🔍

Paluma

QLD 4816 • Queensland

87
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
2297.73 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralBushlandRemoteQuietHinterland
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About Paluma

Paluma is a small mountain village nestled within the Paluma Range National Park in North Queensland, approximately 67 kilometres north of Townsville and situated at an altitude of around 1,000 metres above sea level. Falling within the City of Townsville council area, the village had a population of 87 at the 2021 Census and is set within the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area — the southernmost extent of Australia's tropical rainforest. Paluma Range National Park covers more than 43,000 hectares, with Mount Spec (995 m) the dominant peak rising dramatically from the coastal plain below.

The village is a cherished destination for birdwatchers, hikers, and nature lovers, with walking trails winding through ancient upland rainforest home to species such as Victoria's Riflebird and various bowerbirds. The Rainforest Inn provides a popular retreat for visitors and is one of the few commercial establishments in the village. Access to Paluma is via a winding mountain road off the Bruce Highway, which takes approximately 1.5 hours from Townsville — making it a peaceful residential escape for those who embrace a self-sufficient lifestyle surrounded by World Heritage wilderness.

Paluma falls under postcode 4816 and is governed by the Charters Towers Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Kennedy, while state elections fall under the Traeger electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4816
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Charters Towers
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Traeger
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-19.79°, 146.79°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
2297.73 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4816

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4816, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$46,949
Median 2023–24
$58,280
▲ 24.1% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$68,992

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4816; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No direct bus service — N/A N/A

Commute to Townsville CBD

Distance
67 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 1 hr 20 min - 1 hr 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 1 hr 15 min - 1 hr 30 min

🛣️ Access via Bruce Highway then an 18 km winding mountain road; no public transport to the village; 4WD recommended in wet season

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Paluma is a remote mountain village with no shops or services; a car is required for all errands, with Townsville or Ingham as the nearest service centres

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
87
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
712.6 / 100k
2yr Down 38.9% 10yr Down 37.6%
Motor vehicle theft
265.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 14.5%
Non-FV assault
2,112.8 / 100k
2yr Down 13.4% 10yr Up 180.6%
Robbery (unarmed)
33.1 / 100k
2yr Up 298.1% 10yr Up 300.6%
Steal from vehicle
314.9 / 100k
2yr Up 22.0% 10yr Stable
View all offence categories for Charters Towers →

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Paluma known for? +

Paluma is known for its spectacular upland rainforest setting within the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area. It is celebrated for birdwatching, rainforest walking trails, and its position as the southernmost patch of tropical rainforest in Australia, all accessible from a small mountain-top village.

How far is Paluma from Townsville? +

Paluma is approximately 67 kilometres north of Townsville, taking around 1.5 hours to drive via the Bruce Highway and an 18-kilometre winding mountain road up through the Paluma Range.

Does Paluma have public transport? +

Paluma has no direct public transport. A limited bus service runs from Townsville to Rollingstone near the Bruce Highway turnoff, but there is no bus service up the mountain to the village itself. A private vehicle is essential.

What is the population of Paluma? +

According to the 2021 Census, Paluma had a population of 87 people. The village is one of the smallest permanent communities in North Queensland and forms part of the broader City of Townsville council area.

Is Paluma a good place to live? +

Paluma offers an extraordinary lifestyle for those who value World Heritage rainforest, cool mountain air, and tranquillity. It is best suited to residents who are self-sufficient and comfortable with the isolation and winding mountain access road, particularly during the wet season.

What is the postcode for Paluma? +

The postcode for Paluma, Queensland is 4816.

Is Paluma a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Paluma is part of the Charters Towers 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.