Iron Range
QLD 4892 • Queensland
About Iron Range
Iron Range is a remote coastal locality on the north-east coast of the Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, covering a vast 628 square kilometres within the Shire of Cook. With just 30 residents recorded in the 2021 census, it is one of Australia's least populated localities, defined largely by the Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park — one of the largest areas of lowland rainforest in Australia. The small community of Portland Road sits on a north-east headland within the locality and is accessible by unsealed road from Cooktown, some 591 kilometres to the south. The locality fronts Weymouth Bay off the Coral Sea.
Iron Range is a destination for serious eco-tourists, birdwatchers, and 4WD adventurers, renowned for harbouring wildlife found nowhere else in Australia, including the palm cockatoo, eclectus parrot, and spotted cuscus. The Iron Range airstrip (Portland Roads) enables light aircraft access, as road access via the Peninsula Development Road requires a well-equipped 4WD and is typically only feasible in the dry season (May–October). There are minimal facilities in Portland Road — a boat ramp, basic camping, and a small community — and self-sufficiency is essential. This raw, untouched frontier appeals to those seeking one of Australia's most extraordinary wilderness experiences.
Iron Range falls under postcode 4892 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Traeger electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Commute to Cairns CBD
🛣️ Iron Range has no sealed road access or public transport. The Portland Roads airstrip allows light aircraft access. The Peninsula Development Road (PDR) from Cooktown is the main land route, passable by 4WD in the dry season. The locality is approximately 262 km east of Weipa and 706 km from Cairns.
Iron Range is a remote wilderness locality with no public transport, no footpaths, and virtually no services. Access is by 4WD vehicle or light aircraft only. Self-sufficiency is essential.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Wuungkam Street
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