Bayview Heights

QLD 4868 • Rest of QLD

4,175
Population (2021)
$99,112
Median Household Income
4.32 km²
Area
$390/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlySuburbanEstablishedCBD-Adjacent

About Bayview Heights

Bayview Heights is a residential suburb in western Cairns, Queensland, sitting at an elevation of 84 metres within the Cairns Regional Council area. With a population of 4,175 and a median age of 43, it is a settled, family-oriented community. The suburb covers 4.3 square kilometres and benefits from elevated positions with views across the surrounding region. A median household income of approximately $1,906 per week sits above the regional average, reflecting the suburb's established and relatively prosperous character.

Bayview Heights offers a quiet residential lifestyle away from the bustle of Cairns' city centre and tourist precinct, with easy access to local schools, neighbourhood shops, and the wider facilities of Cairns West. Translink bus services connect residents to Cairns CBD, approximately 7 kilometres away. The area is popular with long-term families who appreciate the elevated, slightly cooler position and short drive to the Cairns Esplanade, the Great Barrier Reef, and the rainforests of Far North Queensland. A strong Catholic community presence is reflected in the suburb's school enrolments.

Bayview Heights falls under postcode 4868 and is governed by Cairns Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mulgrave electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4868
Urban Area
Cairns - West
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.96°, 145.73°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
4.32 km²
Elevation
84m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$390
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,625
Avg Household Size
2.6 people
Median Age
43 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.5%

8 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Translink Sunbus Routes — Cairns CBD (City Place) 20-30 min

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
7 km
By Train
No suburban train service
By Car (Peak)
15-25 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
10-15 min

🛣️ Primary access via Mulgrave Road and Bruce Highway; bus service available to CBD

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most daily errands require a car; limited local shops within walking distance of most residences

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Cairns Local Government Area, which contains Bayview Heights. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,489.3 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
602.7 / 100k
Non-FV assault
2,214 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
53.6 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
529.2 / 100k

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
4,238
Census 2021
4,175
1.5% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$39,624
Personal Income 2021
$46,540
17.5% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$46,540 / yr
$895/wk
Household
$99,112 / yr
$1906/wk
Family
$109,928 / yr
$2114/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,299
Born Overseas 684

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 133
  • 2. New Zealand 106
  • 3. Philippines 47
  • 4. Papua New Guinea 46
  • 5. Japan 29
  • 6. China 22
  • 7. Germany 19
  • 8. Vietnam 18
  • 9. Italy 16
  • 10. Thailand 16

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,589
Australian 1,469
Irish 577
Scottish 487
Italian 314
German 254
Australian Aboriginal 187
Chinese 84
Dutch 73
Filipino 70

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,542
Both parents born in Australia
870
Both parents born overseas
569
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
55.3%
No Religion
36.9%
Buddhism
1.0%
Hinduism
0.2%
Islam
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
219 (5.2%)
5-14 years
569 (13.6%)
15-19 years
250 (6.0%)
20-24 years
175 (4.2%)
25-34 years
434 (10.4%)
35-44 years
555 (13.3%)
45-54 years
571 (13.7%)
55-64 years
549 (13.1%)
65-74 years
558 (13.4%)
75-84 years
246 (5.9%)
85+ years
52 (1.2%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bayview Heights known for? +

Bayview Heights is a well-established suburban locality in Cairns offering affordable family housing, local schools, and parks. The suburb sits in the southern part of the Cairns urban area and benefits from Cairns's tropical lifestyle and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.

How far is Bayview Heights from Cairns CBD? +

Bayview Heights is approximately 8-12 kilometres south of Cairns CBD, with a drive time of around 15-20 minutes.

Does Bayview Heights have public transport? +

Bayview Heights is served by Cairns Transit bus routes connecting to Cairns CBD and surrounding suburbs. A car is recommended for everyday flexibility.

What is the population of Bayview Heights? +

According to the 2021 Census, Bayview Heights has a population of approximately 4,175 residents within the Cairns Regional Council local government area.

Is Bayview Heights a good place to live? +

Bayview Heights offers affordable family living in Cairns with the benefits of the tropical lifestyle, including proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and outdoor activities. It suits families seeking value in Far North Queensland.

What is the postcode for Bayview Heights? +

The postcode for Bayview Heights is 4868.

What is the average income in Bayview Heights? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Bayview Heights is about $895 per week (around $46,500 per year). The median household income is $1,906 per week and the median family income is $2,114 per week.

What is the age profile of Bayview Heights? +

The median age in Bayview Heights is 43. The largest age group is 45–54 (571 residents, around 14%). Around 25% of residents are under 20 and about 21% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Bayview Heights a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Bayview Heights is part of the Cairns LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in Bayview Heights? +

In Bayview Heights, the median weekly rent is $390, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,625 (2021 Census).