🔍

Georgetown

QLD 4871 • Queensland

254
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
4373.64 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralOutbackRemoteHistoric
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About Georgetown

Georgetown is a small outback town and locality in the Shire of Etheridge in Far North Queensland, situated approximately 411 kilometres west of Cairns on the Gulf Developmental Road. It serves as the administrative headquarters of the Shire of Etheridge, one of Queensland's more remote local government areas, encompassing nearby settlements including Mount Surprise, Forsayth, and Einasleigh. With a 2021 Census population of 254, Georgetown is a compact outback community set in the vast savanna landscape of Queensland's Gulf Country.

Georgetown has a rich gold mining heritage as a key town of the historic Etheridge Goldfield, and the surrounding region still draws prospectors and fossickers today. The Einasleigh River and open savanna country provide opportunities for fishing, camping, and four-wheel driving. Essential services including a general store, fuel, school, and basic healthcare are available in town, but residents rely on Mount Garnet and Cairns for more specialised needs. Georgetown appeals to those drawn to a self-sufficient outback lifestyle in one of Queensland's most remote and historically significant regions.

Georgetown falls under postcode 4871 and is governed by the Etheridge 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
Etheridge
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Traeger
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.93°, 145.99°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
4373.64 km²
Population Density
0 /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

  • Trans North bus services (limited) — Cairns approx. 6-7 hrs

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
411 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
4 hr 30 min - 5 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
4 hr - 4 hr 30 min

🛣️ Access via Gulf Developmental Road; unsealed sections possible in wet season; flying from Georgetown Airport available

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

The small town centre provides a few walkable services, but a car or 4WD is essential for daily life in this remote outback locality

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
254
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
549.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr —
Motor vehicle theft
274.7 / 100k
2yr Up 99.5% 10yr Up 121.7%
Non-FV assault
549.4 / 100k
2yr Down 43.0% 10yr Up 343.4%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
412.1 / 100k
2yr Down 57.3% 10yr Down 16.9%
View all offence categories for Etheridge →

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Georgetown known for? +

Georgetown is known for its role as the administrative centre of the Shire of Etheridge and its rich gold mining history as part of the historic Etheridge Goldfield. The region also attracts fossickers, four-wheel drivers, and outback travellers exploring Queensland's remote Gulf Country.

How far is Georgetown from Cairns? +

Georgetown is approximately 411 kilometres west of Cairns, a drive of around 4.5 to 5 hours via the Gulf Developmental Road through Far North Queensland.

Does Georgetown have public transport? +

Georgetown is served by limited Trans North coach services connecting to Cairns, but there is no rail or regular urban bus service. A reliable vehicle — ideally a 4WD — is essential for getting around in and beyond the township.

What is the population of Georgetown? +

According to the 2021 Census, Georgetown has a population of 254 residents. As the administrative seat of the Shire of Etheridge, it is the largest township in an otherwise sparsely populated region of Queensland's Gulf Country.

Is Georgetown a good place to live? +

Georgetown suits those seeking a genuine outback lifestyle with a close-knit community, historical character, and access to Queensland's remote Gulf Country landscapes. It is best suited to self-sufficient residents comfortable with limited services and long distances to major centres.

What is the postcode for Georgetown? +

The postcode for Georgetown, QLD is 4871, shared with other localities in the Etheridge Shire area of Far North Queensland.

Is Georgetown a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Georgetown is part of the Etheridge 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.