Idalia, Queensland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Idalia Townsville, Queensland
Ross River Meatworks Chimney, 2009
Idalia Location in Queensland
Population	4,563 (2021 census)
• Density	1,304/km2 (3,380/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4811
Area	3.5 km2 (1.4 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10:00)
Location	5.2 km (3 mi) S of Townsville CBD 355 km (221 mi) SSE of Cairns 1,328 km (825 mi) NNW of Brisbane
LGA(s)	City of Townsville
State electorate(s)	Mundingburra
Federal Division(s)	Herbert
Suburbs around Idalia: Rosslea Oonoonba Oonoonba Annandale Idalia Oonoonba Annandale Wulguru Cluden

Idalia is an exciting suburb in the sunny City of Townsville, located in Queensland, Australia. It sits just south of the main city centre and offers plenty of outdoor spaces for families. In the 2021 census count, Idalia had a population of 4,563 people living in its neighbourhoods.

Exploring the Geography of Idalia

Idalia sits in a very neat location surrounded by roads, rails, and water. The eastern edge is bordered by the busy North Coast railway line. The winding Ross River flows along its north-western border, providing cool breezes and scenic views.

Major travel routes run directly beside the community. Drivers use the famous Bruce Highway along the southern border. Travellers can also take the Townsville Connection Road to the west or South Townsville Road to the east. Idalia shares borders with friendly neighbouring communities like Annandale, Oonoonba, Cluden, and Wulguru.

Clever Saltwater Lakes

Idalia features three large man-made saltwater lakes. Engineers built these lakes inside the Fairfield Waters housing development. They look pretty, but they also have an important job. During tropical storms, the lakes safely collect heavy rain so water does not flood local streets.

Old Railway Stops

Long ago, train transport was very important here. The area includes an old neighbourhood called Quealban near a former train stop on the railway line. Two other old train stops once welcomed passengers nearby:

• Oonoonba railway station
• Cluden railway station

Discovering the History of Idalia

The local neighbourhood name Quealban has deep roots in Australian heritage. The name was made official by the Queensland Railways Department on 22 May 1914. It comes from an Aboriginal word that means curlew, which is a type of long-legged bird.

Idalia used to be a quiet industrial area with factories and open work yards. That changed when developers created the new Fairfield Waters neighbourhood. Hundreds of families moved in, and the suburb nearly tripled in size with modern houses, pathways, and parks.

Facing the Big 2019 Flood

Living in tropical northern Queensland means dealing with extreme weather. The town experienced the severe 2019 Townsville flood after record-breaking monsoon rains fell over several days. Water filled many streets, homes, and local shops across the suburb. The local community worked hard to rebuild their parks and buildings better than ever.

Historic Meatworks Chimney

Idalia is home to cool heritage-listed history. Standing tall near Stuart Drive is the famous Ross River Meatworks Chimney. This giant brick tower reminds visitors of the early factories that once helped the northern cattle industry thrive.

Schools and Learning in Idalia

Oonoonba State School surrounded by water during the 2019 Townsville flood

Children in Idalia can attend primary school right in their own neighbourhood. Oonoonba State School first opened its doors on 15 November 1920. Today, it teaches boys and girls from Prep through Year 6 and includes a dedicated special education program.

Older students travel just across the river to attend high school. The nearest public secondary campus is William Ross State High School in neighbouring Annandale.

Fun Activities and Sports

There are many fun outdoor spots in Idalia for kids who love sports and fresh air:

• Townsville Velodrome: A special outdoor track on Stuart Drive with steep, banked curves where members of the Townsville Cycle Club race bikes.
• Pony Club Reserve: A large green field where young riders practice horse riding with the Townsville District Pony Club.
• Fairfield Central: A big local shopping mall where families grab groceries and meet friends for lunch.
• Local Parks: Green play spaces including Lakeshore Circuit park, Gordon Creek park, and Edgewater Circuit park for running and games.