Cannonvale, QLD 4802 – The Coastal Suburb with Real Growth Potential in the Whitsundays

Danny Ghaebi
Oct 22
3 min read

If you’re looking for a suburb that blends relaxed coastal living with strong property investment fundamentals, Cannonvale, QLD 4802 deserves your attention. Located in the Whitsunday Region — part of the Mackay (Greater) area — Cannonvale is ranked among the top suburbs in North Queensland for its lifestyle, amenities, and consistent property growth.

🌴 Location & Lifestyle

Just minutes from Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands, Cannonvale offers residents a laid-back, outdoor lifestyle surrounded by world-class natural beauty. Locals enjoy easy access to:

Cannonvale Beach and the scenic Shingley Beach Boardwalk
Boating, fishing, and water sports on the Coral Sea
Cafés, shopping, and dining at Whitsunday Shopping Centre and Centro Cannonvale

It’s a safe, family-friendly suburb with a strong sense of community, supported by great schools such as Cannonvale State School and Whitsunday Christian College. Whether you’re a young professional, growing family, or retiree, Cannonvale offers a balance of tranquillity and convenience rarely found in coastal towns.

📊 Property Market Overview (2025)

Cannonvale’s property market has shown steady long-term growth supported by low vacancy rates, strong rental demand, and ongoing regional infrastructure investment.

Metric	Houses	Units
Median Price (2025)	$787,500 – $830,000	$418,000 – $441,250
12-Month Growth	+7.9% to +9.9%	+16.2% to +17.7%
Median Weekly Rent	$730 – $780	$550
Rental Yield	5.4% – 4.8%	6.2% – 6.8%
Average Days on Market	26 – 42 days	20 – 25 days

With 5.45% average yield for houses and over 6% for units, Cannonvale presents an attractive balance of cash flow and capital growth — ideal for both investors and developers.

🏘️ Development & Investment Potential

Cannonvale’s zoning under the Whitsunday Regional Council allows for a mix of residential, tourism, and light commercial developments. The area’s growth corridor along Shute Harbour Road continues to attract new housing estates, duplex projects, and small-scale subdivisions.

Key development advantages include:

Large block sizes suitable for dual occupancy and subdivision
Steady population growth of 15.4% from 2016 to 2021
Affordable entry prices compared to southern coastal markets
High rental demand driven by tourism and local employment in trades, retail, and hospitality

With the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday tourism economy nearby, Cannonvale offers developers an opportunity to build sustainable, lifestyle-focused housing in a region positioned for long-term population and infrastructure growth.

🧭 Who Lives in Cannonvale

Cannonvale’s community is diverse and welcoming. According to census data:

Predominant age group: 30–39 years
Major household types: Couples with or without children
52.7% of homes are owner-occupied, while 47.3% are rented
Key occupations: Trades, professionals, and community services

Locals describe Cannonvale as “quiet, green, and family-oriented”, offering all the benefits of Airlie Beach living — without the tourist crowds.

🌅 Why Investors and Developers Are Watching Cannonvale

Cannonvale’s performance metrics tell a clear story:

✅ Low vacancy rate (1.65%)

✅ Solid rental returns

✅ Double-digit capital growth

✅ Strong local infrastructure and amenities

The suburb’s affordability, lifestyle appeal, and position within a high-tourism region make it a strategic choice for:

Investors seeking high yields and capital growth
Developers exploring dual occupancy or subdivision projects
Homeowners looking to build or renovate in a growing market

Why Investors and Developers Are Watching Cannonvale

🏗️ OwnerDeveloper Insight

At OwnerDeveloper, we help investors, homeowners, and developers identify suburbs like Cannonvale with untapped potential. Our feasibility-first approach ensures your project is designed to maximise returns and minimise risk — from site acquisition to council approval.