🔍

Cooya Beach

QLD 4873 • Queensland

523
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
1.32 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideRuralQuietMulticultural
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About Cooya Beach

Cooya Beach (Kuku-Yalanji: Kuyu Kuyu) is a small coastal locality in the Shire of Douglas in Far North Queensland, situated approximately 4.5 kilometres east of Mossman and 74 kilometres north-west of Cairns. Covering just 1.3 square kilometres along the Coral Sea coastline, the locality sits on a low-lying peninsula between the Mossman River and the sea, backed by the cane fields and rainforest hinterland of the Wet Tropics. With a population of around 523, Cooya Beach is a quiet community with strong connections to the traditional Kuku-Yalanji people of the region.

The beach at Cooya Beach is known for its calm, estuarine-influenced waters and its popularity for mud crab and barramundi fishing, a tradition maintained by the local Indigenous community whose cultural connection to the land and sea is central to the area's identity. The nearby Mossman township provides shops, a school, a hospital, and services, while the spectacular Mossman Gorge in Daintree National Park is just a short drive away. Proximity to Port Douglas (approximately 20km south) means residents can access restaurants, boutique shops, and Reef and Rainforest tourism, while the community enjoys a relaxed tropical lifestyle shaped by the natural beauty of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

Cooya Beach falls under postcode 4873 and is governed by the Douglas Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Leichhardt, while state elections fall under the Cook electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4873
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Douglas
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Cook
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.23°, 145.30°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
1.32 km²
Population Density
395 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4873

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4873, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$40,548
Median 2023–24
$48,500
▲ 19.6% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$59,422

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4873; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Sunbus / Coral Reef Coaches — Mossman and Port Douglas Approx. 10–15 min to Mossman, 25 min to Port Douglas

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
74 km
By Train
No rail service north of Cairns; coach connection from Mossman to Cairns available
By Car (Peak)
1–1.5 hours via Captain Cook Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
55–70 minutes

🛣️ Captain Cook Highway provides scenic coastal access to Cairns; a car is recommended for reliable daily travel

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Cooya Beach has minimal local services; residents drive to Mossman for everyday shopping and to Port Douglas or Cairns for major needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
523
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
991.2 / 100k
2yr Down 32.4% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
232.8 / 100k
2yr Down 17.0% 10yr Up 100.7%
Non-FV assault
1,652 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 165.9%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
285.3 / 100k
2yr Up 30.7% 10yr Down 43.5%
View all offence categories for Douglas →

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cooya Beach known for? +

Cooya Beach is best known for its connection to the Kuku-Yalanji people and the traditional practice of walking the reef to catch mud crab and barramundi. It is also known for its peaceful coastal setting near Mossman Gorge and Daintree National Park, making it part of the iconic Wet Tropics World Heritage region.

How far is Cooya Beach from Cairns? +

Cooya Beach is approximately 74 kilometres north-west of Cairns CBD, a drive of around one hour via the Captain Cook Highway under normal conditions.

Does Cooya Beach have public transport? +

Cooya Beach is served by limited coach and bus services connecting it to Mossman and Port Douglas. There is no rail service north of Cairns. A car is the most practical option for daily travel and longer trips.

What is the population of Cooya Beach? +

According to the 2021 Census, Cooya Beach has a population of approximately 523 residents. The community has a significant Indigenous population with deep ties to the Kuku-Yalanji Country.

Is Cooya Beach a good place to live? +

Cooya Beach offers a rare blend of tropical coastal living and proximity to World Heritage natural attractions. It is best suited to those who value a quiet, nature-immersed lifestyle and appreciate the cultural richness of Far North Queensland, though daily needs require travel to Mossman or Port Douglas.

What is the postcode for Cooya Beach? +

The postcode for Cooya Beach, Queensland is 4873.

Is Cooya Beach a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Cooya Beach is part of the Douglas 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.