🔍

Rossville

QLD 4895 • Queensland

253
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
601.33 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralRemoteOutbackHinterland

About Rossville

Rossville is a small town and coastal locality in the Shire of Cook in far north Queensland, situated approximately 38 kilometres south of Cooktown and 313 kilometres north of Cairns along the Bloomfield Track. Spanning a vast 661 square kilometres of predominantly tropical rainforest and coastal hinterland, the locality sits at the southern edge of the Cooktown region near the boundary of the Daintree and Cape York wilderness areas. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 253 residents, reflecting the isolated, self-sufficient character of this remote far north community.

Rossville is perhaps best known for the Lion's Den Hotel, one of Queensland's most iconic outback pubs, which has operated since 1875 and is decorated with decades of memorabilia left by travellers passing through on the Bloomfield Track. The locality attracts adventurous travellers, four-wheel drive enthusiasts, and nature lovers drawn by proximity to the Daintree Rainforest, Hope Islands National Park, and the wild Coral Sea coastline. Rossville State School serves local families, and while amenities are very limited, the surrounding landscape of tropical rainforest, river crossings, and remote beaches offers an unmatched experience of far north Queensland wilderness.

Rossville falls under postcode 4895 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Cook electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4895
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Cook
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-15.80°, 145.24°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
601.33 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • No scheduled bus services — N/A No regular public bus services to Rossville

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
313 km
By Train
No rail service
By Car (Peak)
4–5 hours (via Bloomfield Track and Mulligan Highway — 4WD required in wet season)
By Car (Off-Peak)
4–5 hours

🛣️ Access via the Bloomfield Track requires a 4WD vehicle, particularly during the wet season. The route passes through the Daintree region and includes river crossings.

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A 4WD vehicle is essentially required — there are no walkable services in the locality and distances between properties are substantial.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
253
▲ 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 Rossville known for? +

Rossville is best known for the Lion's Den Hotel, a legendary far north Queensland pub established in 1875 that has become an iconic stop on the Bloomfield Track. The locality is also known for its spectacular tropical wilderness setting, bordered by rainforest, coastal hinterland, and proximity to the Daintree region.

How far is Rossville from Cairns? +

Rossville is approximately 313 kilometres north of Cairns by road, typically a 4 to 5 hour drive via the Bloomfield Track, which passes through the Daintree region and includes river crossings that may require a 4WD vehicle.

Does Rossville have public transport? +

Rossville has no scheduled public transport services. A private vehicle — ideally a 4WD — is essential for accessing the locality. The nearest major transport hub with air services is Cooktown, approximately 38 kilometres to the north.

What is the population of Rossville? +

According to the 2021 Census, Rossville has a population of 253 residents spread across a very large locality of approximately 661 square kilometres, reflecting the remote and sparsely settled character of the Cape York region.

Is Rossville a good place to live? +

Rossville appeals to those who embrace a remote, self-sufficient lifestyle surrounded by spectacular tropical wilderness. It suits adventurers, nature lovers, and those seeking a genuine escape, though access to services, shopping, and healthcare requires travel to Cooktown or Cairns.

What is the postcode for Rossville? +

The postcode for Rossville is 4895.