🔍

Gairloch

QLD 4850 • Queensland

31
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
13.40 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralTropicalAgriculturalRemoteAffordable
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About Gairloch

Gairloch is a tiny rural locality in the Shire of Hinchinbrook, North Queensland, situated 5 kilometres northeast of Ingham and approximately 121 kilometres northwest of Townsville. With just 31 residents at the 2021 census across 13.4 square kilometres, it is a sugar cane farming community in the fertile Herbert River floodplain. The locality is named after Gair Loch in Scotland and features the historic Old Gairloch Bridge.

Life in Gairloch revolves around sugar cane agriculture, with the lush tropical landscape dominated by cane fields and the Herbert River. Residents rely on nearby Ingham for all shopping, schools, and services. The area appeals to those involved in primary industry seeking affordable rural properties in the wet tropics, with Townsville's city amenities accessible within 90 minutes by car.

Gairloch falls under postcode 4850 and is governed by the Hinchinbrook Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Kennedy, while state elections fall under the Traeger electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4850
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Hinchinbrook
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Traeger
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-18.55°, 146.50°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
13.40 km²
Population Density
2 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4850

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4850, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$43,617
Median 2023–24
$53,867
▲ 23.5% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$63,538

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4850; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Ingham Station
6 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • Premier Motor Service — Townsville to Cairns (stops at Ingham) 1.5 hr to Townsville

Commute to Ingham

Distance
5 km
By Train
N/A — no local commuter rail
By Bus
N/A — no local bus service
By Car (Peak)
8 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
7 min

🛣️ Ingham is the nearest service centre. Townsville is about 1 hr 20 min south by car.

Walkability Car Essential

No footpaths, shops, or services. A vehicle is essential for all daily needs.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
31
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
553.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 29.5%
Motor vehicle theft
267.7 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 46.8%
Non-FV assault
2,052.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 378.9%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr Down 100.0%
Steal from vehicle
214.1 / 100k
2yr Up 25.3% 10yr Down 38.2%
View all offence categories for Hinchinbrook →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gairloch known for? +

Gairloch is a tiny rural locality in the Shire of Hinchinbrook, North Queensland, situated 5 kilometres northeast of Ingham and approximately 121 kilometres northwest of Townsville. With just 31 residents at the 2021 census across 13.4 square kilometres, it is a sugar cane farming community in the fertile Herbert River floodplain.

How far is Gairloch from Brisbane CBD? +

Gairloch is approximately 5 km from Ingham. By car, the journey takes around 7 min off-peak and 8 min during peak hours.

Does Gairloch have public transport? +

Gairloch is served by Ingham Station (6 km away) on the Spirit of Queensland (Brisbane to Cairns). Bus services also connect to Townsville to Cairns (stops at Ingham). The commute to Brisbane CBD takes approximately 7 min by car.

What is the population of Gairloch? +

According to the 2021 Census, Gairloch has a population of approximately 31 residents, making it a small rural locality.

Is Gairloch a good place to live? +

Gairloch suits those who value a quiet rural lifestyle with open spaces and natural surroundings. It is ideal for people seeking acreage, farming, or a secluded country retreat, with urban amenities accessible from nearby towns.

What is the postcode for Gairloch? +

The postcode for Gairloch, QLD is 4850.

Is Gairloch a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Gairloch is part of the Hinchinbrook 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.