🔍

South Johnstone

QLD 4859 • Queensland

456
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
4.00 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralTropicalAgriculturalRainforestWet Tropics
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About South Johnstone

South Johnstone is a small township in Queensland's Cassowary Coast Region, located approximately 10.5 kilometres south-south-west of Innisfail and 97 kilometres south of Cairns in the wet tropics of Far North Queensland. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 456 residents across a compact area of about 4 square kilometres, giving the town a tight-knit rural character. The locality is famed for its extraordinary rainfall — over 3,300 millimetres annually — making it one of the wettest permanently inhabited places in Australia and supporting the lush tropical landscape that surrounds the town.

South Johnstone has long been associated with the sugar cane industry, with the South Johnstone Sugar Mill historically central to the local economy and the flat cane fields that carpet the surrounding valley floor. The area is also home to the CSIRO's former Bureau of Tropical Agriculture research station, reflecting the region's agricultural significance. Residents enjoy proximity to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, with rainforest walks, waterfalls, and the scenic Palmerston National Park all within easy reach. Innisfail provides most essential services including supermarkets, schools, and a hospital, and is a short drive away via the Bruce Highway.

South Johnstone falls under postcode 4859 and is governed by the Cassowary Coast Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Kennedy, while state elections fall under the Hill electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4859
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Cassowary Coast
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Hill
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-17.61°, 145.96°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
4.00 km²
Population Density
114 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4859

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4859 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$44,819
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$57,121

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4859; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Innisfail Station (sugar cane rail only)
10.5 km
N/A

Bus Services

  • Cairns Sunbus / local services — Innisfail 15–20 min

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
97 km
By Train
No passenger rail service (Spirit of Queensland stops at Innisfail, 10.5 km away)
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 20 min to 1 hr 40 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 10 min

🛣️ Bruce Highway is the main route north to Cairns. Innisfail is the nearest service hub at 10.5 km.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

South Johnstone is a small rural sugar cane township with minimal local retail; most shopping is done in Innisfail (10.5 km away)

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
456
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
714 / 100k
2yr Down 31.9% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
201.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 11.2%
Non-FV assault
1,528.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 160.3%
Robbery (unarmed)
22.7 / 100k
2yr Up 240.4% 10yr Up 33.1%
Steal from vehicle
214.2 / 100k
2yr Down 16.6% 10yr Stable
View all offence categories for Cassowary Coast →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is South Johnstone known for? +

South Johnstone is known for its sugar cane farming heritage and extraordinary tropical rainfall — over 3,300 mm annually, making it one of the wettest inhabited places in Australia. The town also has historical ties to agricultural research through the former Bureau of Tropical Agriculture, and sits within reach of the Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforests.

How far is South Johnstone from Cairns? +

South Johnstone is approximately 97 kilometres south of Cairns, a drive of around 1 hour and 10 to 40 minutes via the Bruce Highway, depending on traffic.

Does South Johnstone have public transport? +

There is no passenger rail service directly to South Johnstone. The Spirit of Queensland train stops at Innisfail (10.5 km away) on the Brisbane–Cairns route. Local bus connections link South Johnstone to Innisfail, and a car is the most practical transport option in the area.

What is the population of South Johnstone? +

According to the 2021 Census, South Johnstone has a population of 456 residents, reflecting its character as a small agricultural township in the Cassowary Coast Region of Far North Queensland.

Is South Johnstone a good place to live? +

South Johnstone suits those who love a tropical rural lifestyle surrounded by lush rainforest and cane fields. It offers affordable living with Innisfail's services close by and world-class natural attractions — including the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area — on the doorstep. The very high rainfall is something newcomers should be prepared for.

What is the postcode for South Johnstone? +

The postcode for South Johnstone, Queensland is 4859.

Is South Johnstone a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. South Johnstone is part of the Cassowary Coast 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.