🔍

Topaz

QLD 4885 • Queensland

177
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
46.46 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RemoteRuralBushlandHistoricHinterland
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About Topaz

Topaz is a remote rural locality in the Tablelands Region of Queensland, situated approximately 20.7 kilometres south-east of Malanda and 38.4 kilometres south-east of Atherton, within the rugged country bordering Wooroonooran National Park. The locality spans nearly 46.5 square kilometres at a latitude of around 17°25′S in Far North Queensland, roughly 85 kilometres south-south-west of Cairns. With a population of just 177 residents as of the 2021 Census, Topaz is one of the Atherton Tablelands most sparsely settled localities.

Topaz has a fascinating gold-mining history, with extensive alluvial gold operations carried out between the 1870s and 1914, including significant mines such as The Lady Olive, Union, and Kiandra Creek. Today the area is defined by its wild tropical rainforest surroundings, with Wooroonooran National Park — one of Queensland's largest national parks — bordering the locality on multiple sides. Residents and visitors are drawn to the spectacular natural scenery and bushwalking opportunities, while the tablelands townships of Malanda and Atherton provide the nearest shops, schools, and essential services.

Topaz falls under postcode 4885 and is governed by the Tablelands 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
4885
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Tablelands
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Hill
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-17.38°, 145.62°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
46.46 km²
Population Density
4 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4885

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4885, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$39,665
Median 2023–24
$47,283
▲ 19.2% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$59,971

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4885; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No scheduled services — N/A N/A

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
85 km
By Train
No rail service; drive to Cairns approx 85 km via Gillies Highway
By Car (Peak)
80-100 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
70-90 min

🛣️ Extremely remote locality; Malanda (approx 21 km) is the nearest town with basic services

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A remote rainforest-fringe locality with no local facilities; a vehicle is absolutely essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
177
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

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

Break & enter (dwelling)
1,556.7 / 100k
2yr Up 40.5% 10yr Up 168.9%
Motor vehicle theft
414.2 / 100k
2yr Up 68.5% 10yr Up 154.7%
Non-FV assault
1,156.9 / 100k
2yr Down 12.2% 10yr Up 180.5%
Robbery (unarmed)
35.7 / 100k
2yr Up 62.2% 10yr Up 200.1%
Steal from vehicle
346.3 / 100k
2yr Up 38.8% 10yr Up 30.4%
View all offence categories for Tablelands →

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

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Topaz known for? +

Topaz is known for its historic alluvial gold mining heritage from the 1870s to 1914, and for its spectacular setting on the edge of Wooroonooran National Park in the Atherton Tablelands. The surrounding rainforest is among the most biodiverse in Australia.

How far is Topaz from Cairns? +

Topaz is approximately 85 kilometres south-south-west of Cairns, roughly an 80-100 minute drive depending on route and conditions, primarily via the Gillies Highway through the rainforest escarpment.

Does Topaz have public transport? +

Topaz has no public transport services. There is no passenger rail in the Atherton Tablelands region, and no scheduled bus routes serve this remote locality. A private vehicle is essential for getting around.

What is the population of Topaz? +

According to the 2021 Census, Topaz has a population of 177 residents, making it one of the most sparsely populated localities in the Tablelands Region.

Is Topaz a good place to live? +

Topaz suits those seeking an extremely private, nature-immersed lifestyle on the edge of World Heritage-listed rainforest, with the nearest services in Malanda about 20 kilometres away. It is best suited to self-sufficient residents comfortable with rural remoteness.

What is the postcode for Topaz? +

Topaz's postcode is 4885, shared with other localities in the Atherton Tablelands area including Malanda and surrounding rural areas.

Is Topaz a safe area? +

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