🔍

Malanda

QLD 4885 • Rest of QLD

2,000
Population (2021)
$31,044
Median Income
46.24 km²
Area
$250/wk
Median Rent
RuralFamily-FriendlyRetireesAffordableHistoric

About Malanda

Malanda is a charming rural town on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, situated at an elevation of approximately 744 metres above sea level within the Tablelands Regional Council area. Home to around 2,000 residents, the town has long been the heart of Queensland's dairy industry, with the iconic Malanda Dairy Centre and the famous Malanda Falls serving as local landmarks. The surrounding landscape is lush, green, and deeply tropical — fed by reliable rainfall and rich volcanic soils. Malanda sits roughly 75 kilometres south-west of Cairns, offering a cooler, quieter alternative to coastal living.

Community life in Malanda is warm and close-knit, with residents drawn to the town's unhurried pace, clean air, and natural surroundings. The Malanda Falls Conservation Park, located right in the township, provides a popular swimming hole and picnic area alongside the scenic Johnstone River. Local schools, shops, and medical services cater to everyday needs, while the nearby towns of Atherton and Mareeba expand dining and retail options. The town attracts families, retirees, and creative professionals seeking an affordable, nature-rich lifestyle within reach of Cairns.

Malanda falls under postcode 4885 and is governed by Tablelands Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Hill electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4885
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Tablelands
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Hill
Type
Rural
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-17.37°, 145.59°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
46.24 km²
Elevation
744m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Tablelands Bus Service — Atherton / Cairns Atherton 20 min; Cairns ~1 hr 30 min

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
75 km
By Train
No direct train service; Cairns accessible by regional bus
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 15 min - 1 hr 30 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 10 min

🛣️ Via Gillies Highway (A1) through the Gillies Range

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Town centre with footpaths connecting shops, schools, and the falls; car needed for surrounding areas

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$250
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
51 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
6.4%

22 state housing + 27 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,985
Census 2021
2,000
▲ 0.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$25,324
Income 2021
$31,044
▲ 22.6% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,577
Born Overseas 247

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 62
  • 2. England 52
  • 3. Germany 23
  • 4. United States 18
  • 5. Papua New Guinea 12
  • 6. Japan 10
  • 7. Netherlands 8
  • 8. Philippines 7
  • 9. Scotland 6
  • 10. India 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 828
English 754
Irish 259
Scottish 227
German 130
Australian Aboriginal 104
Italian 55
Dutch 34
New Zealander 25
Maori 21

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,255
Both parents born in Australia
299
Both parents born overseas
247
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
45.3%
No Religion
42.1%
Buddhism
0.7%
Hinduism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
90 (4.5%)
5-14 years
272 (13.6%)
15-19 years
118 (5.9%)
20-24 years
49 (2.5%)
25-34 years
135 (6.8%)
35-44 years
191 (9.6%)
45-54 years
242 (12.1%)
55-64 years
302 (15.1%)
65-74 years
314 (15.7%)
75-84 years
202 (10.1%)
85+ years
89 (4.5%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Malanda known for? +

Malanda is famous for its dairy industry — the Malanda Dairy Centre is a regional icon — and for the beautiful Malanda Falls, a popular natural swimming hole in the heart of town.

How far is Malanda from Cairns? +

Malanda is approximately 75 km from Cairns, about a 1 hour 15 minute drive via the Gillies Highway through the Gillies Range.

What is the climate like in Malanda? +

Malanda has a subtropical highland climate, cooler and wetter than the coast. Temperatures are mild year-round, averaging 22–26°C in summer and 10–19°C in winter, with significant rainfall supporting lush dairy country.

What is the median rent in Malanda? +

According to the 2021 Census, the median weekly rent in Malanda is approximately $250, making it one of the more affordable options in Far North Queensland.

Are there schools in Malanda? +

Yes — Malanda has both a state primary school (Malanda State School) and a state high school (Malanda State High School), serving the local community and surrounding Tablelands area.