Laura
QLD 4871 • Queensland
About Laura
Laura is a small remote town in the Shire of Cook, located on Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, approximately 310 kilometres north-west of Cairns. Sitting on the Laura River and surrounded by savanna woodland, the town serves as a gateway to one of Australia's most significant prehistoric rock art regions. With a 2021 census population of just 133, it is one of Queensland's most isolated communities, characterised by a close-knit mix of Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents.
Laura is world-renowned as the hub of the Quinkan rock art sites — among the largest and most significant collections of Aboriginal rock art on earth, recognised on the Australian National Heritage List. The biennial Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival is a major cultural celebration drawing visitors from across Australia. Residents depend on the town's basic services including a general store and school, with Cooktown (140km east) being the nearest regional centre for additional supplies and healthcare.
Laura falls under postcode 4871 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Traeger electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Cairns–Laura coach (limited) — Cairns via Cooktown approx. 5 hours
Commute to Cairns
🛣️ Laura is extremely remote; the Mulligan Highway connecting to Cairns includes unsealed sections. Cooktown (140km east) is the nearest regional centre.
Laura is a tiny remote town with minimal footpaths and no public transit. A vehicle is essential for all daily needs and travel to other towns.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Nielsen Street
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Harvey Creek Road
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Cathedral Street
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Peninsula Developmental Road
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Brown Street
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69273 Bruce Highway
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Third Street
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High Street
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1141 Euluma Creek Road
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Kowanyama Street
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Lakeland
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Cnr Peninsula & Cooktown Development Roads
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Terminus Street
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Puchewoo Street
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Mena Creek Road
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3 Whitman Street
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Main Street
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Lardil Street
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Fraser Road
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Garland Street
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100 Cardier Road