Nerada
QLD 4860 • Queensland
About Nerada
Nerada is a rural locality in Queensland's Cassowary Coast Region, located approximately 25 kilometres south-west of Innisfail in Far North Queensland. The locality covers around 32 square kilometres and is largely bounded by the Johnstone River to the west, north, and east, while Palmerston Rocks National Park occupies its south-eastern corner. With a 2021 census population of 88 residents and a predominantly male workforce, Nerada reflects the agricultural character typical of this tropical hinterland region, where sugarcane, banana cultivation, and grazing on native vegetation are the primary land uses.
Nerada is best known as the home of the Nerada Tea Plantation, one of Australia's largest and most recognised commercial tea operations, which produces around 90 percent of the tea grown domestically. The plantation welcomes visitors for farm tours and features a popular tearoom set against the lush green backdrop of the tea fields, drawing travellers from across the Atherton Tablelands and Cassowary Coast. The locality takes its name from the former Nerada railway station on the Innisfail Tramway, with the name believed to derive from an Aboriginal word meaning 'grass country'. For everyday services, residents travel to Innisfail or nearby Mundoo/Wangan, with a private vehicle essential for all daily needs.
Nerada falls under postcode 4860 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Hill electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Limited regional services — Innisfail (limited services) approx. 35 min
Commute to Brisbane CBD
🛣️ Innisfail is the nearest regional centre; Cairns is approx. 90 km north for broader services and Cairns Airport
A private vehicle is essential for all daily errands; no local retail or general services are available within the locality
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Maud Street
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66 Owen Street
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96 Rankin Street
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78 Maple Street
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92 Mourilyan Road
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7 Emily Street
