🔍

Low Isles

QLD 4873 • Queensland

8
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
0.31 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalRural
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About Low Isles

Low Isles is a tiny offshore locality situated in the Coral Sea approximately 14.5 kilometres north-east of Port Douglas, within the Shire of Douglas in Far North Queensland. The locality comprises two small coral cays — Low Island and Woody Island — covering just 0.31 square kilometres, and is one of the rare island localities accessible by boat tour from Port Douglas. With a permanent population of fewer than ten people recorded in the 2021 Census, it is one of Australia's most sparsely populated localities.

Low Isles is a renowned destination for snorkelling, reef walks, and glass-bottom boat tours, as it sits directly on the Great Barrier Reef. The island is home to a historic lighthouse built in 1878 and is surrounded by pristine coral gardens teeming with marine life. Day-trippers from Port Douglas visit regularly, and the locality forms part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. There are no permanent retail services or public transport — access is exclusively by boat.

Low Isles falls under postcode 4873. For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Leichhardt, while state elections fall under the Cook electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4873
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Cook
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.39°, 145.57°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
0.31 km²
Population Density
26 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4873

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4873, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$40,548
Median 2023–24
$48,500
▲ 19.6% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$59,422

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4873; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Port Douglas

Distance
14.5 km
By Train
No train access — island locality
By Car (Peak)
N/A — boat access only
By Car (Off-Peak)
N/A — boat access only

🛣️ Access is exclusively by boat from Port Douglas. Day tours typically depart from Port Douglas Marina.

Walkability Not Walkable

Island locality — no road infrastructure or footpaths

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
8
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Low Isles? +

Low Isles is accessible only by boat from Port Douglas, approximately 14.5 km away. Several tour operators run daily day-trips including snorkelling and reef walks.

What is there to do at Low Isles? +

Visitors enjoy snorkelling on the coral reef, glass-bottom boat tours, guided reef walks at low tide, and exploring the historic 1878 lighthouse on Low Island.

Is Low Isles part of the Great Barrier Reef? +

Yes, Low Isles sits directly within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is a popular reef experience destination close to Port Douglas.

What is the population of Low Isles? +

The 2021 Census recorded fewer than 10 permanent residents. It is one of Australia's least-populated localities.