🔍

East Innisfail

QLD 4860 • Rest of QLD

1,757
Population (2021)
$32,656
Median Income
1.35 km²
Area
$255/wk
Median Rent
TropicalMulticulturalAffordableRiversideRural

About East Innisfail

East Innisfail is a residential suburb forming part of the Innisfail urban area in Far North Queensland, located approximately 90 kilometres south of Cairns within the Cassowary Coast Regional Council. The suburb covers just over 1.3 square kilometres and had a population of 1,757 at the 2021 Census, reflecting a slight decline from 1,855 in 2016. Innisfail as a whole is known for its remarkable Art Deco architecture, rebuilt following a devastating cyclone in 1918, as well as its historic connections to the sugarcane industry. East Innisfail has a diverse community, with a significant Indigenous population (around 25 per cent of residents) and a notable Sikh community reflecting longstanding ties to agricultural labour in the region.

The suburb sits at the edge of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, with lush rainforest, the nearby Johnstone River, and access to some of Australia's most biodiverse landscapes. Residents benefit from proximity to Innisfail's town centre, which offers supermarkets, schools, a hospital, cafes, and services. The median rent of $255 per week is well below southeast Queensland averages, reflecting the region's affordability. East Innisfail suits those drawn to tropical living, outdoor adventures, and a close-knit community environment, with Cairns accessible in under an hour for larger retail, employment, and entertainment options.

East Innisfail falls under postcode 4860 and is governed by Cassowary Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Hill electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4860
Urban Area
Innisfail
LGA / Council
Cassowary Coast
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Hill
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-17.53°, 146.04°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
1.35 km²
Elevation
23m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Trans North Bus services — Cairns CBD Approx. 90 min

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
90 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
70-90 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
60-75 min

🛣️ Bruce Highway (A1) connects Innisfail to Cairns to the north; Cairns Airport is the nearest major air hub

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most daily needs require a car, though the Innisfail town centre is within a short drive and some local errands are walkable within the suburb

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$255
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,083
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
39 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.8%

26 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,855
Census 2021
1,757
▼ 5.3% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$27,248
Income 2021
$32,656
▲ 19.8% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,373
Born Overseas 246

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. India 50
  • 2. Philippines 22
  • 3. New Zealand 21
  • 4. England 20
  • 5. Thailand 10
  • 6. United States 8
  • 7. Indonesia 7
  • 8. Italy 7
  • 9. Croatia 6
  • 10. Scotland 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 526
Australian 494
Australian Aboriginal 363
Irish 207
Scottish 138
Italian 132
German 96
Filipino 34
Indian 28
Dutch 21

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,115
Both parents born in Australia
319
Both parents born overseas
173
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
50.6%
No Religion
33.1%
Sikhism
3.5%
Buddhism
1.3%
Hinduism
0.7%
Islam
0.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
105 (6.0%)
5-14 years
251 (14.3%)
15-19 years
118 (6.7%)
20-24 years
88 (5.0%)
25-34 years
217 (12.4%)
35-44 years
183 (10.4%)
45-54 years
231 (13.1%)
55-64 years
210 (12.0%)
65-74 years
201 (11.4%)
75-84 years
110 (6.3%)
85+ years
41 (2.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is East Innisfail known for? +

East Innisfail is a residential suburb of Innisfail, a town renowned for its striking Art Deco architecture and deep ties to the sugarcane industry. The surrounding Cassowary Coast region is known for its lush tropical rainforests, the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, and the presence of the endangered Southern Cassowary.

How far is East Innisfail from Cairns? +

East Innisfail is approximately 90 kilometres south of Cairns, typically a 60–90 minute drive along the Bruce Highway depending on conditions.

Does East Innisfail have public transport? +

There is no passenger rail service to Innisfail. Trans North Bus services connect Innisfail to Cairns, but services are limited. A car is the most practical way to get around, especially for travel beyond the local town centre.

What is the population of East Innisfail? +

East Innisfail had a population of 1,757 at the 2021 Census, down slightly from 1,855 in 2016. The suburb has a notably diverse population, including a significant Indigenous community making up around 25 per cent of residents.

Is East Innisfail a good place to live? +

East Innisfail offers affordable tropical living with a strong community character, access to the stunning natural environment of the Wet Tropics, and the services of the Innisfail town centre close by. It suits those who appreciate a laid-back Far North Queensland lifestyle, with Cairns accessible for broader employment and retail.

What is the postcode for East Innisfail? +

The postcode for East Innisfail, QLD is 4860, shared with the broader Innisfail area.