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Murray Upper

QLD 4854 • Queensland

218
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
257.46 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRainforestRemoteBushland
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About Murray Upper

Murray Upper is a rural locality in the Cassowary Coast Region of Queensland, located approximately 36 kilometres south-west of Tully and 171 kilometres south of Cairns in Far North Queensland. Covering around 257 square kilometres of tropical hinterland, the locality had a population of 218 residents at the 2021 Census. The Murray River rises here in Murray Upper before flowing east to enter the Coral Sea near the neighbouring locality of Bilyana.

The area is renowned for the spectacular Murray Falls, located within Girramay National Park — a popular natural attraction featuring a series of cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and swimming holes. The landscape is defined by dense wet tropics vegetation, and the locality is home to farming properties amidst the rainforest fringe. With no rail service and limited bus access, a vehicle is essential, and the nearest services and schools are found in Tully or Cardwell.

Murray Upper falls under postcode 4854 and is governed by the Cassowary Coast Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Kennedy, while state elections fall under the Hinchinbrook electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4854
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Cassowary Coast
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Hinchinbrook
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-18.02°, 145.84°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
257.46 km²
Population Density
1 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4854

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4854, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$40,100
Median 2023–24
$48,918
▲ 22.0% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$59,266

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4854; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Tully / Cardwell Varies

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
171 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 15 min - 2 hr 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr

🛣️ Bruce Highway via Tully and Innisfail is the main route north to Cairns

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A private vehicle is essential; the nearest shops and services are in Tully, over 35 km away

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
218
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
714 / 100k
2yr Down 31.9% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
201.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 11.2%
Non-FV assault
1,528.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 160.3%
Robbery (unarmed)
22.7 / 100k
2yr Up 240.4% 10yr Up 33.1%
Steal from vehicle
214.2 / 100k
2yr Down 16.6% 10yr Stable
View all offence categories for Cassowary Coast →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Murray Upper known for? +

Murray Upper is best known for Murray Falls, a stunning series of cascading waterfalls and swimming holes set within Girramay National Park, surrounded by tropical rainforest. The Murray River also rises in this locality.

How far is Murray Upper from Cairns? +

Murray Upper is approximately 171 kilometres south of Cairns, a drive of around 2 to 2.5 hours via the Bruce Highway through Innisfail.

Does Murray Upper have public transport? +

There is no passenger rail service in Murray Upper. Limited regional bus routes connect to Tully and nearby towns, but a private vehicle is the most practical transport option.

What is the population of Murray Upper? +

According to the 2021 Census, Murray Upper had a population of 218 people, spread across an area of around 257 square kilometres of tropical hinterland.

Is Murray Upper a good place to live? +

Murray Upper appeals to those who seek a secluded, nature-immersed lifestyle in the wet tropics. With magnificent rainforest and the famous Murray Falls on the doorstep, it suits self-sufficient residents who do not mind travelling to Tully for everyday needs.

What is the postcode for Murray Upper? +

The postcode for Murray Upper, Queensland is 4854.

Is Murray Upper a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Murray Upper is part of the Cassowary Coast 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.