🔍

Portsmith

QLD 4870 • Queensland

314
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
15.17 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
IndustrialPortCommercialTropicalFar North Queensland
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About Portsmith

Portsmith is an industrial and light-commercial suburb of Cairns in far north Queensland, situated approximately 3.4 km south of the Cairns CBD along Trinity Inlet. With a small resident population of around 314 (2021 census) spread across 15.6 km², the suburb is dominated by industrial precincts, transport yards, logistics facilities, and the Cairns Bulk Sugar Terminal. The area forms a critical part of Cairns' commercial infrastructure, serving as a hub for freight, marine industries, and bulk commodities export. The adjacent Trinity Inlet offers scenic water views despite the industrial character of the suburb.

Portsmith is not a residential lifestyle suburb in the traditional sense; its character is shaped by its role as a working industrial area supporting Cairns' port and trade functions. The Bruce Highway passes through the area, connecting it to southern Queensland, and Cairns Airport is just minutes away. Workers in the suburb enjoy proximity to the Cairns CBD's dining and entertainment options. The nearby suburb of Bungalow and the broader Cairns urban area provide all residential amenities, while Portsmith itself remains focused on commercial and industrial activity.

Portsmith falls under postcode 4870 and is governed by the Cairns Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Leichhardt, while state elections fall under the Mulgrave electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4870
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Cairns
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Mulgrave
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.92°, 145.74°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
15.17 km²
Population Density
21 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4870

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4870, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$47,120
Median 2023–24
$56,585
▲ 20.1% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$71,954

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4870; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • 1 (Sunbus) — Cairns CBD and northern suburbs ~10 min to CBD

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
3.4 km
By Train
N/A – no metropolitan rail in Cairns
By Bus
~10–15 min via Sunbus
By Car (Peak)
~8–12 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
~7 min

🛣️ Cairns lacks a heavy rail metropolitan network; the Cairns Sunbus network provides public transport. The Bruce Highway provides direct road access.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Portsmith is an industrial suburb with minimal pedestrian infrastructure. Most movement is by vehicle; the CBD is a short drive away.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
314
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,489.3 / 100k
2yr Down 18.8% 10yr Up 19.6%
Motor vehicle theft
602.7 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 51.9%
Non-FV assault
2,214 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 207.8%
Robbery (unarmed)
53.6 / 100k
2yr Down 36.0% 10yr Up 49.4%
Steal from vehicle
529.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 39.5%
View all offence categories for Cairns →

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Portsmith known for? +

Portsmith is an industrial and light-commercial suburb of Cairns in far north Queensland, situated approximately 3.4 km south of the Cairns CBD along Trinity Inlet. With a small resident population of around 314 (2021 census) spread across 15.6 km², the suburb is dominated by industrial precincts, transport yards, logistics facilities, and the Cairns Bulk Sugar Terminal.

How far is Portsmith from Brisbane CBD? +

Portsmith is approximately 3.4 km from Cairns CBD. By car, the journey takes around ~7 min off-peak and ~8–12 min during peak hours.

Does Portsmith have public transport? +

Portsmith is served by bus routes connecting to Cairns CBD and northern suburbs, though there is no direct rail service. A car is recommended for most journeys.

What is the population of Portsmith? +

According to the 2021 Census, Portsmith has a population of approximately 314 residents, making it a small suburb.

Is Portsmith a good place to live? +

Portsmith offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle with access to local amenities and services. It suits a range of residents from families to retirees, depending on personal preferences for pace of life and proximity to urban centres.

What is the postcode for Portsmith? +

The postcode for Portsmith, QLD is 4870.

Is Portsmith a safe area? +

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