Oonoonba sits on the eastern side of the Ross River, about four kilometres from the CBD, between Idalia, Railway Estate and Stuart. It is a practical, well-located suburb. The city is a short drive across the river, the Bruce Highway south runs along its edge, and the port, the industrial areas of Stuart and South Townsville, and Lavarack Barracks are all close by. Oonoonba's streets are mostly low-set and elevated family homes, with some newer infill homes and duplexes. There is no school inside the suburb, and confusingly Oonoonba State School is actually in neighbouring Idalia, but families don't have far to go. Fairfield Central in Idalia handles the shopping. For landlords, Oonoonba offers central family rentals at more accessible prices than its lakeside neighbour, with the river's flood risk the key thing to understand.
Rental snapshot
Median weekly rent for new leases in Oonoonba.
- 3-bedroom house June 2026 · up $65 on a year earlier
- $600 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 Oonoonba
Oonoonba’s location makes it popular with working families and tradespeople. The port, the industrial areas of Stuart and the Bruce Highway south are all close, as are the CBD and the southern suburbs. Defence families sometimes choose it too, with Lavarack Barracks about 5 km away in a straight line.
Tenants usually want a family home with a yard and parking for work vehicles or a trailer. Because Oonoonba’s rents are generally below those of neighbouring Idalia, it attracts families looking for value close to the city.
Schools, shops and getting around
There are no schools inside Oonoonba. Oonoonba State School is actually in neighbouring Idalia. Other options nearby include Railway Estate State School and Townsville State High School in Railway Estate, and Wulguru State School to the south.
Fairfield Central in Idalia, with Coles and Woolworths, is the nearest major shopping centre, and the CBD is a short drive across the river. Oonoonba Park and Wes Barrett Park provide local green space, and Townsville’s racecourse is nearby in Cluden. The Bruce Highway south and local bus services make getting around straightforward.
Local considerations for landlords
Oonoonba was affected by the February 2019 floods, as the Ross River rose after record rain and releases from the Ross River Dam. Flood exposure varies between streets, so check the council’s flood maps for the specific address, find out the property’s flood history, and hold landlord insurance with explicit flood and loss-of-rent cover.
Older homes need the usual maintenance of roofs, gutters, timber, plumbing and electrical systems, and roof fixings should be checked against current cyclone expectations. Newer infill homes need less structural attention but still benefit from regular servicing of air-conditioning and hot water systems.
Managing a rental in Oonoonba
We market Oonoonba homes to families and working tenants who value its central location and highway access, and we price against recent leases in Oonoonba and the surrounding suburbs. We describe each home honestly, including parking and yard space, so the tenants who apply are the right fit.
In a flood-exposed suburb, thorough records matter. Our entry condition reports and routine inspection photos give you a clear picture of the property’s condition over time, which helps with any future insurance claim.
Oonoonba FAQs
Is Oonoonba State School in Oonoonba?
No. Despite its name, Oonoonba State School is inside neighbouring Idalia, a short drive from Oonoonba homes.
Who rents in Oonoonba?
Families, tradespeople, and workers in the port and southern industrial areas are the main groups. Defence families sometimes choose it for its position between the CBD and Lavarack Barracks.
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.