🔍

Cardstone

QLD 4854 • Queensland

0
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
82.52 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralNatureRemoteRainforestUninhabited
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About Cardstone

Cardstone is a remote rural locality in the Cassowary Coast Region of Queensland, situated approximately 31 kilometres north-west of Tully and 172 kilometres south of Cairns. The area spans over 82 square kilometres of tropical terrain at the edge of the Tully Gorge National Park, characterised by lush rainforest and rugged mountain landscapes. It falls within the federal electorate of Kennedy and the state electorate of Hinchinbrook. The 2021 census recorded no permanent population, reflecting its character as undeveloped bushland rather than a settled community.

The Cardstone locality is defined by its extraordinary natural environment, with the Tully Gorge and its world-class white-water rafting attracting visitors from across Australia and internationally. The surrounding Wet Tropics World Heritage Area provides habitat for rare wildlife including cassowaries, tree kangaroos, and diverse bird species. Access is via unsealed roads, and the area appeals primarily to bushwalkers, campers, and nature enthusiasts seeking remote tropical wilderness. The closest services, shops, and facilities are found in the township of Tully.

Cardstone falls under postcode 4854 and is governed by the Cassowary Coast Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Kennedy, while state elections fall under the Hinchinbrook electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4854
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Cassowary Coast
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Hinchinbrook
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-18.02°, 145.84°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
82.52 km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4854

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4854, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$40,100
Median 2023–24
$48,918
▲ 22.0% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$59,266

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4854; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Cairns

Distance
172 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Bus
No scheduled bus service
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 2 hrs 15 min via Bruce Hwy
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 2 hrs via Bruce Hwy

🛣️ Remote locality with no public transport. Car or 4WD essential. Tully (31km) is the nearest service town.

Walkability Car-Dependent

No footpaths, shops, or services. A private vehicle or 4WD is essential to access the area.

🛒 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 Cassowary Coast Local Government Area, which contains Cardstone. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
714 / 100k
2yr Down 31.9% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
201.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 11.2%
Non-FV assault
1,528.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 160.3%
Robbery (unarmed)
22.7 / 100k
2yr Up 240.4% 10yr Up 33.1%
Steal from vehicle
214.2 / 100k
2yr Down 16.6% 10yr Stable
View all offence categories for Cassowary Coast →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cardstone known for? +

Cardstone is known for its extraordinary natural environment within the Tully Gorge National Park area. The Tully Gorge is one of Australia's premier white-water rafting destinations, and the broader area is part of the UNESCO Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest.

How far is Cardstone from Tully? +

Cardstone is approximately 31 kilometres north-west of Tully in Queensland's Cassowary Coast Region, about a 30–40 minute drive.

Does Cardstone have public transport? +

There is no public transport serving Cardstone. The locality is accessible only by private vehicle and is very remote rainforest terrain within and near Tully Gorge National Park.

What is the population of Cardstone? +

The 2021 Census recorded no permanent residents in Cardstone, confirming it as essentially uninhabited conservation and wilderness land in the Cassowary Coast Region.

Is Cardstone a good place to live? +

Cardstone is not suited to conventional residential living — it is remote rainforest terrain within a national park. However, it is a world-class adventure tourism destination for white-water rafting and rainforest exploration.

What is the postcode for Cardstone? +

The postcode for Cardstone is 4854, covering the Tully area of Queensland's Cassowary Coast Region.

Is Cardstone a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Cardstone is part of the Cassowary Coast 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.