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Pormpuraaw

QLD 4871 • Queensland

611
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
4395.17 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteRuralOutbackMulticulturalRiverside
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About Pormpuraaw

Pormpuraaw (pronounced porm-pure-ow) is a remote Indigenous community and locality on the western coast of Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, situated on the Edward River where it meets the Gulf of Carpentaria. Governed by the Aboriginal Shire of Pormpuraaw, the community is approximately 663 kilometres north-west of Cairns by road and is home to 611 residents according to the 2021 Census, spread across a vast 4,395 square kilometre locality. The area holds deep cultural significance to the Thaayorre, Wik, Pakanh, and Yir Yoront peoples, whose Country encompasses this coastal wetland and river system.

Established in 1938 as the Edward River Anglican Mission, Pormpuraaw transitioned to community self-governance and is today managed by the Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council. The community has essential services including a school, health clinic, and community store, though it remains one of Queensland's most remote localities with approximately 70 per cent of dwellings being social housing. The sealed road to Pormpuraaw is subject to seasonal closures during the wet season, making air access via charter flights a vital link for residents and services in this Gulf Country community.

Pormpuraaw falls under postcode 4871 and is governed by the Pormpuraaw Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Leichhardt, while state elections fall under the Traeger electorate.

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📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4871
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Pormpuraaw
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Traeger
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.93°, 145.99°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
4395.17 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4871

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4871, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$38,070
Median 2023–24
$46,529
▲ 22.2% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$57,771

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4871; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular bus service — N/A N/A

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
663 km
By Train
No rail service; charter flights to Cairns available
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 8-10 hours (road may be closed in wet season)
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 8-10 hours

🛣️ Extremely remote; access via Peninsula Development Road (partly unsealed); charter flights from Cairns are the primary long-distance transport option; road subject to wet season closures

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Pormpuraaw is a remote community with only basic local services; all major errands and trips require a vehicle or charter flight given the extreme remoteness.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
611
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,153.8 / 100k
2yr Up 73.4% 10yr Up 322.7%
Motor vehicle theft
615.4 / 100k
2yr Up 98.1% 10yr Up 141.5%
Non-FV assault
14,153.5 / 100k
2yr Down 52.8% 10yr Up 171.0%
Robbery (unarmed)
153.8 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
0 / 100k
2yr — 10yr Down 100.0%
View all offence categories for Pormpuraaw →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pormpuraaw known for? +

Pormpuraaw is known as a significant remote Indigenous community on Cape York Peninsula, home to Thaayorre, Wik, Pakanh, and Yir Yoront peoples. It was established in 1938 as the Edward River Anglican Mission and has a rich cultural heritage in the Gulf Country region.

How far is Pormpuraaw from Cairns? +

Pormpuraaw is approximately 663 kilometres north-west of Cairns by road, a drive of around 8–10 hours — though the road can be closed during the wet season. Charter flights from Cairns provide the most reliable access year-round.

Does Pormpuraaw have public transport? +

There is no public transport or regular bus service to Pormpuraaw. Charter flights from Cairns are the primary long-distance transport option, and a private vehicle is essential within the community and surrounding area.

What is the population of Pormpuraaw? +

According to the 2021 Census, Pormpuraaw has a population of 611 residents, spread across an enormous 4,395 square kilometre locality on the Gulf of Carpentaria coast.

Is Pormpuraaw a good place to live? +

Pormpuraaw is a community with strong cultural identity and connection to Country, suited to those with ties to the Indigenous community or working in essential services. The extreme remoteness and limited access to services make it a challenging but deeply connected place to live.

What is the postcode for Pormpuraaw? +

The postcode for Pormpuraaw is 4871, shared with other remote Far North Queensland localities.

Is Pormpuraaw a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Pormpuraaw is part of the Pormpuraaw 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.