🔍

Cowley Beach

QLD 4871 • Queensland

65
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
56.79 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalRemoteTropicalNatureRural
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About Cowley Beach

Cowley Beach is a tiny coastal locality in the Cassowary Coast Region of Far North Queensland, located on the Coral Sea coast between the Moresby River and the Johnstone River. With just 65 residents recorded in the 2021 census, it is one of the most sparsely populated coastal communities in Queensland. The locality sits approximately 30 km north of Innisfail and 90 km south of Cairns, surrounded by World Heritage-listed rainforest and wetland.

Cowley Beach is known for its pristine and relatively undeveloped coastline, seasonal stinger presence, and proximity to tropical rainforest, making it a draw for nature lovers and birdwatchers. A small community of beach shacks defines the locality, attracting those who value solitude and natural beauty over suburban amenity. Innisfail provides the nearest shopping, medical and schooling services.

Cowley Beach falls under postcode 4871 and is governed by the Cassowary Coast Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Leichhardt, while state elections fall under the Traeger electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4871
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Cassowary Coast
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Traeger
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.93°, 145.99°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
56.79 km²
Population Density
1 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4871

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4871, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$38,070
Median 2023–24
$46,529
▲ 22.2% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$57,771

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4871; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Cairns-Innisfail-Townsville coach services — Innisfail / Cairns Innisfail ~30 min by car

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
90 km
By Bus
Limited coach services to Innisfail, then onward transfer
By Car (Peak)
Approx 1 hour 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx 1 hour

🛣️ Innisfail (~30 km) is the main service centre. Bruce Highway provides the primary access route north to Cairns.

Walkability Car Dependent

A tiny remote coastal community with no local services or public transport. Private vehicle is essential for all daily needs.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
65
▲ 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 Cowley Beach. 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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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cowley Beach known for? +

Cowley Beach is known for its pristine, largely undeveloped tropical coastline and proximity to the Wet Tropics rainforest of the Cassowary Coast. It attracts nature lovers and birdwatchers drawn to its remote setting between two river systems.

How far is Cowley Beach from Cairns? +

Cowley Beach is approximately 113 kilometres south of Cairns, a drive of about 90 minutes via the Bruce Highway through Innisfail.

Does Cowley Beach have public transport? +

There is no public transport to Cowley Beach. A private vehicle is required, and Innisfail is the nearest town with full services.

What is the population of Cowley Beach? +

The 2021 Census recorded 65 residents in Cowley Beach, a very small and remote coastal locality in the Cassowary Coast Region of Far North Queensland.

Is Cowley Beach a good place to live? +

Cowley Beach suits those seeking genuine remote tropical coastal living away from the crowds, with access to pristine beach and rainforest environments. Seasonal stingers require caution for swimming, but the natural beauty and isolation are exceptional.

What is the postcode for Cowley Beach? +

The postcode for Cowley Beach is 4871, covering the broader Cassowary Coast area south of Cairns.

Is Cowley Beach a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Cowley Beach 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.