🔍

Kuranda

QLD 4881 • Rest of QLD

3,273
Population (2021)
$66,768
Median Household Income
110.83 km²
Area
$260/wk
Median Rent
Tourist TownRainforestIndigenous CultureAlternative LifestyleScenic

About Kuranda

Kuranda is a scenic village nestled in the rainforest ranges west of Cairns in Far North Queensland, situated at an elevation of around 330 metres in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. With a population of approximately 3,273 (2021 census), it is part of the Mareeba Shire and sits about 25 kilometres from Cairns CBD. The community has a distinctly alternative and artistic character, with a high proportion of Indigenous residents (around 16%) and a median age of 46. It is one of Queensland's most visited tourist destinations thanks to its rainforest setting and unique transport links.

Kuranda is famous for its vibrant markets, wildlife parks (including the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Birdworld), and the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway connecting it to Cairns. The village centre features boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries catering to both tourists and locals. Residents enjoy a relaxed bush lifestyle surrounded by rainforest, with a tight-knit community culture that supports local arts and indigenous heritage. It appeals to tree-changers, retirees, and artists seeking an alternative lifestyle close to Cairns' services.

Kuranda falls under postcode 4881 and is governed by Mareeba Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Barron River electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4881
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Mareeba
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Barron River
Type
Rural
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.83°, 145.60°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
110.83 km²
Elevation
374m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$260
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,595
Avg Household Size
2.5 people
Median Age
46 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
7.6%

56 state housing + 32 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Kuranda Station
0.3 km
4 min

Bus Services

  • 1A, 1B — Cairns CBD Approx 45 min

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
25 km
By Train
1 hr 35 min (Scenic Railway – heritage service, limited frequency)
By Bus
45–55 min
By Car (Peak)
30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
25 min

🛣️ Kennedy Hwy / Kuranda Range Rd is the main car route; can be affected by fog and wet weather in the wet season.

Walkability Car-Dependent

The village centre is walkable for local shops and markets, but most residents need a car for everyday errands beyond the township.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Mareeba Local Government Area, which contains Kuranda. 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

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,008
Census 2021
3,273
▲ 8.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$26,468
Personal Income 2021
$31,200
▲ 17.9% 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
$31,200 / yr
$600/wk
Household
$66,768 / yr
$1284/wk
Family
$84,084 / yr
$1617/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,160
Born Overseas 658

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 184
  • 2. New Zealand 86
  • 3. Germany 53
  • 4. United States 34
  • 5. Netherlands 23
  • 6. Canada 18
  • 7. Scotland 18
  • 8. France 15
  • 9. Papua New Guinea 15
  • 10. South Africa 15

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,126
Australian 863
Australian Aboriginal 504
Irish 370
Scottish 331
German 201
Dutch 94
Italian 94
French 36
Chinese 34

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,603
Both parents born in Australia
793
Both parents born overseas
441
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
50.4%
Christianity
30.8%
Buddhism
1.3%
Islam
0.3%
Hinduism
0.1%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
156 (4.8%)
5-14 years
447 (13.7%)
15-19 years
189 (5.8%)
20-24 years
93 (2.8%)
25-34 years
271 (8.3%)
35-44 years
413 (12.6%)
45-54 years
470 (14.4%)
55-64 years
568 (17.4%)
65-74 years
424 (13.0%)
75-84 years
198 (6.0%)
85+ years
39 (1.2%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kuranda known for? +

Kuranda is a small rural locality in QLD with approximately 3273 residents, known for its quiet character and proximity to Brisbane and surrounding services.

How far is Kuranda from Brisbane CBD? +

Kuranda is approximately 1407 kilometres from Brisbane CBD. The drive typically takes 25 min outside peak hours, though most residents use local regional centres rather than commuting to the capital CBD.

Does Kuranda have public transport? +

Kuranda is served by local bus services connecting to the broader network. Train access is available via nearby stations.

What is the population of Kuranda? +

According to the 2021 Census, Kuranda has a population of approximately 3,273 residents.

Is Kuranda a good place to live? +

Kuranda suits those who appreciate a rural or semi-rural lifestyle with open spaces and natural surroundings. Residents typically travel to larger towns for comprehensive services.

What is the postcode for Kuranda? +

The postcode for Kuranda, QLD is 4881.

What is the average income in Kuranda? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Kuranda is about $600 per week (around $31,200 per year). The median household income is $1,284 per week and the median family income is $1,617 per week.

What is the age profile of Kuranda? +

The median age in Kuranda is 46. The largest age group is 55–64 (568 residents, around 17%). Around 24% of residents are under 20 and about 20% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is Kuranda a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Kuranda 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.

How much is rent in Kuranda? +

In Kuranda, the median weekly rent is $260, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,595 (2021 Census).