Cape Cleveland

QLD 4810 • Queensland

128
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
224.71 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalRemoteRuralHarbourside
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About Cape Cleveland

Cape Cleveland is a coastal rural locality in the City of Townsville, Queensland, situated approximately 36 kilometres east-south-east of Townsville CBD along the shores of Cleveland Bay and the Coral Sea. With a population of 128 residents in the 2021 Census across a large area of 224 square kilometres, it is a sparsely settled locality dominated by coastline, headlands, and bushland between Cleveland Bay to the north-west and Bowling Green Bay to the east. The area falls under the Townsville City Council and is part of the Burdekin state electorate.

Cape Cleveland is home to the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), one of Australia's leading tropical marine research facilities, which conducts reef and ocean research from its headquarters on the cape. The rugged coastal scenery — featuring multiple headlands, White Rock Bay, Red Rock Bay, Chunda Bay, and the outer reaches of Cleveland Bay — makes it a destination for those interested in marine environments and Queensland's tropical coastal landscapes. Due to its distance from Townsville and the absence of urban services, the locality primarily supports research station workers, rural landholders, and conservation-focused residents.

Cape Cleveland falls under postcode 4810 and is governed by the Townsville Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Herbert, while state elections fall under the Townsville electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4810
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-19.23°, 146.76°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
224.71 km²
Population Density
1 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4810

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4810, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$55,494
Median 2023–24
$66,184
19.3% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$87,106

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4810; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular bus services — Townsville CBD Car travel only

Commute to Townsville CBD

Distance
36 km
By Train
No train service to Cape Cleveland; nearest station in Townsville city
By Car (Peak)
40-55 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
35-45 min

🛣️ Car essential; primarily accessed via Stuart Drive and coastal roads east of Townsville

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Remote coastal locality with no walkable commercial infrastructure; car essential for all trips to Townsville

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
128
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,390.7 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
639.8 / 100k
Non-FV assault
2,598.2 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
32.7 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
724.5 / 100k

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cape Cleveland known for? +

Cape Cleveland is best known as the home of the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), one of Australia's premier tropical marine research institutions. The locality also features dramatic coastal scenery including Cleveland Bay, Bowling Green Bay, and multiple headlands on the Coral Sea.

How far is Cape Cleveland from Townsville? +

Cape Cleveland is approximately 36 kilometres east-south-east of Townsville CBD, a drive of around 40–55 minutes depending on road conditions and traffic.

Does Cape Cleveland have public transport? +

There is no public transport to Cape Cleveland. The locality is only accessible by car, and all services must be accessed by driving to Townsville.

What is the population of Cape Cleveland? +

The 2021 Census recorded a population of 128 residents in Cape Cleveland. The locality covers a large area of 224 square kilometres, most of which is undeveloped coastal bushland and marine environment.

Is Cape Cleveland a good place to live? +

Cape Cleveland offers a unique lifestyle for those working at the Australian Institute of Marine Science or seeking a remote coastal retreat near Townsville. It suits those comfortable with isolation and a car-dependent lifestyle, rewarded by spectacular tropical coastal scenery and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.

What is the postcode for Cape Cleveland? +

The postcode for Cape Cleveland is 4810, shared with Townsville and surrounding localities in northern Queensland.

Is Cape Cleveland a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Cape Cleveland is part of the Townsville 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.