other residences (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' structures), compared to Regional Qld's breakdown of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other residences. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Holloways Beach were lower than in Regional Qld, at 28.6%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (34.4%) or rented (36.9%). The median monthly home loan repayment was below the Regional Qld average at $1,400, while the median weekly rent was $305, compared to Regional Qld averages of $1,655 and $345.
On a national level, mortgage costs in the suburb of Holloways Beach are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also well below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Holloways Beach counted 992 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.1 people each. 18% are couples with children, fewer than in 92% of areas nationally, against 24% couples without children. 37% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.4 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 56.9%, consisting of 17.6% couples with children, 23.9% couples without children, and 14.4% single parents. Non-family households account for the remaining 43.1%, with single-person households at 36.8% and group living situations making up 6.2%. The median household occupancy of 2.1 people is lower than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
24.0% of adults in Holloways Beach hold a university qualification, including 16.4% with a bachelor degree and 4.8% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 99% of areas nationally. A further 30.0% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Academic credentials in the suburb of Holloways Beach are lower than regional averages, with 24.0% of residents aged 15+ holding tertiary degrees, compared to 30.4% across Australia. This difference points to opportunities for future educational growth and training. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational and technical training is common, with 42.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (30.0%). Enrolment in education is high, with 29.0% of the population currently undertaking formal studies.
This includes 8.9% in primary school, 8.6% in high school, and 4.1% in tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Holloways Beach reaches 7 stops on 2 routes, timetabled for about 230 services a week. The typical home sits about 260 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.3 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport options include 7 active transit stops operating in the suburb of Holloways Beach, which include a mix of bus services. These stops are served by 2 separate routes, providing a total of 226 passenger trips weekly. Accessibility to transit is rated as good, with residents living an average of 255 meters from the nearest stop. Because this is a residential suburb, most workers commute out of the area, with cars remaining the main transport choice at 93%. Car ownership stands at an average of 1.3 per home, which is below the regional average.
Around 13.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; potentially influenced by COVID-19 rules). Service frequency is around 32 trips daily across the transport network, which translates to roughly 32 weekly trips for each transport stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
67.0% of residents in Holloways Beach report no long-term health condition. 5.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 51.9% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators in the suburb of Holloways Beach are close to national averages, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic illness prevalence, showing a typical spread of medical issues across young and old cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is low at roughly 52% of the population (~1,239 people). The most prevalent health issues in the locality are mental health conditions and arthritis, affecting 9.6 and 8.6% of the population respectively, while 67.0% of residents reported no chronic health issues compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld.
Working-age people show higher than average rates of chronic health issues. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 21.5% of the community (513 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes for these older residents are very strong, with rankings exceeding those of the general population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
26.1% of Holloways Beach residents were born overseas and 9.6% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (28.2%) and Australian (21.6%). 3.3% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
The suburb of Holloways Beach displays above average cultural diversity, with 9.6% of residents speaking a non-English language at home and 26.1% born overseas. The main religious affiliation is Christianity, representing 40.0% of the population. The most prominent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of residents, compared to 0.1% in Regional Qld. In terms of family origins (parental country of birth), the top three ancestries represented in the suburb of Holloways Beach are English at 28.2%, Australian at 21.6%, and Irish at 10.5%. There are also distinct differences in other ancestral groups: Dutch is overrepresented at 2.2% of the population (compared to 1.1% regionally), Scottish is at 9.4% (compared to 7.8%) and French is at 0.7% (compared to 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Holloways Beach is 46, older than 82% of areas nationally. 21.0% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 46 years in the suburb of Holloways Beach is much higher than the Regional Qld average of 41 and the national average of 38. Compared to Regional Qld, there is a higher concentration of residents aged 55 - 64 (17.0%) but fewer children aged 5 - 14 (8.5%). This group of 55 - 64 year olds is also higher than the national share of 11.2%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 4.1% to 6.4% of the population, and the 35 to 44 age bracket has risen from 12.7% to 14.0%.
On the other hand, children aged 5 to 14 have decreased from 10.2% to 8.5%, and the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 17.2% to 15.7%. By 2041, the age distribution in the suburb of Holloways Beach is expected to undergo shifts. The 25 to 34 age bracket is projected to grow by 22% (59 people), rising from 272 to 332, while the cohorts aged 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 are expected to decrease in size.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Holloways Beach
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | May 2026 3 months ago all 13 measures |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 1 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,398 at the 2021 Census → 2,389 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL31348). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.