🔍

Lower Daintree

QLD 4873 • Queensland

83
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
57.67 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralCoastalHistoric
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About Lower Daintree

Lower Daintree is a remote rural locality in Far North Queensland, situated within the Shire of Douglas approximately 100 kilometres north of Cairns. Covering over 57 square kilometres, it sits at the gateway to the world-renowned Daintree Rainforest — the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth at over 135 million years old and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Area. With a 2021 census population of around 83 people, Lower Daintree is one of the most sparsely populated areas in Queensland. The locality is part of the broader Cape Tribulation and Daintree River region, a major ecotourism destination.

Life in Lower Daintree is defined by its extraordinary natural surroundings — dense tropical rainforest meets the Coral Sea coastline, creating a landscape unlike anywhere else in Australia. The area is largely off-grid, with many properties relying on solar power and rainwater collection. Tourism and ecotourism underpin the local economy, with visitors drawn to wildlife spotting, river cruises, and the legendary Daintree experience. The community is tight-knit and deeply connected to conservation efforts, attracting residents who value nature, sustainability, and a genuinely remote lifestyle.

Lower Daintree falls under postcode 4873 and is governed by the Douglas Council (Local Government Area). 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
Douglas
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Cook
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.23°, 145.30°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
57.67 km²
Population Density
1 /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

Bus Services

  • Cairns–Daintree corridor — Cairns CBD approx. 2 hrs by car

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
100 km
By Train
N/A – no rail access
By Car (Peak)
approx. 2 hrs (including Daintree River ferry crossing)
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 45 min

🛣️ Access requires the Daintree River cable ferry; no bridge exists

Walkability Car-Dependent

Remote tropical locality; no urban footpaths. A 4WD is recommended in the wet season.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
83
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
991.2 / 100k
2yr Down 32.4% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
232.8 / 100k
2yr Down 17.0% 10yr Up 100.7%
Non-FV assault
1,652 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 165.9%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
285.3 / 100k
2yr Up 30.7% 10yr Down 43.5%
View all offence categories for Douglas →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lower Daintree known for? +

Lower Daintree is known for its proximity to the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest tropical rainforest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Area. The area is a major ecotourism destination in Far North Queensland.

How do you get to Lower Daintree? +

Access to Lower Daintree requires crossing the Daintree River on a cable ferry, as there is no bridge. The drive from Cairns takes approximately 1.5–2 hours.

Is Lower Daintree connected to the electricity grid? +

Much of the area north of the Daintree River, including Lower Daintree, is off the main electricity grid. Most properties rely on solar power and rainwater collection.

What is the population of Lower Daintree? +

According to the 2021 Census, Lower Daintree had a population of approximately 83 people, reflecting its remote and rural character.

Is Lower Daintree a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Lower Daintree is part of the Douglas 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.