🔍

Cow Bay

QLD 4873 • Queensland

220
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
25.55 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalRemoteBushlandRuralTourist Hub
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About Cow Bay

Cow Bay is a small coastal locality in the Shire of Douglas in Far North Queensland, nestled within the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest approximately 120 kilometres north-west of Cairns. With a population of 220, the area covers around 25.5 square kilometres and sits between the ancient rainforest and the Coral Sea, offering one of the most biodiverse environments in Australia. The locality is characterised by dense tropical vegetation, small-scale eco-tourism operations, and a tight-knit community of residents committed to conservation.

Cow Bay is home to the iconic Jindalba Boardwalk, which winds through lowland rainforest and is one of the region's most accessible guided rainforest walks. Visitors and residents alike enjoy snorkelling on the nearby reef, birdwatching for cassowaries, and swimming at Emmagen Beach. Facilities are minimal — there is no school in Cow Bay and the nearest services are found at Mossman, around 45 kilometres to the south — making it a true off-grid community suited to those who embrace a self-sufficient lifestyle in one of the world's great natural wonders.

Cow Bay 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
25.55 km²
Population Density
9 /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

  • No scheduled bus service — N/A N/A

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
120 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
2h–2h 30min (includes Daintree River ferry crossing)
By Car (Off-Peak)
1h 45min–2h

🛣️ Access requires the Daintree River cable ferry; road north of ferry is unsealed in sections; car essential

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A 4WD or car is essential; no shops, schools, or services are within walking distance

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
220
▲ 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 Cow Bay. 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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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cow Bay known for? +

Cow Bay is known for its spectacular location within the Daintree Rainforest, where tropical rainforest meets the Coral Sea. The Jindalba Boardwalk, cassowary sightings, and pristine beaches like Emmagen Beach make it a popular eco-tourism destination.

How far is Cow Bay from Cairns? +

Cow Bay is approximately 120 kilometres north-west of Cairns CBD, roughly a 2 to 2.5 hour drive that includes a cable ferry crossing of the Daintree River.

Does Cow Bay have public transport? +

Cow Bay has no regular public transport services. A car — ideally a 4WD — is essential, as access requires the Daintree River cable ferry and some unsealed roads beyond the ferry crossing.

What is the population of Cow Bay? +

According to the 2021 Census, Cow Bay has a population of 220 people, making it one of Queensland's most remote and sparsely populated coastal localities.

Is Cow Bay a good place to live? +

Cow Bay offers an extraordinary lifestyle for those who love nature, with the Daintree Rainforest and Coral Sea as a backdrop. However, it suits only those comfortable with minimal services, no schools on-site, and the isolation of one of Australia's most remote communities.

What is the postcode for Cow Bay? +

The postcode for Cow Bay is 4873, shared with other Daintree region localities including Daintree Village and Cape Tribulation.

Is Cow Bay a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Cow Bay 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.