🔍

Mount Surprise

QLD 4871 • Queensland

138
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
3613.14 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteOutbackRuralTourist Hub
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About Mount Surprise

Mount Surprise is a remote outback town in Far North Queensland, situated approximately 285 kilometres south-west of Cairns within the Shire of Etheridge local government area. With a population of 138 residents spread across a vast locality of over 3,600 square kilometres, it serves as a service hub for the surrounding Gulf Savannah region. The town sits at an elevation of around 453 metres on the western slopes of the Atherton Tablelands, giving it a semi-arid character with warm, dry winters and a distinct wet season.

Mount Surprise is best known as a gateway to Undara Volcanic National Park, home to one of the world's longest lava tube systems, attracting geology enthusiasts and eco-tourists from around Australia. The historic Savannahlander tourist train stops at Mount Surprise railway station, connecting the town to Cairns and adding a heritage rail flavour to its remote identity. The community is small and tight-knit, with basic services, a pub, and a caravan park catering to travellers exploring the Gulf Development Road corridor.

Mount Surprise falls under postcode 4871 and is governed by the Etheridge 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
Etheridge
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Traeger
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.93°, 145.99°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
3613.14 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

Nearest Train Stations

Mount Surprise Railway Station
0.5 km
7 min

Bus Services

  • No scheduled bus services — Car or private transport required N/A

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
285 km
By Train
Savannahlander tourist train (not a commuter service)
By Car (Peak)
approx. 3.5–4 hours via Gillies Hwy and Kennedy Hwy
By Car (Off-Peak)
approx. 3.5 hours

🛣️ Extremely remote. The Kennedy Highway connects Mount Surprise to Cairns. No public transport services.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Mount Surprise is a remote outback town where a vehicle is essential for virtually all daily needs.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
138
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
549.4 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr —
Motor vehicle theft
274.7 / 100k
2yr Up 99.5% 10yr Up 121.7%
Non-FV assault
549.4 / 100k
2yr Down 43.0% 10yr Up 343.4%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
412.1 / 100k
2yr Down 57.3% 10yr Down 16.9%
View all offence categories for Etheridge →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mount Surprise known for? +

Mount Surprise is best known as the gateway to Undara Volcanic National Park, which contains one of the world's longest and best-preserved lava tube systems. It is also a stop on the iconic Savannahlander heritage tourist train that runs between Cairns and Forsayth.

How far is Mount Surprise from Cairns? +

Mount Surprise is approximately 285 kilometres south-west of Cairns, making it around a 3.5 to 4-hour drive via the Kennedy and Gillies Highways.

Does Mount Surprise have public transport? +

There are no regular bus services to or from Mount Surprise. The Savannahlander tourist train calls at the historic railway station, but is a tourist service rather than a commuter option. A private vehicle is essential.

What is the population of Mount Surprise? +

According to the 2021 Census, Mount Surprise has a population of 138 residents, spread across a vast locality of more than 3,600 square kilometres in Far North Queensland.

Is Mount Surprise a good place to live? +

Mount Surprise suits those who value wide open spaces, outback lifestyle, and a strong sense of community in an extremely remote setting. It offers basic services and a relaxed pace of life, but residents must be self-sufficient and comfortable with significant distances to major towns.

What is the postcode for Mount Surprise? +

The postcode for Mount Surprise is 4871.

Is Mount Surprise a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Mount Surprise is part of the Etheridge 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.