Overall score
Holloways Beach
47.6/100
Machans Beach
41.9/100
Holloways Beach vs Machans Beach, QLD suburb comparison
Machans Beach for retirees and beach lifestyle.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
Holloways BeachMachans Beach
Crime rate
Holloways Beach
50.4 / 1k
Machans Beach
50.5 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Holloways Beach
225
Machans Beach
36
Population
Holloways Beach
2,398
Machans Beach
943
Metric leadHolloways Beach 6Machans Beach 21 tiedacross 9 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
- Best for retireesMachans Beach
- Best for beach lifestyleMachans Beach
- Best for investmentMachans Beach
Audience fit
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
All metrics
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Full comparison table
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Holloways Beach | Machans Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 47.6/100 | 41.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 51.5/100 | 56.2/100 |
| Crime rate | 50.4 / 1k | 50.5 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 1 |
| Parks & reserves | 9 | 4 |
| Walkability | 47.5/100 | 8.5/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 225 | 36 |
| Population | 2,398 | 943 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 3/10 | 5/10 |
Comparison summary
Holloways Beach is a regional smaller community with local services and a more relaxed pace, while Machans Beach is a beachside smaller community where the coast sets the tone. Machans Beach leans into coastal living, while Holloways Beach feels more inland and suburban in character.
On the data, Holloways Beach is stronger for parks and reserves and walkability; Machans Beach answers with housing affordability and a quieter safety profile. Holloways Beach generally means more approachable housing costs, while Machans Beach leans toward more sought-after housing.
Choose Holloways Beach if you are weighing families; lean toward Machans Beach for retirees and people chasing a beach lifestyle.