🔍

Laura

QLD 4871 • Queensland

133
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
7741.97 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralIndigenous CultureRemoteHeritageTourism
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About Laura

Laura is a small remote town in the Shire of Cook, located on Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, approximately 310 kilometres north-west of Cairns. Sitting on the Laura River and surrounded by savanna woodland, the town serves as a gateway to one of Australia's most significant prehistoric rock art regions. With a 2021 census population of just 133, it is one of Queensland's most isolated communities, characterised by a close-knit mix of Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents.

Laura is world-renowned as the hub of the Quinkan rock art sites — among the largest and most significant collections of Aboriginal rock art on earth, recognised on the Australian National Heritage List. The biennial Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival is a major cultural celebration drawing visitors from across Australia. Residents depend on the town's basic services including a general store and school, with Cooktown (140km east) being the nearest regional centre for additional supplies and healthcare.

Laura 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
7741.97 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

  • Cairns–Laura coach (limited) — Cairns via Cooktown approx. 5 hours

Commute to Cairns

Distance
310 km
By Train
No train service
By Bus
Approximately 5–6 hours by coach
By Car (Peak)
approx. 3.5 hours (partially unsealed road via Mulligan Highway)
By Car (Off-Peak)
approx. 3.5 hours

🛣️ Laura is extremely remote; the Mulligan Highway connecting to Cairns includes unsealed sections. Cooktown (140km east) is the nearest regional centre.

Walkability Car Dependent

Laura is a tiny remote town with minimal footpaths and no public transit. A vehicle is essential for all daily needs and travel to other towns.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
133
▲ 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 Laura. 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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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Laura known for? +

Laura is a small remote town in the Shire of Cook, located on Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, approximately 310 kilometres north-west of Cairns. Sitting on the Laura River and surrounded by savanna woodland, the town serves as a gateway to one of Australia's most significant prehistoric rock art regions.

How far is Laura from Brisbane CBD? +

Laura is approximately 310 km from Cairns. By car, the journey takes around approx. 3.5 hours off-peak and approx. 3.5 hours (partially unsealed road via Mulligan Highway) during peak hours.

Does Laura have public transport? +

Laura is served by bus routes connecting to Cairns via Cooktown, though there is no direct rail service. A car is recommended for most journeys.

What is the population of Laura? +

According to the 2021 Census, Laura has a population of approximately 133 residents, making it a small rural locality.

Is Laura a good place to live? +

Laura 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 Laura? +

The postcode for Laura, QLD is 4871.

Is Laura a safe area? +

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