Tolga
QLD 4882 • Rest of QLD
About Tolga
Tolga is a rural town on the Atherton Tableland in Far North Queensland, located 89 kilometres south-west of Cairns at an elevation of 760 metres. The town had a population of 3,177 in the 2021 census and sits within the Tablelands Regional Council. Tolga enjoys a cooler tropical climate compared to coastal Cairns, with average temperatures of 15-26°C and around 1,400mm of annual rainfall.
Known as the centre of the region's peanut industry and home to the Big Peanut, Tolga offers a relaxed rural lifestyle with growing residential developments including Tandara and Panorama Views estates. The Kennedy Highway connects the town to Atherton (7 km south) and Mareeba, providing access to schools, shopping, and medical services. The area attracts families and tree-changers seeking affordable acreage living with proximity to the Tablelands' natural attractions including Tinaroo Dam and the region's extensive trail network.
Tolga falls under postcode 4882 and is governed by Tablelands Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Hill electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Trans North — Atherton, Mareeba, Kuranda, Cairns (incl. airport) 1h 30min to Cairns
Commute to Cairns
🛣️ Atherton (7 km) is the nearest town centre with full services; no rail service to Tablelands
Small town with limited footpaths; car essential for daily needs and commuting
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
-
Main Street
Housing 2021 Census
8 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)
Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census
School Sector Breakdown
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 84
- 2. New Zealand 41
- 3. Italy 23
- 4. Papua New Guinea 18
- 5. Philippines 18
- 6. Germany 17
- 7. Netherlands 13
- 8. United States 11
- 9. South Africa 10
- 10. Japan 7
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)