🔍

Gordonvale

QLD 4865 • Rest of QLD

6,944
Population (2021)
$86,268
Median Household Income
57.06 km²
Area
$320/wk
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalAffordableRiversideTropical

About Gordonvale

Gordonvale is a rural township in Far North Queensland, situated approximately 24 kilometres south of Cairns within the Cairns Regional Council area. Covering an expansive 57 square kilometres along the Mulgrave River valley and flanked by World Heritage-listed rainforest, the town has a population of 6,944. With a median age of 38 and a median household income of $1,659 per week, Gordonvale reflects the modest, working-class character of regional Queensland. The community has a significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, comprising roughly 12.5% of residents, and a strong sense of local identity rooted in the area's agricultural heritage.

Gordonvale's economy has long been anchored in sugar cane farming, and the surrounding Mulgrave Valley remains one of Queensland's most productive cane-growing regions, with the Mulgrave Central Mill a landmark of the area. Essential services include a Woolworths supermarket, local schools, and medical facilities, while the town's proximity to Cairns provides access to a full range of regional amenities. The natural surroundings are spectacular — Babinda Boulders, Wooroonooran National Park, and the Coral Sea coast are all within easy reach. Gordonvale offers an affordable and relaxed tropical lifestyle for families and workers in the Cairns region's agriculture, tourism, and service industries.

Gordonvale falls under postcode 4865 and is governed by Cairns Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mulgrave electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4865
Urban Area
Gordonvale
LGA / Council
Cairns
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Mulgrave
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-17.09°, 145.80°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
57.06 km²
Elevation
15m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$320
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,517
Avg Household Size
2.7 people
Median Age
38 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.8%

74 state housing + 15 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Cairns Bus Service Route 9 — Cairns City Centre 35-50 min

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
22 km
By Train
No direct commuter rail; bus to Cairns CBD approx 35-50 min
By Car (Peak)
25-35 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20-28 min

🛣️ Southern satellite town of Cairns at the foot of the Gillies Range; Bruce Highway provides road access north; gateway to the Atherton Tablelands via Gillies Highway

Walkability Car-Dependent

Town centre walkable for basic needs; car essential for Cairns trips and Tablelands access

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    46 Draper Rd Gordonvale 4865 QLD

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Cairns Local Government Area, which contains Gordonvale. 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
6,671
Census 2021
6,944
▲ 4.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$34,216
Personal Income 2021
$41,236
▲ 20.5% 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
$41,236 / yr
$793/wk
Household
$86,268 / yr
$1659/wk
Family
$101,660 / yr
$1955/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 5,661
Born Overseas 721

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 155
  • 2. New Zealand 106
  • 3. Papua New Guinea 68
  • 4. India 44
  • 5. Philippines 42
  • 6. Germany 29
  • 7. Italy 26
  • 8. United States 22
  • 9. Canada 19
  • 10. Scotland 19

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 2,614
English 2,532
Irish 734
Australian Aboriginal 712
Scottish 633
Italian 510
German 332
Dutch 104
Indian 75
Chinese 73

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

4,536
Both parents born in Australia
965
Both parents born overseas
886
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
46.9%
No Religion
41.1%
Sikhism
0.9%
Buddhism
0.5%
Islam
0.3%
Hinduism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
392 (5.6%)
5-14 years
1,108 (16.0%)
15-19 years
476 (6.9%)
20-24 years
370 (5.3%)
25-34 years
857 (12.3%)
35-44 years
872 (12.6%)
45-54 years
890 (12.8%)
55-64 years
884 (12.7%)
65-74 years
658 (9.5%)
75-84 years
323 (4.7%)
85+ years
116 (1.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gordonvale known for? +

Gordonvale is a rural township in Far North Queensland, situated approximately 24 kilometres south of Cairns within the Cairns Regional Council area. Covering an expansive 57 square kilometres along the Mulgrave River valley and flanked by World Heritage-listed rainforest, the town has a population of 6,944.

How far is Gordonvale from Brisbane CBD? +

Gordonvale is approximately 24 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. Drive times vary depending on traffic conditions.

Does Gordonvale have public transport? +

Gordonvale is a rural locality with no regular public transport services. A private vehicle is essential for accessing towns and services.

What is the population of Gordonvale? +

According to the 2021 Census, Gordonvale has a population of approximately 6,944 residents. It is a well-established suburb within the Cairns (Regional Council).

Is Gordonvale a good place to live? +

Gordonvale 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 Gordonvale? +

The postcode for Gordonvale, QLD is 4865.

What is the average income in Gordonvale? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Gordonvale is about $793 per week (around $41,200 per year). The median household income is $1,659 per week and the median family income is $1,955 per week.

What is the age profile of Gordonvale? +

The median age in Gordonvale is 38. The largest age group is 5–14 (1,108 residents, around 16%). Around 28% of residents are under 20 and about 16% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Gordonvale a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Gordonvale 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 Gordonvale? +

In Gordonvale, the median weekly rent is $320, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,517 (2021 Census).