South Johnstone
QLD 4859 • Queensland
About South Johnstone
South Johnstone is a small township in Queensland's Cassowary Coast Region, located approximately 10.5 kilometres south-south-west of Innisfail and 97 kilometres south of Cairns in the wet tropics of Far North Queensland. The 2021 Census recorded a population of 456 residents across a compact area of about 4 square kilometres, giving the town a tight-knit rural character. The locality is famed for its extraordinary rainfall — over 3,300 millimetres annually — making it one of the wettest permanently inhabited places in Australia and supporting the lush tropical landscape that surrounds the town.
South Johnstone has long been associated with the sugar cane industry, with the South Johnstone Sugar Mill historically central to the local economy and the flat cane fields that carpet the surrounding valley floor. The area is also home to the CSIRO's former Bureau of Tropical Agriculture research station, reflecting the region's agricultural significance. Residents enjoy proximity to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, with rainforest walks, waterfalls, and the scenic Palmerston National Park all within easy reach. Innisfail provides most essential services including supermarkets, schools, and a hospital, and is a short drive away via the Bruce Highway.
South Johnstone falls under postcode 4859 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Hill electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Nearest Train Stations
Bus Services
- Cairns Sunbus / local services — Innisfail 15–20 min
Commute to Cairns CBD
🛣️ Bruce Highway is the main route north to Cairns. Innisfail is the nearest service hub at 10.5 km.
South Johnstone is a small rural sugar cane township with minimal local retail; most shopping is done in Innisfail (10.5 km away)
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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East Avenue
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8 Green Street