Rothwell QLD presents an ideal mix of residential estates, commercial industry, and environmental management and protection. The suburb is sandwiched conveniently between the North Brisbane suburbs of Deception Bay, Mango Hill, and Redcliffe. It’s a community-minded suburb with all the services you need, including public transport (Rothwell train station), healthcare (Rothwell medical clinic), and education (Grace College Rothwell being just one example).
The best thing about Rothwell is how well it balances maintaining its bounty of natural features (wetlands, walking trails, and wildlife) with being modern and adaptable. This makes it a very attractive place to live, which is especially true for families. Talking about busy families, we get that your time is precious, and you’d prefer some real insight (yes, from an actual local) while you search for a fitting location to call home. That’s why we’ve put together this clear and helpful guide to all that Rothwell has to offer.
Rothwell at a Glance
- Local Government: City of Moreton Bay
- Population: 7,717 people (2023)
- Location: Approximately 28 km north of the Brisbane CBD
- Transport: The M1, Redcliffe railway line, Translink bus service
- History: Named after Thomas James Rothwell, the president of the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland, who in 1921 advocated for a memorial drive that would connect Redcliffe with an upgraded Anzac Avenue. The original inhabitants of the Moreton Bay region, of which Rothwell is a part, were the Kabi Kabi, Jinibara, and Turrbal Aboriginal people.
- Shopping: Woolworths, Harvey Norman, Mr Toys Toyworld, Bunnings; proximity to Westfield North Lakes.
- Medical: Rothwell Family Practice, Medical Centre Rothwell-Medicross; proximity to Redcliffe Hospital.
- Education: Choice of private education providers with public institutions in neighbouring suburbs.
- Real Estate: Ray White Deception Bay (renting and buying): Options to suit all budgets.
Why You Should Move to Rothwell
Because of its commercial aspect, Rothwell is a regular destination for residents of Moreton Bay and beyond, but it’s also a place that you should seriously consider moving to. This is because, for families in particular, Rothwell happily accommodates all your needs (the same goes for retirees, actually). There are plenty of doctors (you won’t be hard pressed at all to find a Rothwell medical centre), a great selection of schools, and lots of choice when it comes to things to do on the weekend.
The great thing is that, should you like a change of pace, Rothwell certainly delivers. For example, should you fancy a family bike ride on the weekend, the advanced bike path design in the area makes it all so safe and easy. Plus, there are plenty of hiking trails and more straightforward walking tracks, so it’s even good news for your canine pal. Indeed, Rothwell is the place where your kids can grow up with a rare sense of natural wonder and with wholesome, clean fun. All of this is great news for homemakers, and it’s what makes the suburb such a hidden gem.
Housing
If you’re struggling to locate a place to call home, check out Rothwell, where around 30 properties are advertised for sale each month. With prices that are either comparable to or less expensive than those of its suburban neighbours, like North Lakes and Scarborough, the area offers options to suit a range of lifestyles and budgets. There are also plenty of options in rentals.
The median price of a house in Rothwell (as of 2024) is $704,000, with a respectable 4.4% rental yield; the median price of a unit is $501,000. When you have a look at the Rothwell map, you can see that it’s quite flat. This can be of great benefit to those looking for a nice, usable backyard for the kids (cue jumping on the trampoline all day long). The neighbourhood is known to be friendly, and people often greet each other as they pass by. Considering all it has to offer, Rothwell represents quite the steal in the property market of today.
Employment
With its central location, Rothwell is a place of easy access for a variety of jobs in a range of different sectors. Whether it’s a job as an office administrator, delivery driver, barista, cleaner, mobile phone repair technician, or a professional role as a lawyer, doctor, or teacher, there are plenty of opportunities located within Rothwell and the suburb’s periphery.
With many childcare providers, primary and secondary schools, and other educational providers located in Rothwell and its outskirts, it’s easy to see that teachers and teaching assistants would be in demand. That’s excellent news if your areas of expertise lie within the education sector.
The same holds true for the medical field, with several doctors offices, dental clinics, and other healthcare-based workplaces conveniently located or accessible to any fortunate Rothwell resident. A rich and reliable source of clinical and supporting roles can be found only a hop, skip, and jump away at Redcliffe Hospital and its satellite of other medical facilities.
Education
Because Rothwell is so incredibly well-positioned for learning and advancement, you will be completely assured in your decision to transfer your family here. In fact, Rothwell is pretty much famed for its options in schooling, especially when it comes to both the high-rated private institutions Mueller College and Grace Lutheran College-Rothwell Campus.
If it’s public schools you’re after, you’ll find options in neighbouring locales, including primary schools such as Hercules Road State School and secondary schools such as Mango Hill State Secondary College. If you take a quick look around the suburb, you’ll also see no shortage of childcare facilities and early learning centres. What’s evident is that people in Rothwell are very focused on providing their children with high-quality education, from infancy right through to graduation.
Here are some of the public schools in areas neighbouring the region:
- Hercules Road State School: Prep to Year 6.
- Mango Hill State Secondary College: Year 7 to 12.
And some of the private educational facilities located within Rothwell:
- Mueller College: Prep to Year 12.
- Grace Lutheran College-Rothwell Campus: Year 7 to 12.
If you are looking to buy a home in the area, check the catchment area of that house for the local schools.
Weather
You can expect from Rothwell weather pretty much what you can expect from weather across most of Brisbane. This is a climate where the plentiful sunshine brings seemingly never-ending summers (temperatures average approximately 30°C during the day).
