Palm Island
QLD 4816 • Rest of QLD
About Palm Island
Palm Island (Bwgcolman) is a remote Indigenous community in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, located 65 kilometres northwest of Townsville. Home to around 2,100 residents, approximately 90% identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. The community represents descendants of over 40 different clan groups who were forcibly relocated to the island from across Queensland from 1918 onwards.
The island offers a unique and culturally rich lifestyle, with stunning beaches, swimming holes like Palm Valley, and views across to surrounding islands in the Palm Island group. The community has schools, a hospital, sports facilities including a proud football club, and churches. Access is exclusively by SeaLink ferry from Townsville (1 hour 45 minutes) or small aircraft. The Indigenous Knowledge Centre preserves and celebrates the community's diverse cultural heritage.
Palm Island falls under postcode 4816 and is governed by Hinchinbrook Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Townsville electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Commute to Townsville
🛣️ Island community accessible only by SeaLink ferry (1hr 45min, 6 days/week except Tuesday) or small aircraft from Townsville.
Small island community where most daily amenities are within walking distance. Roads limited to western side of island.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Creek Road
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Cassia Court
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Flinders Highway
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161 Kennedy Creek Road
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School Road
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Gilmore Street
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Savage Street
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School Street
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Fred Williams Drive
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Banfield Highway
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Woodstock Avenue
Housing Costs 2021 Census
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 8
- 2. New Zealand 6
- 3. United States 5
- 4. Philippines 4
- 5. Fiji 3
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)