Rosslea is a small riverside suburb about four and a half kilometres from the CBD, framed by the Ross River and the fairways of the Townsville Golf Club. It sits between Hermit Park, Mundingburra, Annandale and Idalia. It is a quiet, mostly residential pocket of low-set and elevated homes and unit blocks, with the river bikeways on its doorstep. Rosslea's location is a real strength. The city, Castletown, Fairfield Central and Lavarack Barracks are all within a short drive, and yet many streets feel tucked away. That appeals to couples, professionals and defence members who want a peaceful home close to everything. The river also brings the suburb's biggest risk. Rosslea was one of the areas badly affected by the February 2019 floods, so landlords need to understand flood exposure and insurance before they invest.
Rental snapshot
Median weekly rent for new leases in Rosslea.
- 2-bedroom unit June 2026 · up $30 on a year earlier
- $450 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 Rosslea
Rosslea tends to attract tenants who want quiet. Professional couples, defence members from Lavarack Barracks about 4 km away, and small families make up most of the market. The golf club and river paths appeal to active tenants, and the short trip to the CBD suits people working in the city.
Because Rosslea is small, relatively few homes are for rent at any one time. Well-presented properties, particularly those with air-conditioning, secure parking and a low-maintenance yard, tend to find tenants quickly.
Schools, shops and getting around
There are no schools inside Rosslea, but families have good options nearby. The Cathedral School and Mundingburra State School are in Mundingburra, Hermit Park State School and St Margaret Mary’s College are in Hyde Park, and Oonoonba State School is in Idalia.
For shopping, residents use Castletown in Pimlico, Fairfield Central in Idalia or Stockland in Aitkenvale, all a short drive. The Townsville Golf Club is Rosslea’s landmark, and the Ross River bikeways run along its edge. Local buses serve the main roads towards the city.
Local considerations for landlords
Flood risk is the most important thing to understand in Rosslea. The suburb was badly affected in February 2019, and while some homes were barely touched, others needed extensive repairs. Check the council’s flood maps for the specific address, ask about the property’s flood history, and hold landlord insurance with explicit flood, storm and loss-of-rent cover.
Older homes also need regular maintenance of roofs, timber, plumbing and electrical systems, and roof fixings should be checked against current cyclone expectations. Unit owners should review the body corporate’s building insurance, especially its flood cover.
Managing a rental in Rosslea
We market Rosslea homes to professionals, couples and defence families who value the suburb’s quiet, central setting. We describe each property honestly, including its position relative to the river, so tenants apply with realistic expectations.
Thorough entry condition reports and routine inspection photos are especially important in a flood-exposed suburb. If an event occurs, clear records of the property’s condition support insurance claims and speed up repairs. We also help coordinate trades and communicate with tenants during any recovery.
Rosslea FAQs
How was Rosslea affected by the 2019 floods?
Rosslea was among the suburbs badly affected in February 2019, when the Ross River rose after record rain and dam releases. Some homes needed major repairs. Exposure varies by address, so check the council's flood maps and hold landlord insurance with explicit flood cover.
Are there schools in Rosslea?
There are no schools inside Rosslea itself. Families use schools in nearby Mundingburra, Hyde Park, Annandale and Idalia, including The Cathedral School, Hermit Park State School and Oonoonba State School.
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.