🔍

Nerada

QLD 4860 • Queensland

88
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
32.22 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralTropicalAgriculturalTourist Hub
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About Nerada

Nerada is a rural locality in Queensland's Cassowary Coast Region, located approximately 25 kilometres south-west of Innisfail in Far North Queensland. The locality covers around 32 square kilometres and is largely bounded by the Johnstone River to the west, north, and east, while Palmerston Rocks National Park occupies its south-eastern corner. With a 2021 census population of 88 residents and a predominantly male workforce, Nerada reflects the agricultural character typical of this tropical hinterland region, where sugarcane, banana cultivation, and grazing on native vegetation are the primary land uses.

Nerada is best known as the home of the Nerada Tea Plantation, one of Australia's largest and most recognised commercial tea operations, which produces around 90 percent of the tea grown domestically. The plantation welcomes visitors for farm tours and features a popular tearoom set against the lush green backdrop of the tea fields, drawing travellers from across the Atherton Tablelands and Cassowary Coast. The locality takes its name from the former Nerada railway station on the Innisfail Tramway, with the name believed to derive from an Aboriginal word meaning 'grass country'. For everyday services, residents travel to Innisfail or nearby Mundoo/Wangan, with a private vehicle essential for all daily needs.

Nerada falls under postcode 4860 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 Hill electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4860
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Cassowary Coast
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Hill
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-17.52°, 145.89°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
32.22 km²
Population Density
3 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4860

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4860, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$39,610
Median 2023–24
$48,574
▲ 22.6% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$58,435

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4860; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Innisfail (limited services) approx. 35 min

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
1500 km
By Train
No direct passenger train service from locality
By Car (Peak)
15 hr – 16 hr (via Bruce Highway)
By Car (Off-Peak)
14 hr – 15 hr

🛣️ Innisfail is the nearest regional centre; Cairns is approx. 90 km north for broader services and Cairns Airport

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A private vehicle is essential for all daily errands; no local retail or general services are available within the locality

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
88
▲ 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 Nerada. 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 Nerada known for? +

Nerada is best known as the home of the Nerada Tea Plantation, one of Australia's largest commercial tea operations, producing around 90 percent of domestically grown tea. The plantation offers farm tours, a popular tearoom, and is a notable attraction on the Atherton Tablelands tourist circuit. The locality's name is believed to derive from an Aboriginal word meaning 'grass country'.

How far is Nerada from Innisfail? +

Nerada is approximately 25 kilometres south-west of Innisfail, making it around a 30 to 35 minute drive to Innisfail's town centre for shops, schools, and medical services.

Does Nerada have public transport? +

There is no regular public transport service to Nerada. The locality has no rail access and limited regional bus connections. A private vehicle is the primary and most practical way to get around.

What is the population of Nerada? +

According to the 2021 Census, Nerada has a population of 88 residents across approximately 34 dwellings. The locality has a predominantly male population, consistent with its agricultural workforce character.

Is Nerada a good place to live? +

Nerada offers a quiet tropical rural lifestyle for those connected to the agricultural industry or who value living close to the natural attractions of the Cassowary Coast hinterland. The Nerada Tea Plantation is a unique local landmark, and the surrounding landscape — including Palmerston Rocks National Park and the Johnstone River — adds to its appeal for nature lovers.

What is the postcode for Nerada? +

The postcode for Nerada, Queensland is 4860.

Is Nerada a safe area? +

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