🔍

Irvinebank

QLD 4887 • Queensland

113
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
740.15 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
HistoricRuralMountainRemoteHeritage
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About Irvinebank

Irvinebank is a historic rural town and locality in the Shire of Mareeba, Far North Queensland, situated in the mountainous western foothills of the Atherton Tablelands approximately 122 kilometres south-west of Cairns. Perched at an elevation of around 750 metres, the locality covers 740 square kilometres of rugged highland terrain and recorded a population of 113 at the 2021 Census. The town was founded in 1884 by Scottish mining pioneer John Moffat, who established a thriving tin mining, milling, and smelting enterprise that transformed this remote highland into a bustling settlement.

Irvinebank's rich heritage remains central to its identity, with remnants of 19th-century mining infrastructure still visible and the Irvinebank Museum preserving the town's colourful past. The surrounding landscape is dominated by dramatic mountain peaks — including Mount Misery at 1,070 metres and Giblets Peak at 912 metres — offering superb bush walking and wildlife spotting opportunities amid tropical highland rainforest. With no public transport services and winding mountain roads, Irvinebank today appeals to history enthusiasts, bush walkers, and those drawn to the solitude of an authentic piece of Queensland's colonial mining heritage.

Irvinebank falls under postcode 4887 and is governed by the Mareeba Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Kennedy, while state elections fall under the Hill electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4887
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Mareeba
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Hill
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-17.38°, 145.39°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
740.15 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4887

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4887 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$43,921
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$53,016

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4887; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No scheduled bus services — N/A N/A

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
122 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
2 hr – 2 hr 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 45 min – 2 hr

🛣️ Access via Atherton and the Gillies Range Road or via Petford and the Burke Developmental Road; roads are winding through mountainous terrain

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A very small, isolated township with minimal local services; a car is required for virtually all errands

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
113
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,476.6 / 100k
2yr Up 71.6% 10yr Up 137.3%
Motor vehicle theft
514.2 / 100k
2yr Up 58.3% 10yr Up 223.8%
Non-FV assault
2,719.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 218.8%
Robbery (unarmed)
8.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
271.5 / 100k
2yr Down 18.5% 10yr Down 10.7%
View all offence categories for Mareeba →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Irvinebank known for? +

Irvinebank is best known for its rich 19th-century tin mining heritage. The town was founded in 1884 by John Moffat, who built mines, dams, and smelters that turned this remote highland into a thriving community. Today it is recognised for its heritage buildings, the Irvinebank Museum, and dramatic mountain scenery.

How far is Irvinebank from Cairns? +

Irvinebank is approximately 122 kilometres south-west of Cairns CBD, a drive of around 2 to 2.5 hours depending on the route taken through the Atherton Tablelands.

Does Irvinebank have public transport? +

Irvinebank has no public transport services. The nearest rail connection is in Cairns, approximately 122 kilometres north-east. A private vehicle is essential, as the roads through the Atherton Tablelands are winding and mountainous.

What is the population of Irvinebank? +

According to the 2021 Census, Irvinebank's locality had a population of 113 residents across 740 square kilometres, making it one of the most sparsely settled areas of the Atherton Tablelands region.

Is Irvinebank a good place to live? +

Irvinebank offers a rare combination of rich historical character, spectacular mountain landscapes, and deep isolation. It suits those who value heritage, nature, and a quiet lifestyle far from urban centres, though access to services requires regular long drives to Herberton, Atherton, or Cairns.

What is the postcode for Irvinebank? +

The postcode for Irvinebank, Queensland is 4887.

Is Irvinebank a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Irvinebank is part of the Mareeba 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.