🔍

Cowley

QLD 4871 • Queensland

82
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
14.33 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalCoastalRainforest
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About Cowley

Cowley is a small rural locality on the Cassowary Coast in Far North Queensland, situated approximately 25 kilometres south of Innisfail and around 140 kilometres south of Cairns. The locality falls within the Cassowary Coast Regional Council area and had a population of 82 residents at the 2021 Census, spread across approximately 14 square kilometres of wet tropics terrain. The landscape is defined by sugarcane farms and remnant rainforest typical of the region, with the backdrop of rainforest-clad ranges forming the UNESCO-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area.

The broader Cowley area, which includes the nearby localities of Cowley Beach and Cowley Creek, sits adjacent to nationally significant wetlands and offers residents access to exceptional natural biodiversity and coastal environments. Sugarcane farming has long been the economic backbone of the district, with the South Johnstone sugar mill serving as a key regional landmark. Residents rely on Innisfail for schools, shopping, medical services, and transport connections, with Cairns accessible within roughly 1.5 hours by car for more comprehensive facilities.

Cowley 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
14.33 km²
Population Density
6 /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

  • TransNorth Bus & Coach — Innisfail / Cairns 30–40 min to Innisfail; 1 hr 45 min to Cairns

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
140 km
By Train
No direct train service to Cowley; limited regional rail from Cairns
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 30 min - 1 hr 50 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 30 min - 1 hr 45 min

🛣️ Access via the Bruce Highway; Innisfail is the nearest service town (25 km north)

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A rural farming locality with no local shops; a car is essential for all errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
82
▲ 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. 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 known for? +

Cowley and its surrounding localities (Cowley Beach, Cowley Creek) are known for sugarcane farming and their location within the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area. The area is also adjacent to nationally significant wetlands that support exceptional biodiversity.

How far is Cowley from Cairns? +

Cowley is approximately 140 kilometres south of Cairns, a drive of around 1.5 to 2 hours via the Bruce Highway.

Does Cowley have public transport? +

Cowley has limited bus services connecting to Innisfail, the nearest major service town about 25 kilometres to the north. There is no rail service in Cowley itself, and residents generally rely on private vehicles for most travel.

What is the population of Cowley? +

According to the 2021 Census, Cowley has a population of 82 residents across approximately 14 square kilometres of rural wet tropics land.

Is Cowley a good place to live? +

Cowley appeals to those who enjoy rural living in a stunning tropical environment close to rainforest and coastal wetlands. Residents need to travel to Innisfail for schooling, shopping, and healthcare, making a car essential for daily life.

What is the postcode for Cowley? +

The postcode for Cowley, QLD is 4871, which it shares with nearby localities including Cowley Beach and Cowley Creek.

Is Cowley a safe area? +

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