Clifton Beach

QLD 4879 • Rest of QLD

3,192
Population (2021)
$42,016
Median Income
5.73 km²
Area
$365/wk
Median Rent
CoastalTropicalRetirementBeachsideNature

About Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach is a coastal suburb located approximately 25 kilometres north of Cairns in Far North Queensland, within the Cairns Regional Council area. With a population of around 3,200 and a median age of 48, it is a mature beachside community. The suburb covers about 5.7 square kilometres between the Coral Sea coastline and the lush tropical rainforest of the Macalister Range, offering a stunning natural setting.

Clifton Beach is prized for its relaxed tropical lifestyle, with a patrolled beach, local shops, restaurants, and a golf course. The suburb appeals to retirees, professionals, and families who want a quieter coastal lifestyle away from Cairns' urban centre while still being within commuting distance. Residents enjoy proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and the Northern Beaches dining and recreation precinct.

Clifton Beach falls under postcode 4879 and is governed by Cairns Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Barron River electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4879
Urban Area
Cairns - North
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.77°, 145.67°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
5.73 km²
Elevation
130m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • 110, 110X — Cairns CBD 35-45 min
  • 110 — Palm Cove 10 min

Commute to Cairns

Distance
25 km
By Train
N/A
By Bus
40-50 min
By Car (Peak)
30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
25 min

🛣️ Captain Cook Highway is the main route south to Cairns. No rail service on Northern Beaches.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Beach and local shops walkable, but most services and employment require driving to Cairns.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Cnr Endeavour Street & Captain Cook Highway Clifton Beach 4879 QLD

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$365
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,820
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
48 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,146
Census 2021
3,192
1.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$36,920
Income 2021
$42,016
13.8% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,009
Born Overseas 964

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 264
  • 2. New Zealand 118
  • 3. Germany 62
  • 4. South Africa 37
  • 5. United States 36
  • 6. Scotland 33
  • 7. Papua New Guinea 30
  • 8. Canada 26
  • 9. Japan 23
  • 10. Ireland 19

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,322
Australian 893
Irish 373
Scottish 359
German 225
Italian 144
Dutch 83
Australian Aboriginal 63
Chinese 57
Polish 39

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,400
Both parents born in Australia
1,134
Both parents born overseas
430
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
48.4%
Christianity
40.5%
Buddhism
0.8%
Hinduism
0.6%
Islam
0.4%
Judaism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
111 (3.5%)
5-14 years
375 (11.7%)
15-19 years
184 (5.8%)
20-24 years
127 (4.0%)
25-34 years
274 (8.6%)
35-44 years
360 (11.3%)
45-54 years
516 (16.2%)
55-64 years
560 (17.5%)
65-74 years
447 (14.0%)
75-84 years
212 (6.6%)
85+ years
34 (1.1%)

Nearby Suburbs