🔍

Mount Carbine

QLD 4871 • Queensland

94
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
987.88 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRemoteOutbackHistoric

About Mount Carbine

Mount Carbine is a remote rural locality in Far North Queensland, situated within the Mareeba Shire approximately 120 kilometres north-west of Cairns and 70 kilometres north of Mareeba. The locality covers a vast 988 square kilometres of savannah country and was historically a significant mining settlement, named after the Melbourne Cup-winning horse Carbine and founded in the early 1890s following the discovery of wolfram (tungsten) deposits. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 94 residents across 44 dwellings, reflecting the small, tight-knit community that remains in the area. Income levels are modest, with a postcode median around $38,070.

Mount Carbine retains a frontier character shaped by its mining heritage, with the area now home to a caravan park, roadhouse, and hotel that serve travellers on the Peninsula Developmental Road heading north towards Cooktown and Cape York. The EQ Resources tungsten mine has brought renewed economic activity to the district, recommencing open-pit operations in 2023. The surrounding landscape is dominated by dry savannah, nature conservation areas, and cattle grazing properties. Residents and visitors appreciate the locality's remoteness and its position as a convenient stopover on the Cape York Peninsula touring route.

Mount Carbine falls under postcode 4871 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Traeger electorate.

📍 Location

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

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Trans North Bus & Coach — Cairns Approx. 2 hr 10 min

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
120 km
By Train
No direct train service; nearest station is Cairns
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 30 min - 2 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 20 min - 1 hr 40 min

🛣️ Trans North buses run 3 days per week (Mon, Wed, Fri) between Mount Carbine and Cairns; Peninsula Developmental Road is the main route

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Mount Carbine has very limited services; a car is essential for virtually all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
94
▲ 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 Mount Carbine known for? +

Mount Carbine is known for its long history of tungsten (wolfram) mining, dating back to the early 1890s. The EQ Resources Mt Carbine Tungsten Project recommenced open-pit mining in 2023, continuing the area's mining legacy. The locality also serves as a popular stopover for travellers heading to Cape York Peninsula.

How far is Mount Carbine from Cairns? +

Mount Carbine is approximately 120 kilometres north-west of Cairns by sealed road. The drive typically takes 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on conditions.

Does Mount Carbine have public transport? +

Trans North Bus & Coach operates services between Mount Carbine and Cairns three times per week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday), with a journey time of approximately 2 hours 10 minutes. There is no rail service; the nearest train station is in Cairns.

What is the population of Mount Carbine? +

According to the 2021 Census, Mount Carbine had a population of 94 residents across 44 dwellings. The locality covers nearly 988 square kilometres, making it one of the more sparsely settled areas in Far North Queensland.

Is Mount Carbine a good place to live? +

Mount Carbine suits those drawn to a remote, self-sufficient lifestyle in the Far North Queensland tropics. Amenities are minimal — a caravan park, roadhouse, and hotel cater primarily to travellers — so residents must travel to Mareeba or Cairns for most services.

What is the postcode for Mount Carbine? +

The postcode for Mount Carbine is 4871, which also covers a number of other localities in the Tablelands and Cape York regions of Far North Queensland.