🔍

Upper Barron

QLD 4883 • Queensland

503
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
104.36 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralMountainHinterlandAgriculturalRemote

About Upper Barron

Upper Barron is a rural locality on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, situated approximately 5.8 kilometres west-south-west of Malanda and around 81 kilometres south-west of Cairns, within the Tablelands Regional Council local government area. The locality covers a substantial 104 square kilometres but is sparsely settled, with just 503 residents recorded at the 2021 Census — a density of fewer than five people per square kilometre. Perched at elevations ranging from 710 to 1,250 metres above sea level, Upper Barron enjoys the cool, moist highland climate that distinguishes the Atherton Tablelands from the tropical lowlands below.

Agriculture is the backbone of Upper Barron, with the tablelands' fertile volcanic soils and reliable rainfall supporting dairy farming, cattle grazing, and mixed cropping — industries that have sustained the community for generations. The locality is surrounded by the lush rainforest, rolling green pastures, and deep river gorges characteristic of the Atherton Tablelands, with the Barron River and nearby national parks providing opportunities for fishing, bushwalking, and wildlife spotting. Day-to-day services are found in Malanda and Atherton, both accessible within a short drive, while Cairns offers the nearest airport and full range of urban amenities.

Upper Barron falls under postcode 4883 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Hill electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4883
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Hill
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-17.33°, 145.48°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
104.36 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Tablelands transit services — Malanda and Atherton 10 min to Malanda, 25 min to Atherton

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
81 km
By Train
No train service to Upper Barron; Cairns has rail connections south
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 15 min – 1 hr 30 min (via Gillies Highway or Palmerston Highway)
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr – 1 hr 15 min

🛣️ Upper Barron is a rural tablelands locality; Malanda (6 km) and Atherton (20 km) are the nearest service towns. Cairns is the regional city approximately 81 km north.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Upper Barron is a sparsely settled rural locality with no local retail or services; a car is essential for all daily needs.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
503
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Upper Barron known for? +

Upper Barron is known for its dairy farming and agricultural heritage on the Atherton Tablelands, set amid lush rainforest, rolling green hills, and highland scenery. The locality sits at elevations between 710 and 1,250 metres, giving it a cool, misty climate quite unlike the tropical coast below.

How far is Upper Barron from Cairns? +

Upper Barron is approximately 81 kilometres south-west of Cairns, typically a 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minute drive via the Gillies or Palmerston Highway, depending on the route taken. Malanda, the nearest town, is just 5.8 kilometres away.

Does Upper Barron have public transport? +

Public transport in Upper Barron is extremely limited. There is no passenger rail on the Atherton Tablelands, and the nearest train services are in Cairns. Limited local transit connects the tablelands towns, but a private vehicle is essential for everyday life in Upper Barron.

What is the population of Upper Barron? +

Upper Barron had a population of 503 at the 2021 Census, spread across 165 dwellings in a locality of over 104 square kilometres — giving it a very low population density of under 5 people per square kilometre.

Is Upper Barron a good place to live? +

Upper Barron suits those drawn to rural farming life on the Atherton Tablelands, offering fresh highland air, beautiful rainforest and pastoral scenery, and a tight-knit agricultural community. It is best suited to people comfortable with limited local services and a reliance on Malanda or Atherton for everyday needs.

What is the postcode for Upper Barron? +

The postcode for Upper Barron, Queensland is 4883, which it shares with Malanda and surrounding tablelands localities.