Southern, Upper Ross and western
Idalia real estate agent — Shelly Lynham
Idalia QLD 4811 · about 5 km from the Townsville CBD
Idalia is a modern riverside suburb about 5 km from the CBD, built around the Fairfield Waters lakes and the Ross River. With around 4,560 residents at the 2021 Census, it offers a newer style of living close to the city, with lakeside parks, walking paths along the river and Fairfield Central shopping centre, with Coles and Woolworths, in the suburb.
Read more about Idalia
The housing includes modern executive homes around the lakes, townhouses and newer apartments, and riverside family homes. Buyers include professionals, defence and health families, and downsizers wanting a low-maintenance home. Lavarack Barracks is under 4 km away and the hospital and JCU about 5 to 6 km. Oonoonba State School, despite its name, sits inside Idalia.
Townsville's racecourse is next door in Cluden. Idalia sits on the Ross River, and parts were badly flooded in February 2019, so every buyer should check the council's flood maps and insurance for the address, and sellers should have flood history and any repairs documented.
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The Townsville market
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Townsville (whole city) medians, March 2026 quarter. Source: Queensland Government Statistician's Office (CC BY 4.0). The latest quarter is preliminary.
- Houses $700,000 +15.7% on a year earlier
- Units and townhouses $478,750 +19.7% on a year earlier
Living in Idalia
Schools
- Oonoonba State School (Prep–Year 6), which despite its name sits inside Idalia
Shops and amenities
- Fairfield Central shopping centre (Coles and Woolworths)
- Fairfield Waters lakes and lakeside parks
- Ross River frontage and walking paths
- Townsville's racecourse in neighbouring Cluden
Getting around
Idalia is about 5 km from the CBD by straight line, with main roads linking it to the city, Annandale and the Bruce Highway south.
Lavarack Barracks is under 4 km away in a straight line, and the hospital and JCU about 5 to 6 km, so Idalia suits defence and health professionals who want a newer home close to the city.
Things to check
Idalia sits on the Ross River, and parts of the suburb were badly flooded in February 2019. Check the council's flood maps for every address and confirm flood cover before buying or renewing.
Idalia FAQs
Was Idalia affected by the 2019 floods?
Yes. Parts of Idalia were badly flooded in February 2019. Check the council's flood maps for every address and confirm flood cover before buying.
Which school is in Idalia?
Oonoonba State School (Prep to Year 6), which sits inside Idalia despite its name.
Selling in Idalia?
Get an honest appraisal of your Idalia home based on recent comparable sales — no pressure, no obligation.
Nearby suburbs
Suburb facts reviewed September 2026. Population from the 2021 Census.