🔍

Forsayth

QLD 4871 • Queensland

107
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
3695.76 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
OutbackHistoricRemoteTourist Hub

About Forsayth

Forsayth is a remote outback township in the Gulf Savannah region of Far North Queensland, approximately 416 kilometres west of Cairns within the Etheridge Shire Council area. With a population of 107 residents across a vast 3,696 square kilometres, it is one of the most sparsely populated localities in Queensland. The township has a median taxable income of $38,070, reflecting its small pastoral and tourism-based economy.

Founded during the Etheridge Goldfields rush of the 1870s, Forsayth retains its frontier character as the western terminus of the historic Savannahlander tourist train from Cairns. The nearby Cobbold Gorge — featuring a dramatic sandstone gorge and Australia's first fully glass bridge — is a major ecotourism drawcard. Agate Creek, south of town, attracts fossickers searching for agates and thundereggs. The township serves as a base for travellers exploring the Gulf Savannah, with the dry season from May to October being the peak visitor period.

Forsayth falls under postcode 4871 and is governed by Etheridge Shire Council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Traeger electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4871
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Etheridge Shire Council
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Traeger
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.93°, 145.99°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
3695.76 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No regular bus service — N/A N/A

Commute to Cairns

Distance
416 km
By Train
Savannahlander tourist train (weekly, ~18 hours over 2 days)
By Car (Peak)
5-6 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
5-5.5 hours

🛣️ Via Kennedy Highway and Gulf Developmental Road. Road mostly sealed. Georgetown (42 km north) is the nearest shire town.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Tiny outback township; a car or 4WD is essential for all travel and accessing attractions

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
107
▲ 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 Forsayth known for? +

Forsayth is best known as the western terminus of the Savannahlander tourist train from Cairns and as a gateway to Cobbold Gorge, which features a dramatic sandstone gorge and Australia's first glass bridge. The town also has deep gold rush history as part of the Etheridge Goldfields, where gold was first discovered in 1871.

How far is Forsayth from Cairns? +

Forsayth is approximately 416 kilometres west of Cairns by road, which takes around 5 to 5.5 hours to drive via the Kennedy Highway and Gulf Developmental Road.

Does Forsayth have public transport? +

Forsayth is served by the Savannahlander tourist train, which runs a weekly service between Cairns and Forsayth over two days. There are no regular bus services; most residents and visitors rely on private vehicles.

What is the population of Forsayth? +

According to the 2021 Census, Forsayth has a population of 107 people spread across nearly 3,700 square kilometres. The population has fluctuated, peaking at 347 in 2011 during a mining boom before declining.

Is Forsayth a good place to live? +

Forsayth offers an authentic outback lifestyle suited to those who enjoy remote living, wide open spaces, and a strong sense of community. The tourism season brings visitors and activity, but residents should be comfortable with limited services and long distances to major centres.

What is the postcode for Forsayth? +

The postcode for Forsayth is 4871, which covers a large area of the Gulf Savannah region in Far North Queensland.