🔍

Stratford

QLD 4870 • Rest of QLD

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

About Stratford

Stratford is a quiet, leafy suburb of Cairns in Far North Queensland, located approximately 7 kilometres north of the Cairns CBD along the upper reaches of Freshwater Creek. With a population of around 1,200 people, Stratford occupies about 1.9 square kilometres and has a rich history as a former timber town — its position on the Kuranda railway line once facilitated the transport of saw logs from the Macalister and Lamb Ranges, and a sawmill operated in the area until 1975. Today it is a well-regarded residential suburb within the Cairns Regional Council area.

Stratford appeals to families and professionals seeking a peaceful suburban lifestyle close to Cairns' urban amenities while remaining just minutes from the Northern Beaches. The suburb has a friendly community feel with local parks, and residents enjoy easy access to the Cairns CBD, major shopping precincts, and the stunning tropical coastline. Its proximity to both the city and the beautiful Northern Beaches — including Trinity Beach and Clifton Beach — makes Stratford a popular choice for those wanting the best of Far North Queensland living.

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

  • 110, 111 — Cairns City / Trinity Beach 15-20 min to Cairns CBD

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
7 km
By Train
No direct rail service; nearest rail is Cairns Central station
By Car (Peak)
15-20 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
10 min

🛣️ Translink bus services connect to Cairns CBD; car the most common option

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Local streets are walkable with parks nearby; a car is recommended for most errands

🛒 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

Where is Stratford QLD located? +

Stratford is a residential suburb of Cairns in Far North Queensland, situated approximately 7 kilometres north of the Cairns CBD along Freshwater Creek.

What is the history of Stratford Cairns? +

Stratford developed as a timber town in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the Kuranda railway line used to transport saw logs from the nearby Macalister and Lamb Ranges. A sawmill operated in the area until 1975.

What is the population of Stratford QLD? +

According to the 2021 Census, Stratford has a population of approximately 1,198 people, making it a small but established suburb within the Cairns Region.

How far is Stratford from the Cairns CBD? +

Stratford is approximately 7 kilometres north of the Cairns CBD, typically a 10-20 minute drive depending on traffic.