🔍

Newell

QLD 4873 • Queensland

327
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
7.32 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalRuralAgriculturalTropicalAffordable
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About Newell

Newell is a small coastal and rural locality in the Shire of Douglas, Far North Queensland, situated approximately 66 kilometres north of Cairns. Located in a sugarcane growing district, the locality covers around 7.3 square kilometres and recorded a population of 327 residents at the 2021 Census. The median household income is below the state average, reflecting the seasonal and agricultural nature of the local economy.

Newell's coastal position near the Coral Sea gives residents and visitors access to tropical beaches and marine environments typical of Far North Queensland, while the nearby township of Mossman — the administrative centre of Douglas Shire — provides schools, supermarkets, and community services. Port Douglas, one of Australia's premier tropical resort destinations, is close by, and the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Daintree Rainforest is within easy reach. Newell appeals to those drawn to the laid-back charm of tropical Queensland, close to the Great Barrier Reef and one of the world's oldest rainforests.

Newell 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
7.32 km²
Population Density
45 /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

  • Limited Trans North regional bus — Mossman / Port Douglas / Cairns 30-90 min

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
66 km
By Train
No direct train service; Cairns is the nearest major rail terminus
By Car (Peak)
55-75 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
50-65 min

🛣️ Captain Cook Highway is the main route south to Port Douglas and Cairns; Cairns International Airport is approximately 63 km away

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for daily errands; no local shops within walking distance in this small coastal rural locality

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
327
▲ 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 Newell. 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 Newell known for? +

Newell is known as a small coastal and sugarcane farming locality in Far North Queensland's Douglas Shire, set between the Coral Sea and the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest. It offers a relaxed tropical lifestyle close to Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef.

How far is Newell from Cairns? +

Newell is approximately 66 kilometres north of Cairns CBD, typically a 55 to 75 minute drive along the Captain Cook Highway, passing through Port Douglas.

Does Newell have public transport? +

Newell has limited public transport options, with some regional bus services connecting to Mossman, Port Douglas, and Cairns. There is no rail service in the Douglas Shire; a car is the most practical means of transport.

What is the population of Newell? +

According to the 2021 Census, Newell had a population of 327 residents, making it a small coastal locality within the Shire of Douglas in Far North Queensland.

Is Newell a good place to live? +

Newell suits those who love a quiet tropical coastal lifestyle, with the Coral Sea on the doorstep and the Daintree Rainforest and Port Douglas close by. It is ideal for those comfortable with limited local services and car dependency, in exchange for a beautiful natural setting.

What is the postcode for Newell? +

The postcode for Newell, QLD is 4873.

Is Newell a safe area? +

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