Black River is a rural-residential locality on Townsville's north-western fringe, about 23 kilometres from the CBD in a straight line. It stretches from the Bruce Highway back towards the ranges, between Jensen, Alice River and Yabulu. Its roughly 530 residents live across about 60 square kilometres, so the typical property is acreage: a home with sheds, paddocks and plenty of space between neighbours. That makes Black River a niche but distinctive rental market. Tenants come here because they want land. They include families with animals, horse owners, and tradespeople who need room for vehicles and equipment. Deeragun and Bohle Plains are about 15 minutes away for schools and shopping. Rentals are uncommon, and the RTA reports Black River's rents as part of postcode 4818, which mostly reflects suburban homes. Each acreage property needs its own appraisal.
Rental snapshot
Median weekly rent for new leases in postcode 4818 (there were too few new bonds in Black River itself for the RTA to publish a suburb figure).
- 3-bedroom house June 2026 · up $75 on a year earlier
- $600 per week
- 4-bedroom house June 2026 · up $40 on a year earlier
- $640 per week
Source: Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA), median weekly rent for new bonds lodged. Medians move around from quarter to quarter, and a specific home can rent well above or below them.
Get an appraisal for your propertyWho rents in Black River
Black River suits tenants who need land. Families with children, dogs and other animals, horse owners who need paddocks, and tradespeople who keep work vehicles and equipment at home are the typical renters. Many are moving out from suburban homes for more room and privacy.
Because suitable acreage rentals are few, the right tenants are often keen, and once they’ve settled in with animals, gardens or workshops, they tend to stay for years.
Schools, shops and getting around
There are no schools or shops in Black River. Families use the primary schools in Burdell and Bluewater, and Northern Beaches State High School and St Anthony’s Catholic College in Deeragun. Shopping is in Deeragun, Burdell or Bohle Plains, about 15 minutes away.
The Bruce Highway provides a direct route to the city, and a car is essential. The ranges and bushland to the west give the area its rural character.
Local considerations for landlords
Acreage leases need clear terms: who maintains the grounds, fences, gates, sheds and driveways, who looks after water systems such as tanks, pumps or bores, and what animals and vehicles are allowed. Inspections should cover the whole property, and the entry condition report should document outbuildings, fences and paddocks in detail.
Bushfire risk is significant in the dry season, so firebreaks and cleared grass matter, and creeks can rise quickly in the wet. Check the council’s flood and bushfire maps for the address, and make sure your landlord insurance reflects the rural setting, including fire, flood and public liability.
Managing a rental in Black River
We appraise Black River properties against recent leases of comparable acreage across Jensen, Alice River, Rangewood and the northern beaches, taking into account land, sheds, water and the home’s condition. We market to families, horse owners and tradespeople specifically looking for acreage.
Our inspections cover the house and the land, and we remind tenants about seasonal fire and storm preparation. Black River is around 20 minutes from our Kirwan office.
Black River FAQs
Who rents acreage in Black River?
Families wanting space for children and animals, horse owners, and tradespeople who need somewhere to keep trucks, trailers and equipment. These tenants tend to stay long-term.
How far is Black River from shops and schools?
About 15 minutes' drive to Deeragun and Bohle Plains for shopping, and to the primary and high schools in Burdell and Deeragun.
Sources: population from the ABS 2021 Census. Distances are straight-line, calculated from OpenStreetMap boundary data (© OpenStreetMap contributors). School list from the Queensland Government schools directory. Page reviewed September 2026.