🔍

Lakeland

QLD 4871 • Queensland

333
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
4741.83 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAffordable
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About Lakeland

Lakeland is a small rural locality and township on the Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, situated approximately 81 kilometres south-west of Cooktown at the junction of the Mulligan Highway and the Peninsula Development Road. With a population of around 333 people, it sits within the Cook Shire local government area and serves as a key service hub for travellers heading north toward Cape York. The locality covers an expansive 4,742 square kilometres of tropical savanna country, with the surrounding Laura Valley known for productive agriculture and cattle grazing.

Lakeland offers a true outback lifestyle, attracting farmers, adventurers, and those seeking wide open spaces far from the city. The town provides essential services including fuel, a roadhouse, and basic supplies for the steady stream of travellers exploring Cape York. The community is tight-knit and self-reliant, with residents engaged largely in agriculture and tourism services. Nearby Black Mountain National Park and the rich Indigenous cultural heritage of the Laura region add to the area's appeal for nature and history enthusiasts.

Lakeland falls under postcode 4871 and is governed by the Cook 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
Cook
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Traeger
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.93°, 145.99°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
4741.83 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

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
335 km
By Train
No train service
By Car (Peak)
4.5-5 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
4-4.5 hrs

🛣️ Car essential; accessible via Mulligan Highway to Cairns or Peninsula Development Road north to Cooktown

Walkability Car-Dependent

Remote rural locality; no footpaths or public transport; vehicle required for all travel

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
333
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
1,391.2 / 100k
2yr Up 27.4% 10yr Up 87.0%
Motor vehicle theft
245.5 / 100k
2yr Down 16.5% 10yr Up 50.9%
Non-FV assault
4,746.5 / 100k
2yr Up 18.3% 10yr Up 219.1%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
409.2 / 100k
2yr Up 39.2% 10yr Down 20.0%
View all offence categories for Cook →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lakeland QLD located? +

Lakeland is a rural locality on the Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, about 81 km south-west of Cooktown at the junction of the Mulligan Highway and Peninsula Development Road.

What is the population of Lakeland QLD? +

Lakeland had a population of 333 people according to the 2021 Census, up from 299 in 2016.

What is Lakeland known for? +

Lakeland is a key service stop for travellers exploring Cape York Peninsula. It is surrounded by tropical savanna, cattle stations, and is close to Black Mountain National Park and the culturally significant Laura region.

Is there public transport to Lakeland? +

There is no train or regular bus service to Lakeland. A private vehicle is essential; the town is approximately 335 km north of Cairns via the Mulligan Highway.

Is Lakeland a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Lakeland is part of the Cook 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.

What is the population of Lakeland? +

Lakeland had a population of 333 at the 2021 Census.