Oak Beach

QLD 4877 • Queensland

186
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
2.88 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideRuralQuietPeaceful
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About Oak Beach

Oak Beach is a small coastal locality in the Shire of Douglas, Queensland, situated along the Coral Sea approximately 16 kilometres south-east of Port Douglas and 50 kilometres north-west of Cairns. Covering just 2.9 square kilometres, the locality recorded a population of 186 residents in the 2021 Census, with a modest median income reflecting the character of smaller coastal communities in Far North Queensland. Low-density housing and holiday properties make up much of the built environment, giving Oak Beach a quiet, residential feel distinct from the tourist activity of nearby Port Douglas.

Oak Beach offers direct beach access and scenic views across the Coral Sea, positioned on the doorstep of some of Australia's most celebrated natural environments — the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest are both within easy reach. The locality has no schools; families rely on Port Douglas State School to the north-west. All major services, including shops, restaurants, and medical facilities, are found in Port Douglas, making a car essential for daily life. Oak Beach appeals to those seeking a tranquil beachside lifestyle in one of Australia's most spectacular tropical settings.

Oak Beach falls under postcode 4877 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
Postcode
4877
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.54°, 145.47°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
2.88 km²
Population Density
65 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4877

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4877, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$39,581
Median 2023–24
$45,580
15.2% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$61,275

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4877; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Transdev Queensland (Port Douglas–Cairns services) — Cairns CBD Approx. 60–75 min to Cairns

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
50 km
By Train
No direct train service; Cairns Station is approx. 55 km south but no rail link to Oak Beach
By Car (Peak)
45–60 min via Captain Cook Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
40–50 min via Captain Cook Highway

🛣️ Captain Cook Highway (Cook Hwy) is the main road connecting Oak Beach to both Port Douglas and Cairns; scenic coastal drive

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

No shops or services within Oak Beach itself; a car is required for all errands, with Port Douglas 16 km away

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
186
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 Oak Beach. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
991.2 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
232.8 / 100k
Non-FV assault
1,652 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
285.3 / 100k

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oak Beach known for? +

Oak Beach is known for its quiet, unspoilt beachside setting on the Coral Sea, close to some of Far North Queensland's most iconic natural attractions. The area offers beach access, scenic coastal views, and proximity to both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, making it a popular location for those seeking a relaxed tropical lifestyle away from busier tourist towns.

How far is Oak Beach from Cairns? +

Oak Beach is approximately 50 kilometres north-west of Cairns, typically a 45 to 60 minute drive via the Captain Cook Highway depending on traffic conditions. Port Douglas, the nearest service town, is about 16 kilometres north-west.

Does Oak Beach have public transport? +

Oak Beach is served by Transdev Queensland bus services that run along the Captain Cook Highway connecting Port Douglas and Cairns, though services can be limited. There is no rail service to the area; a car is the most practical way to get around for daily needs.

What is the population of Oak Beach? +

According to the 2021 Census, Oak Beach has a population of 186 people across approximately 70 dwellings. The locality's small, compact area of 2.9 square kilometres means it is relatively densely settled compared to other rural Queensland localities.

Is Oak Beach a good place to live? +

Oak Beach is ideal for those who want a peaceful beachside lifestyle in a spectacular tropical setting, with the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest close at hand. The trade-off is limited local amenities, with shops, schools, and services requiring a trip to Port Douglas. It suits retirees, remote workers, and those who prioritise natural surroundings over urban convenience.

What is the postcode for Oak Beach? +

The postcode for Oak Beach in Queensland is 4877, which is shared with Port Douglas and several surrounding localities in the Shire of Douglas.

Is Oak Beach a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Oak Beach 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.