Howard

Lifestyle & dining

Life in Howard revolves around its town centre, local pubs and community events rather than café strips or shopping malls. It's a practical, friendly sort of place — the kind of town where a chat at the local bakery or hotel is part of the daily routine. For a wider choice of restaurants, cafés and entertainment, residents typically head to Maryborough or Hervey Bay, both within a comfortable drive.

Shopping

Howard has a small but functional retail base covering everyday essentials, including a supermarket and a handful of local shops and services. Anyone after a bigger shopping trip, specialty stores or major retailers will usually make the trip into Maryborough or Hervey Bay, where the full range of shopping centres and big-box retail is on offer.

Getting around

Howard sits along the Bruce Highway corridor, making it a straightforward drive to both Maryborough and Hervey Bay for work, schooling or larger shopping needs. The town also has its own railway station on the North Coast line, giving residents a rail option for longer trips without needing to rely solely on the car.

Locally, Howard is easy to navigate on foot or by bike, and its position between neighbouring communities like Pacific Haven and Burrum Town makes it a convenient base for those who want small-town living with reasonable access to the wider Fraser Coast.

Schools & families

Families in Howard are served by Howard State School, a local primary school that anchors the town and gives younger children an easy, close-to-home schooling option. For high school and further education, most families look to the larger schools in Maryborough or Hervey Bay, both within commuting distance.

The property market

Howard's property market is firmly on the affordable end of the Queensland spectrum, with a median house price of $568k and recent growth of 3.2%, pointing to steady rather than speculative demand. Median rent sits at $530 a week, reflecting solid rental value for the area.

Current listings are dominated by houses, which make up 85% of the mix, with the remaining 15% made up of land — a sign that there's still room for buyers wanting to build rather than buy established. Combined with the town's older median age of 56, the market here tends to attract downsizers, retirees and those looking for a quieter, lower-cost alternative to the coastal suburbs nearby, such as Pacific Haven and Burrum Town.

Parks & recreation

Howard's rural surrounds and proximity to the Burrum River district give residents plenty of opportunity for outdoor pursuits, from fishing and boating to simply enjoying the open space that comes with small-town living. Local parks and sporting grounds provide the everyday recreation options, while the beaches and coastal reserves of Hervey Bay are within easy reach for weekend outings.