🔍

Stokes

QLD 4823 • Queensland

75
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
11714.57 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteOutbackRuralAgricultural
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About Stokes

Stokes is a vast, remote outback locality in the Shire of Carpentaria, Queensland, situated in the Gulf Country region of far north-western Queensland. Covering an extraordinary 11,714 square kilometres, the locality is defined by the watercourses of the Leichhardt, Alexandra, Cloncurry, Flinders, and Saxby rivers, which flow northward through the landscape. With a 2021 Census population of just 75 residents, Stokes is one of the most sparsely settled localities in Australia, reflecting the extreme remoteness and harsh climate of the Gulf Savannah.

Life in Stokes is centred on cattle stations, with vast pastoral runs dominating the landscape and defining the day-to-day existence of those who live here. The Burke Developmental Road and the Wills Developmental Road pass through the locality, providing the primary road connections through the region. Normanton, the administrative centre of Carpentaria Shire, is the nearest town and serves as the hub for supplies, services, and emergency facilities. This locality is suited only to those pursuing a pastoral or remote working lifestyle, with self-sufficiency and resilience essential.

Stokes falls under postcode 4823 and is governed by the Carpentaria 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
4823
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Carpentaria
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Traeger
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-19.21°, 141.24°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
11714.57 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4823

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4823 for the 2023–24 financial year (2019–20 data not published for this postcode).

Median 2019–20
N/A
Median 2023–24
$55,427
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$83,662

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4823; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No scheduled bus services — N/A N/A

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
780 km
By Train
No train service
By Car (Peak)
Approx. 8-10 hours to Cairns via Gulf Developmental Road
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx. 8-10 hours to Cairns via Gulf Developmental Road

🛣️ Air access via Normanton Airport (REX flights to Cairns). Roads may become impassable during the wet season.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A vehicle is absolutely essential; there are no services or infrastructure within the locality

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
75
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
1,424 / 100k
2yr Down 21.3% 10yr Up 265.1%
Motor vehicle theft
578.5 / 100k
2yr Up 113.2% 10yr Up 137.3%
Non-FV assault
13,394.8 / 100k
2yr Up 16.6% 10yr Up 219.4%
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr Down 100.0% 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
445 / 100k
2yr Up 23.0% 10yr Up 82.5%
View all offence categories for Carpentaria →

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stokes known for? +

Stokes is a remote pastoral locality in Queensland's Gulf Country, known for its vast cattle stations and the convergence of several major outback rivers including the Leichhardt, Flinders, and Cloncurry rivers. The locality is named after John Lort Stokes, commanding officer of HMS Beagle from 1841 to 1846.

How far is Stokes from Normanton? +

Stokes is within the Carpentaria Shire, with Normanton being the nearest town serving as the regional service hub. Distances within the locality vary significantly given its 11,714 square kilometre extent.

Does Stokes have public transport? +

There is no public transport serving Stokes. The nearest air access is at Normanton Airport, which has regular flights to Cairns and Mount Isa operated by Regional Express (REX). A vehicle is absolutely essential for all travel.

What is the population of Stokes? +

According to the 2021 Census, Stokes had a population of 75 residents, making it one of the most sparsely settled localities in Australia given its vast area of over 11,700 square kilometres.

Is Stokes a good place to live? +

Stokes suits only those pursuing a pastoral or remote outback lifestyle, with cattle station work being the primary occupation. The extreme remoteness, isolation, and harsh climate of the Gulf Country make it unsuitable for those requiring access to services, schools, or urban amenities.

What is the postcode for Stokes? +

The postcode for Stokes is 4823, shared with other remote localities in the far north-west Queensland region.

Is Stokes a safe area? +

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