Cannonvale, QLD 4802
Suburb within the Whitsunday local government area, part of the Mackay (Greater) Region in Queensland. Ranked 4th best suburb by locals.
Great for
- Internet access
- Public transport
- Clean & green
- Safe and sound
- Schools
Not great for
- No ratings yet
Who lives here?
- Families With Kids
- Professionals
- Retirees
- Singles
- LGBTQ+
Reviews of Cannonvale, QLD
"AWD helps in the wet season! Those hills are steeper than they look on google street view"
I think one of Cannonvale’s biggest strengths is that it offers the best of both worlds — the Whitsunday lifestyle, while still being a very practical place to live.
Cannonvale is where a lot of everyday life happens. You have shopping, schools, sporting facilities, services and businesses close by, while Airlie Beach and everything it offers is only a few minutes down the road. At the same time, you can still enjoy Cannonvale Beach, the waterfront, walking and cycling paths and that unmistakable backdrop of the Whitsunday hills and water. Cannonvale Beach itself has playgrounds, picnic and barbecue facilities and a swimming enclosure during the summer months.
From a property perspective, Cannonvale is also incredibly diverse. There are apartments and townhouses, established homes, newer estates, larger blocks and elevated properties with some spectacular views. That variety means the suburb attracts people at many different stages of life and creates a genuine residential community rather than simply feeling like an extension of a tourist destination.
Like anywhere, Cannonvale isn't perfect. This is the tropics, the terrain can be hilly, some pockets are more established than others and the wet season is part of life and it helps to have an all wheel drive car on those hills! They are steeper than they look on google street view. But I think that's also why local knowledge matters when choosing where to buy, rent or invest.
Beau-lea Miller | Principal Taylors Property Specialists
0411439437
"Avoid"
I did not like Cannonvale one bit. The people are rude, you only have to look at local FB groups to see how they treat one another. It is very poorly maintained by residents with yards unkempt and a real confusing mishmash of residential and industrial uses. It is like the landfill of Airlie Beach, actually that is in Carlo Drive. Proserpine has all the best bits of the Whitsundays minus the negatives of Cannonvale. I would not live here again.
"Great all round"
With its picturesque setting along the Whitsunday Coast, Cannonvale offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern conveniences.
One of the standout features of Cannonvale is its proximity to Airlie Beach, which serves as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. This makes it an excellent base for exploring one of the world's most iconic natural wonders. Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do here, from snorkeling to sailing, thanks to easy access to the Coral Sea.
The suburb itself boasts a range of amenities, including shopping centers, restaurants, and schools, making it a suitable choice for families. The Shingley Beach Boardwalk provides a scenic path along the waterfront, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a morning jog.
While Cannonvale offers a quieter pace of life compared to some of the busier tourist spots in the region, it's still well-connected to the larger city of Proserpine, making it convenient for those who work or study there.
One consideration for potential residents is the tropical climate, which brings warm and humid weather for most of the year, as well as the possibility of cyclones during the wet season. However, for those who enjoy outdoor activities and a relaxed coastal vibe, Cannonvale can be a great place to call home.
Who lives here?
- Families with kids
Hi Stephanie, Proserpine has all that. If you need the shops like in Cannonvale which will hopefully also come to Proserpine in future you can catch the bus, only takes 12mins and is 50c, I think kids ride free.
I think one of Cannonvale’s biggest strengths is that it offers the best of both worlds — the Whitsunday lifestyle, while still being a very practical place to live.
Cannonvale is where a lot of everyday life happens. You have shopping, schools, sporting facilities, services and businesses close by, while Airlie Beach and everything it offers is only a few minutes down the road. At the same time, you can still enjoy Cannonvale Beach, the waterfront, walking and cycling paths and that unmistakable backdrop of the Whitsunday hills and water. Cannonvale Beach itself has playgrounds, picnic and barbecue facilities and a swimming enclosure during the summer months.
From a property perspective, Cannonvale is also incredibly diverse. There are apartments and townhouses, established homes, newer estates, larger blocks and elevated properties with some spectacular views. That variety means the suburb attracts people at many different stages of life and creates a genuine residential community rather than simply feeling like an extension of a tourist destination.
Like anywhere, Cannonvale isn't perfect. This is the tropics, the terrain can be hilly, some pockets are more established than others and the wet season is part of life and it helps to have an all wheel drive car on those hills! They are steeper than they look on google street view. But I think that's also why local knowledge matters when choosing where to buy, rent or invest.
Beau-lea Miller | Principal Taylors Property Specialists
0411439437
Rentals in Cannonvale
Find real estate agents in Cannonvale
"Love the Cannonvale lifestyle!!"
We love Cannonvale and think it's just great. Our kids are growing up here and loving it. They are always safe, there are good schools and plenty of sports to choose from. Yes, there not as many choices as the city but who wants to live in traffic, road rage, stress and neighbours that dont talk to you?
The parks and beaches are great with bike tracks, playgrounds and plenty of trees to climb. Walking into Airlie via the boardwalk in the afternoon for a balmy dinner at the lagoon is brilliant and even after 11 years of living here you still have to pinch yourself to make sure it is real.
Great for
- Quiet, safe, so close to Airlie but without the noise
Not great for
- More restaurants please!
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Tourists
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Students
- Country Lovers
- Trendy & Stylish
- Beach Lovers
I've lived in Cannonvale for 16 years. It has two major shopping centres. Bunning's has also recently opened. Centro Shopping centre is a big complex of which Woolworth's/Big W is the major retailer with others that include hairdressers, Proud's, BB's Cafe, shoe stores etc. McDonald's is on the corner. Coles is in the nearby Whitsunday Shopping Centre which also has a Target store. Most of the major banks are at the centre. It has cafe's, shoe stores, bakery, fish and chip shop, pharmacy, computer store and many others including Hungry Jack's. There are gym's in the area and automobile and tyre retailers. It's a suburb that has everything a family needs and maintains a pleasant living environment without the hustle and bustle of a bigger town. There are only two sets of traffic lights!
"A diverse suburb!"
Cannonvale is a diverse suburb that offers all kinds of housing options, lots of schools, shopping, restaurants and of course some industrial estates (Well... they have to put them somewhere!)
When it comes to living in Cannonvale...
If you like units... GREAT... there is so many different options all over Cannonvale Studio, new, ocean view, duplex, basic, modern, gardens Take your pick
If it is a house you prefer... Well... regardless of budget there is definitely a home for you... BIG, small, ocean view, big block, small block, old, new, on the flat or high on the hill... you are bound to find something that will suit you!
Cannonvale is unique... and although I do not personally live in Cannonvale I can appreciate why so many do!
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
Since I wrote this post back in June 2010 I am now a resident in Cannonvale and LOVE IT!


Hello, my young family are looking at moving to the airley area but I'm very unsure still and hoping you could tell me more? We have boys aged 6, 7 and 11. Safe and family friendly is my number one goal but also important is good schools, sporting facilities, safe places to swim, shopping facilities , not super touristy and overall friendly/ good community with low crime. Oh and I want to be surrounded by beautiful green trees and some privacy. I basically want it all and I don't know where that is
Appreciate any thoughts/advice on the above!