Burdell is one of the newest parts of Townsville, and it shows. Much of the suburb has been built in the last two decades as part of the northern growth corridor off the Bruce Highway. The result is streets of modern three- and four-bedroom homes, new parks, three primary schools and North Shore Marketplace at its centre. For tenants, that means contemporary homes with open-plan living, air-conditioning and low-maintenance yards, a short drive from Bushland Beach and about 13 km from the CBD. For landlords, it means newer properties with lower maintenance needs than older suburbs. The main challenge is standing out, because there are plenty of similar homes on the market. RAAF Base Townsville and the Bohle industrial area are both close by, so defence members and tradespeople are a big part of the tenant pool, alongside young families.
Rental snapshot
Median weekly rent for new leases in Burdell.
- 3-bedroom house June 2026 · up $50 on a year earlier
- $600 per week
- 4-bedroom house June 2026 · up $50 on a year earlier
- $650 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 Burdell
Burdell appeals most to young families and working couples who want a modern home at a reasonable rent. RAAF Base Townsville is about 7 km away in a straight line, so air force members and their families are well represented. The Bohle industrial area and Townsville’s northern trade and logistics businesses also bring a steady stream of tradespeople, drivers and workers.
Many Burdell tenants are moving from older suburbs or from interstate, and they are drawn by what they get for their rent: ensuite bathrooms, open-plan kitchens, air-conditioning and a yard that doesn’t take a whole weekend to maintain. Families with young children like being within walking distance of one of the suburb’s three primary schools.
Schools, shops and getting around
North Shore Marketplace is the centre of daily life, with Woolworths, Aldi and specialty shops. The Northern Beaches Leisure Centre caters for sport and recreation. North Shore State School, Bohlevale State School and St Clare’s Catholic School provide primary education within the suburb, and older children usually go to Northern Beaches State High School in nearby Deeragun.
Burdell connects to the rest of the city by the Bruce Highway. It is roughly a 15 to 20 minute drive to the CBD outside peak times, and quicker to RAAF Base Townsville and the airport. Bushland Beach and its foreshore are just a few minutes away, which is a big part of the area’s weekend appeal.
Local considerations for landlords
Newer homes bring lower maintenance in the early years, but there are still things to plan for. Air-conditioners and hot water systems in homes built during the boom years will need servicing and eventually replacement. Landscaping on new estates can take time to settle, and drainage issues sometimes appear only after the first wet season.
Most Burdell housing is built to modern cyclone standards, which helps with insurance. Land close to the area’s creeks and drainage corridors should still be checked on the council’s flood maps. Because many estates look alike, well-chosen upgrades matter. Security screens, a shed or a patio extension can lift both rent and tenant interest.
Managing a rental in Burdell
In a suburb with plenty of comparable homes, pricing well is the most important thing we do. We look closely at what is currently listed and recently leased in Burdell and the surrounding estates, so your property is competitive from day one rather than sitting empty while the price is adjusted.
We market to the groups most likely to want a Burdell home, including families on our tenant database, air force members and relocating workers. Photography and descriptions focus on what sets your home apart from the one next door. Burdell is an easy drive from our Kirwan office along the northern corridor, so inspections and maintenance visits are straightforward to arrange.
Burdell FAQs
Are newer homes in Burdell easier to manage?
Generally, yes. Newer homes are built to current cyclone standards and have fewer ageing fixtures, so maintenance costs tend to be lower in the early years. Warranty periods and builder defect claims sometimes need managing in the first years of ownership.
How do I make a Burdell rental stand out?
With many similar homes nearby, presentation and pricing matter. Good photos, a tidy low-maintenance yard, window coverings and useful extras such as a garden shed or side access for a trailer or boat can make a real difference.
Which schools are in Burdell?
North Shore State School, Bohlevale State School and St Clare's Catholic School are all primary schools inside Burdell. Northern Beaches State High School is nearby in 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.