🔍

Freshwater

QLD 4870 • Rest of QLD

2,142
Population (2021)
$97,084
Median Household Income
1.58 km²
Area
$350/wk
Median Rent
TropicalHistoricFamily-FriendlyScenicLeafy

About Freshwater

Freshwater is a leafy residential suburb of Cairns in Far North Queensland, located approximately 9 kilometres northwest of the Cairns CBD. With a population of 2,142 at the 2021 census, it sits along the banks of Freshwater Creek at the base of the Macalister Range. The suburb has a rich history dating back to the 1870s gold rush era and is on the traditional lands of the Yidiny people.

Freshwater offers a tranquil tropical lifestyle with beautiful views, established gardens, and easy access to both the rainforest hinterland and northern beaches. The historic Freshwater railway station serves as the departure point for the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway. The suburb is popular with families and professionals seeking a quieter alternative to central Cairns, with good schools, cafes, and parks within easy reach.

Freshwater falls under postcode 4870 and is governed by Cairns Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Barron River electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4870
Urban Area
Mount Whitfield
LGA / Council
Cairns
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Barron River
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.88°, 145.71°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
1.58 km²
Elevation
25m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$350
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,625
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
42 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Freshwater Railway Station
0.5 km
6 min

Bus Services

  • 1B, 1C — Cairns CBD via Stratford and Sheridan St 20-25 min
  • 2B — Redlynch to Cairns via Freshwater 15-20 min to CBD

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
9.3 km
By Train
No commuter rail service available
By Bus
20-25 min
By Car (Peak)
15-20 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
12-15 min

🛣️ Freshwater railway station is tourist-only (Kuranda Scenic Railway). Bus services run hourly.

Walkability Car-Dependent

A car is essential for most daily needs. Bus services to Cairns CBD are available but infrequent. Local streets are quiet and pleasant for walking.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,489.3 / 100k
2yr Down 18.8% 10yr Up 19.6%
Motor vehicle theft
602.7 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 51.9%
Non-FV assault
2,214 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 207.8%
Robbery (unarmed)
53.6 / 100k
2yr Down 36.0% 10yr Up 49.4%
Steal from vehicle
529.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 39.5%
View all offence categories for Cairns →

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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,023
Census 2021
2,142
▲ 5.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$45,604
Personal Income 2021
$56,940
▲ 24.9% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$56,940 / yr
$1095/wk
Household
$97,084 / yr
$1867/wk
Family
$118,196 / yr
$2273/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,620
Born Overseas 438

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 113
  • 2. New Zealand 49
  • 3. Japan 36
  • 4. Papua New Guinea 26
  • 5. Germany 23
  • 6. Scotland 17
  • 7. South Africa 16
  • 8. United States 11
  • 9. Canada 9
  • 10. Poland 9

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 929
Australian 702
Irish 324
Scottish 278
German 160
Italian 107
Australian Aboriginal 73
Dutch 55
Filipino 27
Chinese 23

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,146
Both parents born in Australia
534
Both parents born overseas
368
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
52.7%
Christianity
39.0%
Buddhism
1.7%
Hinduism
0.2%
Judaism
0.2%
Islam
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
102 (4.8%)
5-14 years
330 (15.4%)
15-19 years
121 (5.6%)
20-24 years
89 (4.2%)
25-34 years
229 (10.7%)
35-44 years
306 (14.3%)
45-54 years
362 (16.9%)
55-64 years
298 (13.9%)
65-74 years
205 (9.6%)
75-84 years
86 (4.0%)
85+ years
17 (0.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Freshwater known for? +

Freshwater is known for its historic Freshwater railway station — a heritage-listed connection point for the scenic Kuranda Range railway — and its leafy, tranquil residential character with views to the McAlister Range. The suburb has a relaxed tropical lifestyle appeal.

How far is Freshwater from Cairns CBD? +

Freshwater is approximately 9 kilometres north-west of the Cairns CBD, a drive of about 12–15 minutes via Manoora or Redlynch.

Does Freshwater have public transport? +

Freshwater is served by Cairns Transit bus routes connecting to the CBD and northern beaches. The Freshwater Connection tourist railway provides heritage rail experiences to Kuranda, though not commuter services.

What is the population of Freshwater? +

The 2021 Census recorded 2,142 residents in Freshwater, a well-established residential suburb in the Cairns Regional Council area.

Is Freshwater a good place to live? +

Freshwater is an excellent choice for families and professionals seeking a tranquil tropical lifestyle within a short drive of Cairns CBD, the airport, and the northern beaches. Its leafy streets, mountain views, and relaxed character make it one of Cairns' more desirable suburbs.

What is the postcode for Freshwater? +

The postcode for Freshwater is 4870, covering the Cairns urban area and surrounding suburbs in Far North Queensland.

What is the average income in Freshwater? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Freshwater is about $1,095 per week (around $56,900 per year). The median household income is $1,867 per week and the median family income is $2,273 per week.

What is the age profile of Freshwater? +

The median age in Freshwater is 42. The largest age group is 45–54 (362 residents, around 17%). Around 26% of residents are under 20 and about 14% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Freshwater a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Freshwater is part of the Cairns 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.

How much is rent in Freshwater? +

In Freshwater, the median weekly rent is $350, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,625 (2021 Census).