This will help you and your family make the most of the beach (Scarborough is just next-door offering a beautiful beach and marina). The warmth is also great for getting bang for buck out of the backyard pool or spa and ideal for kids playing under the sprinklers (water restrictions permitting). The ideal time in Rothwell to get super outdoorsy is during autumn, spring, and winter, when temperatures in even the coldest parts of the year dip down to 20°C during the day and 10°C at night. With the sun on your back, you’ll barely feel the cold at all!
Getting There and Around
Rothwell is centrally located around an intersection of major roads and suburbs. If approaching from the south, the most obvious way to reach Rothwell is to take the Kallangur North Lakes exit (State Route 71) of the M1/Bruce Highway (the main motorway serving North Brisbane and the adjacent regions). This will get you onto Anzac Avenue, a long arterial route that extends from Petrie to Redcliffe. The route will take you past North Lakes, Mango Hill and into Rothwell.
If you’re coming from a more northern location, say from anywhere from Narangba to Caboolture, or even a suburb located within the Sunshine Coast or beyond, you can head to Rothwell via the Deception Bay highway entrance (State Route 41) and proceed via State Route 26 through the suburb of Deception Bay to get to your destination.
As you can see, Rothwell’s linkage to the M1/Bruce Highway allows you to travel to places in and around Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, and even further afield. Anzac Avenue makes it easy to access several nearby localities, including Scarborough and Redcliffe. An excellent alternative is public transport, which offers convenience and mobility without requiring you to drive your own vehicle.
To Brisbane: To reach the M1/Bruce Highway in Griffin, drive for 7 minutes from Rothwell. From here, the journey takes about 40 minutes (using toll highways and in ideal driving conditions).
To Redcliffe: Redcliffe is easily accessible via State Route 71/Anzac Avenue in a drive of 11 minutes or less (depending on traffic conditions).
To the Sunshine Coast: From Deception Bay Road/State Route 26, take the M1 in Burpengary. Proceeding with your journey by car should get you to the Sunshine Coast’s central region within an hour.
To the Gold Coast: Like travelling from Rothwell to Brisbane, you should first make the 7-minute drive to the M1’s entry at Griffin. The quickest route to the Gold Coast from here is to use the Gateway, which is a toll road. Allow at least two hours for your journey in case of traffic congestion.
Public Transport
To Brisbane: Hop on the train at Rothwell station. You can expect to reach Central Station in Brisbane in about an hour.
To Redcliffe: Catch the bus that arrives at Finnegan Street every half hour. Get off at Anzac Avenue at the Redcliffe Museum stop; the trip should take about 20 minutes.
To access local bus and train timetables, go to Translink.
Things to do and see around Rothwell
You’ll be surprised by the number of fun things you can do in Rothwell. The suburb has a great deal of commercial facilities, which means it’s easy to get what you need when you need it, and this includes a good dose of recreation and fun. Day trips and holidays are made easy with Moreton Bay’s many scenic and scintillating attractions located practically down the road. You can even sail away to the popular and beautiful Moreton Island itself. Check our events calendar to find out what is on locally for you.
Local Gems at your Fingertips
Butcher Rothwell: A very well-known butcher in Rothwell Shopping Centre makes shopping for the perfect cut of meat for a roast, a casual nosh, or a classic Sunday BBQ an absolute must-do! Marjax Meats, which is known for its great service and friendly staff, is a handy destination for all meat-loving locals.
Thai Rothwell: Baan Praya Thai Rothwell is a pleasant place to take the family for a fresh and fragrant meal, all at affordable prices. Visit the restaurant for a relaxing vibe when you need a reprieve from home cooking or just an excuse to get out of the house any night of the week!
Rothwell pet shop Everyone loves a trip to Petbarn, and this, naturally, includes your pet! Dogs are welcome in-store at Petbarn Rothwell meaning that you can even make a whole event out of treating your pet. Why not have a pet spa day? Have your furry best friend enjoy a DIY dog wash, professional grooming and stock up on all your pet needs at the one place.
A Fantastic Weekend Adventure
Redcliffe Museum: Get a snapshot of Redcliffe’s past and present at this easily accessible, well-appointed museum. With free entry to all the family, discover the artefacts and memory boxes, as well as take part in exclusive tours and exhibitions. Kids will be well entertained by the Imaginarium – a specially designated play area stocked with a variety of crafts and activities that encourage creativity, learning, and exploration.
Scarborough Marina: Window shop for a yacht or speedboat at Scarborough marina. Just nearby you can brunch it up at a variety of beautiful cafes that offer al fresco dining to make the most of the spectacular seaside views. Seafood lovers will also be in heaven with so many outlets offering fresh fare. Head to the brewery in the afternoon or evening to cap off the perfect weekend out.
Moreton Island: Swim with the dolphins at Tangalooma, snorkel the shipwrecks and maybe spy some majestic whales (depending on the season). With white sandy beaches and steep dunes, Moreton Island is an idyllic island which you can travel to via Moreton Bay Ferry. The ferry leaves for Moreton Island from Holt Street in Pinkenba, which is a 35 minutes drive from Rothwell. There are many tours and cruises on offer which can help you explore Moreton Island at ease.
Thinking about other places near Rothwell?
You’ll be so pleased by Rothwell’s proximity to the major suburbs of North Brisbane and beyond. Written from the viewpoint of a real-life resident, this guide offers a true local focus. It is, after all, the most authentic way to learn about Rothwell and its environs.
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Come Home to Rothwell
We hope you have benefited from this concise yet thorough guide to Mango Hill. We are passionate about fusing in-depth research with the perspectives of a true local. At this juncture, you’re undoubtedly excited with everything the suburb has to offer, particularly if you’re family-oriented or have children. To make sure you don’t miss any updates relating to the suburb of Rothwell and surrounds, join our mailing list today.
