🔍

Mutchilba

QLD 4872 • Queensland

627
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
414.07 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRemoteAgriculturalAffordable

About Mutchilba

Mutchilba is a rural town and locality in the Shire of Mareeba, Far North Queensland, situated approximately 97 kilometres west-southwest of Cairns and 35 kilometres south-west of Mareeba at an elevation of around 480 metres. With a population of 627 at the 2021 Census, Mutchilba is spread across a large area of 407 square kilometres in the Atherton Tablelands region. The locality has an agricultural character shaped by its fertile soils and tropical climate, historically known for tobacco growing before diversifying into other cropping and grazing activities.

The surrounding landscape is typical of the Tablelands — open farmland interspersed with remnant tropical woodland — making Mutchilba attractive to those seeking a quiet rural lifestyle away from the coast. Basic services and supplies are available in the nearby town of Dimbulah, while Mareeba provides a broader range of shops, medical facilities, and community services. The area suits self-sufficient rural residents, farmers, and those drawn to the affordability and space of Far North Queensland's inland plateau.

Mutchilba falls under postcode 4872 and is governed by the Mareeba Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Leichhardt, while state elections fall under the Hill electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4872
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Mareeba
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Hill
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-18.03°, 145.16°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
414.07 km²
Population Density
2 /km²
Elevation
0m

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🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited regional services — Mareeba / Cairns Approx. 40 min to Mareeba; 1.5 hr to Cairns

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
97 km
By Train
No direct train service
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr

🛣️ Access via Kennedy Highway; car is essential in Mutchilba

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Mutchilba is a dispersed rural locality with no walkable town centre; a car is essential for all daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Mareeba Local Government Area, which contains Mutchilba. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
2,476.6 / 100k
2yr Up 71.6% 10yr Up 137.3%
Motor vehicle theft
514.2 / 100k
2yr Up 58.3% 10yr Up 223.8%
Non-FV assault
2,719.3 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 218.8%
Robbery (unarmed)
8.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
271.5 / 100k
2yr Down 18.5% 10yr Down 10.7%
View all offence categories for Mareeba →

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
627
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
N/A
Personal Income 2021
N/A
▲ 0% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

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

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mutchilba known for? +

Mutchilba is known for its agricultural heritage on the Atherton Tablelands, historically associated with tobacco farming and more recently with tropical cropping and cattle grazing in the Shire of Mareeba.

How far is Mutchilba from Cairns? +

Mutchilba is approximately 97 kilometres west-southwest of Cairns, roughly a 1 to 1.5 hour drive via the Kennedy Highway depending on conditions.

Does Mutchilba have public transport? +

Public transport options in Mutchilba are very limited. There is no rail service, and bus connections to Mareeba and Cairns are infrequent. A private vehicle is essential for residents.

What is the population of Mutchilba? +

At the 2021 Census, Mutchilba had a population of 627 people, spread across a large rural locality of approximately 407 square kilometres in Far North Queensland.

Is Mutchilba a good place to live? +

Mutchilba suits those seeking a quiet rural lifestyle in the tropics, with affordable land and a farming community atmosphere. However, residents need to be self-sufficient as services are limited and Mareeba or Cairns is required for most shopping and healthcare.

What is the postcode for Mutchilba? +

The postcode for Mutchilba is 4872, shared with several localities in the Mareeba Shire area of Far North Queensland.

Is Mutchilba a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Mutchilba is part of the Mareeba LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.