🔍

Brinsmead

QLD 4870 • Rest of QLD

5,537
Population (2021)
$113,880
Median Household Income
5.12 km²
Area
$450/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlyTropicalBushlandResidentialCairns Region

About Brinsmead

Brinsmead is a leafy residential suburb located 8.5 kilometres north-west of Cairns CBD in Far North Queensland, within the Cairns Regional Council area. Home to approximately 5,537 residents, the suburb sits at the foothills of the Whitfield Range and borders the Mount Whitfield Conservation Park. Established in 1975, Brinsmead is situated on traditional Yidinji country and is named after the Brinsmead Gap, a topographical feature in the surrounding ranges.

The suburb is predominantly residential with a tropical, bushland setting that attracts families seeking a quieter alternative to central Cairns. Freshwater creeks and swimming holes provide natural recreation, while 15 parks cover nearly 16% of the total area. Brinsmead is popular with families and professionals who work in Cairns but prefer a hillside lifestyle surrounded by tropical vegetation, though amenities like major shopping centres require a short drive to nearby Redlynch or Smithfield.

Brinsmead falls under postcode 4870 and is governed by Cairns Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Cairns electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4870
Urban Area
Barron
LGA / Council
Cairns
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Cairns
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.90°, 145.72°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
5.12 km²
Elevation
21m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$450
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733
Avg Household Size
2.8 people
Median Age
39 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.1%

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

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • 123 — Cairns CBD via Redlynch Central 20-25 min
  • 121 — Cairns CBD via Freshwater 25-30 min

Commute to Cairns

Distance
8.5 km
By Bus
20-25 min
By Car (Peak)
15-20 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
10-12 min

🛣️ No train service in Cairns; bus route 123 is the main public transport option via Cairns Western Arterial

Walkability Car-Dependent

Hilly terrain and spread-out layout make a car essential for most trips; limited footpaths in some areas

🛒 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 Brinsmead. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,489.3 / 100k
2yr Down 18.8% 10yr Up 19.6%
Motor vehicle theft
602.7 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 51.9%
Non-FV assault
2,214 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 207.8%
Robbery (unarmed)
53.6 / 100k
2yr Down 36.0% 10yr Up 49.4%
Steal from vehicle
529.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 39.5%
View all offence categories for Cairns →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
5,362
Census 2021
5,537
▲ 3.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$43,420
Personal Income 2021
$50,908
▲ 17.2% 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
$50,908 / yr
$979/wk
Household
$113,880 / yr
$2190/wk
Family
$123,448 / yr
$2374/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 4,179
Born Overseas 1,162

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 184
  • 2. New Zealand 167
  • 3. Japan 79
  • 4. Papua New Guinea 76
  • 5. India 47
  • 6. Philippines 45
  • 7. South Africa 37
  • 8. South Korea 31
  • 9. Germany 30
  • 10. Scotland 29

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 2,125
Australian 1,915
Irish 700
Scottish 597
German 320
Italian 283
Australian Aboriginal 237
Chinese 130
Dutch 124
Filipino 81

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,975
Both parents born in Australia
1,459
Both parents born overseas
873
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
46.4%
No Religion
43.5%
Buddhism
1.6%
Hinduism
0.8%
Islam
0.2%
Sikhism
0.2%
Judaism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
312 (5.6%)
5-14 years
913 (16.5%)
15-19 years
399 (7.2%)
20-24 years
237 (4.3%)
25-34 years
535 (9.7%)
35-44 years
859 (15.5%)
45-54 years
866 (15.6%)
55-64 years
746 (13.5%)
65-74 years
439 (7.9%)
75-84 years
169 (3.1%)
85+ years
48 (0.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brinsmead known for? +

Brinsmead is known for its elevated position providing spectacular views over Cairns, Trinity Bay, and the surrounding tropical landscape. The suburb has established housing, local shops, and is popular with families and professionals in Cairns.

How far is Brinsmead from Cairns CBD? +

Brinsmead is approximately 5-8 kilometres south-west of Cairns CBD, with a drive time of around 10-15 minutes.

Does Brinsmead have public transport? +

Brinsmead 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 Brinsmead? +

According to the 2021 Census, Brinsmead has a population of approximately 5,537 residents within the Cairns Regional Council local government area.

Is Brinsmead a good place to live? +

Brinsmead offers elevated views, established residential character, and a comfortable tropical lifestyle in Cairns. It suits families and professionals who value scenic views over the Coral Sea and the unique lifestyle of Far North Queensland.

What is the postcode for Brinsmead? +

The postcode for Brinsmead is 4870.

What is the average income in Brinsmead? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Brinsmead is about $979 per week (around $50,900 per year). The median household income is $2,190 per week and the median family income is $2,374 per week.

What is the age profile of Brinsmead? +

The median age in Brinsmead is 39. The largest age group is 5–14 (913 residents, around 16%). Around 29% of residents are under 20 and about 12% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Brinsmead a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Brinsmead 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 Brinsmead? +

In Brinsmead, the median weekly rent is $450, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,733 (2021 Census).