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Bolwarra

QLD 4871 • Queensland

0
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
1557.84 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAffordable
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About Bolwarra

Bolwarra is a remote rural locality in North Queensland, situated approximately 288 kilometres west of Cairns and around 53 kilometres south-west of the township of Chillagoe in the Gulf Country. With coordinates placing it at latitude -17.39° and longitude 144.18°, it is one of Queensland's most sparsely populated localities, characterised by vast cattle station country and rugged outback terrain. The area is serviced by the nearby Chillagoe post office and has no permanent township infrastructure of its own.

Life in Bolwarra centres on large-scale cattle grazing and station life, attracting those with a deep affinity for the Australian outback. The landscape is dramatic, featuring rocky ranges and dry savannah typical of Far North Queensland's interior. Access to the coast and Cairns is via a long drive on outback roads, and residents are largely self-sufficient, with Chillagoe providing the nearest fuel, basic supplies, and community connection. Bolwarra exemplifies the spirit of remote Queensland station living.

Bolwarra falls under postcode 4871 and is governed by the Mareeba Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Leichhardt, while state elections fall under the Traeger electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4871
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Mareeba
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Traeger
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-17.44°, 144.04°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
1557.84 km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4871

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4871, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$38,070
Median 2023–24
$46,529
▲ 22.2% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$57,771

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4871; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
288 km
By Train
No train service to this area
By Car (Peak)
~3.5-4 hr via Mareeba
By Car (Off-Peak)
~3.5 hr

🛣️ Chillagoe is the nearest town (~53 km); Cairns is approximately 288 km via Mareeba and Kennedy Highway

Walkability Car-Dependent

No walkable amenities; remote station locality requiring a 4WD-capable vehicle for access

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
0
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,476.6 / 100k
2yr Up 71.6% 10yr Up 137.3%
Motor vehicle theft
514.2 / 100k
2yr Up 58.3% 10yr Up 223.8%
Non-FV assault
2,719.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 218.8%
Robbery (unarmed)
8.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
271.5 / 100k
2yr Down 18.5% 10yr Down 10.7%
View all offence categories for Mareeba →

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Bolwarra QLD located? +

Bolwarra is a remote rural locality in North Queensland, approximately 53 km south-west of Chillagoe and 288 km west of Cairns, in the Gulf Country region.

What is Bolwarra QLD known for? +

Bolwarra is known for large cattle station properties and remote outback living. It is one of North Queensland's most sparsely populated localities.

How do you get to Bolwarra QLD? +

Bolwarra is accessed by road via Chillagoe, which is reached from Cairns via the Kennedy Highway and Mareeba — a total drive of approximately 3.5–4 hours. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for station access tracks.

What is the nearest town to Bolwarra QLD? +

Chillagoe is the nearest township, approximately 53 km from Bolwarra, providing basic services including fuel, a hotel, post office, and the famous Chillagoe Caves National Park.

Is Bolwarra a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Bolwarra is part of the Mareeba 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.