Herberton

QLD 4887 • Queensland

895
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
23.32 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
HistoricRuralFamily-FriendlyRetirees

About Herberton

Herberton is a historic inland town situated on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, roughly 17 kilometres south-west of Mareeba and 80 kilometres south-west of Cairns. With a population of approximately 895 people and an area of 23 square kilometres, it sits at an elevation that gives it a cooler, misty climate compared to the tropical coast. Originally founded as a tin mining settlement in 1880, Herberton retains a strong heritage character with many of its original buildings preserved along the main street.

Herberton is perhaps best known for the Herberton Historic Village — one of Australia's largest open-air living museums — which attracts thousands of visitors each year and showcases over 50 restored historic buildings and artefacts from the colonial era. The town has a warm, tight-knit community, appealing to those who value a relaxed rural lifestyle amid the natural beauty of the Tablelands. Local facilities include a primary school, secondary college, small shops, a hotel and the services typical of a rural Queensland town.

Herberton falls under postcode 4887 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Hill electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4887
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-17.38°, 145.39°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
23.32 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Trans North Bus & Coach — Cairns via Atherton 90-120 min

Commute to Cairns CBD

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

🛣️ Drive via Gillies Highway or Kennedy Highway; coach services available to Cairns

Walkability Car-Dependent

Small town centre accessible on foot; a car is essential for most transport and shopping needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
895
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 Herberton known for? +

Herberton is best known for the Herberton Historic Village, one of Australia's largest living open-air museums, set in the former tin mining town on the Atherton Tablelands.

How far is Herberton from Cairns? +

Herberton is approximately 80 km south-west of Cairns, about a 90-minute drive via the Kennedy or Gillies Highways.

What schools are in Herberton? +

Herberton State School (Prep–Year 12) and Mount St Bernard College (a Catholic secondary school) both serve the Herberton community.

What is the climate like in Herberton? +

Herberton has a subtropical highland climate with cooler temperatures than coastal Cairns. Winters are mild and dry, while summers bring rain but remain far less humid than the coast.

Is Herberton a good place to live? +

Herberton offers an affordable, quiet rural lifestyle with a strong community and unique historical heritage, making it attractive to retirees, families and those seeking a tree change in Far North Queensland.