🔍

Stratford

QLD 4870 • Rest of QLD

1,198
Population (2021)
$49,296
Median Income
2.06 km²
Area
$345/wk
Median Rent
LeafyAffluentFamily-FriendlyRiversideSuburban

About Stratford

Stratford is a leafy, upmarket residential suburb located approximately 6.8 kilometres north-north-west of Cairns CBD within the Cairns Regional Council area in Far North Queensland. With a population of 1,198 at the 2021 Census — up from 1,138 in 2016 — the compact 2 square kilometre suburb attracts a predominantly professional demographic, with a strong median household income of approximately $1,793 per week, well above the regional average. The northern parts of the suburb sit on the lower slopes of Mount Whitfield and Lumley Hill, offering attractive elevated residential properties with rainforest backdrop, while the flatter southern section provides more accessible family housing.

Historically a timber town connected to Cairns' sawmilling industry via the Kuranda railway, Stratford has evolved into one of Cairns' most sought-after family suburbs. It is bounded to the north by the Barron River and to the east by the Captain Cook Highway, giving it a distinct and leafy character within greater Cairns. Residents enjoy access to several well-regarded local schools, attractive riverside parklands with BBQ facilities, and the Mount Whitfield Conservation Park for bushwalking. The Captain Cook Highway provides easy bus and road connections to Cairns CBD, and the stunning Northern Beaches — including Trinity Beach and Palm Cove — are just 10-15 minutes' drive to the north.

Stratford falls under postcode 4870 and is governed by Cairns Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Barron River electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4870
Urban Area
Mount Whitfield
LGA / Council
Cairns
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Barron River
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.88°, 145.73°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
2.06 km²
Elevation
50m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Cairns Regional Council Sunbus services — Cairns CBD (City Place) 15-25 min

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
7 km
By Train
No direct train service; nearest station is Cairns Central (~7 km south)
By Car (Peak)
15-25 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
10-15 min

🛣️ Well-connected via Captain Cook Highway. Sunbus routes link to Cairns City. No rail service in suburb.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Limited walkable amenities within the suburb itself; most shopping and services require a short drive or bus ride to Cairns CBD or nearby centres.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$345
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,700
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
41 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,138
Census 2021
1,198
▲ 5.3% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$42,796
Income 2021
$49,296
▲ 15.2% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 918
Born Overseas 232

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 52
  • 2. New Zealand 38
  • 3. Papua New Guinea 14
  • 4. Scotland 9
  • 5. France 8
  • 6. Germany 7
  • 7. Philippines 7
  • 8. South Africa 7
  • 9. Japan 6
  • 10. United States 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 502
Australian 392
Scottish 185
Irish 183
German 71
Italian 53
Australian Aboriginal 42
Dutch 23
Welsh 20
Maori 17

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

646
Both parents born in Australia
272
Both parents born overseas
224
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
51.3%
Christianity
40.7%
Buddhism
0.7%
Judaism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
77 (6.4%)
5-14 years
153 (12.8%)
15-19 years
84 (7.0%)
20-24 years
56 (4.7%)
25-34 years
119 (9.9%)
35-44 years
166 (13.9%)
45-54 years
187 (15.6%)
55-64 years
175 (14.6%)
65-74 years
113 (9.4%)
75-84 years
57 (4.8%)
85+ years
10 (0.8%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stratford QLD known for? +

Stratford is known as one of Cairns' most desirable residential suburbs, offering leafy streets, good schools, and a peaceful setting bordering the Barron River. The suburb has a proud history as a former timber town connected to Cairns' sawmilling industry and retains a distinct community character within greater Cairns.

How far is Stratford QLD from Cairns CBD? +

Stratford is approximately 6.8 kilometres north-north-west of Cairns CBD. By car, the drive takes around 10-15 minutes off-peak via the Captain Cook Highway, or 15-25 minutes in peak traffic. Sunbus services also connect the suburb to Cairns City.

Does Stratford QLD have public transport? +

Stratford is served by Sunbus routes along the Captain Cook Highway corridor, providing access to Cairns CBD in around 15-25 minutes. There is no railway station in Stratford itself; the nearest rail connection is Cairns Central station approximately 7 kilometres south.

What is the population of Stratford QLD? +

According to the 2021 Census, Stratford has a population of 1,198 residents. The suburb is compact at just over 2 square kilometres and has seen modest growth from 1,138 in 2016, reflecting its status as an established, desirable residential area with limited new development land.

Is Stratford QLD a good place to live? +

Stratford is widely regarded as one of Cairns' best family suburbs, offering a leafy environment, above-average household incomes, good schools, and proximity to both the CBD and the Northern Beaches. It suits professionals and families who want a quiet, green lifestyle with convenient city access in Far North Queensland.

What is the postcode for Stratford QLD? +

The postcode for Stratford, Queensland is 4870.