🔍

Tully

QLD 4854 • Rest of QLD

2,368
Population (2021)
$37,804
Median Income
13.02 km²
Area
$250/wk
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalMulticulturalQuietAffordable

About Tully

Tully is a small tropical town in Far North Queensland, located approximately 145 kilometres south of Cairns within the Cassowary Coast Regional Council area. With a population of 2,368, the town sits at the heart of one of Australia’s most fertile agricultural regions, surrounded by sugar cane fields and banana plantations that drive the local economy. The median age of 38 reflects a working-age community, and the notable Sikh population — many connected to the agricultural industry — contributes to Tully’s diverse multicultural character.

Tully is famous for holding Australia’s highest annual rainfall record, a distinction celebrated by the town’s iconic Big Golden Gumboot statue. The area provides easy access to stunning natural attractions including the Tully Gorge National Park, world-class white-water rafting on the Tully River, and the nearby World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforest. The town centre offers essential services, schools, and local businesses, while the nearby coast at Tully Heads and Mission Beach — just 25 kilometres away — provides beachside recreation for residents.

Tully falls under postcode 4854 and is governed by Cassowary Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Hill electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4854
Urban Area
Tully
LGA / Council
Cassowary Coast
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Hill
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-17.94°, 145.92°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
13.02 km²
Elevation
19m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Tully
1 km
10-15 min

Bus Services

  • Greyhound Australia / Premier Motor Service — Cairns / Townsville approx. 2 hrs to Cairns, 3.5 hrs to Townsville

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
145 km
By Train
Queensland Rail Spirit of the Tropics stops at Tully but runs infrequently (not suitable for daily commuting)
By Car (Peak)
1.5–2 hrs via Bruce Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
1.5 hrs

🛣️ Bruce Highway is the main connection north to Cairns and south to Townsville; long-distance coaches provide intercity connections

Walkability Car-Dependent

The compact town centre allows walking for local shops and services, but a car is needed for most destinations beyond the main street

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$250
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,100
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
38 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
5%

28 state housing + 14 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,390
Census 2021
2,368
▼ 0.9% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$31,408
Income 2021
$37,804
▲ 20.4% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,597
Born Overseas 445

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. India 94
  • 2. Philippines 44
  • 3. New Zealand 43
  • 4. Italy 38
  • 5. England 37
  • 6. Papua New Guinea 14
  • 7. South Korea 13
  • 8. Samoa 11
  • 9. Fiji 10
  • 10. Germany 9

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 694
English 624
Irish 261
Australian Aboriginal 227
Italian 210
Scottish 143
German 112
Indian 66
Filipino 61
Chinese 26

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,217
Both parents born in Australia
550
Both parents born overseas
238
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
50.3%
No Religion
30.8%
Sikhism
3.7%
Hinduism
1.3%
Buddhism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
144 (6.1%)
5-14 years
237 (10.0%)
15-19 years
146 (6.2%)
20-24 years
142 (6.0%)
25-34 years
402 (17.0%)
35-44 years
263 (11.1%)
45-54 years
280 (11.8%)
55-64 years
277 (11.7%)
65-74 years
236 (10.0%)
75-84 years
160 (6.8%)
85+ years
79 (3.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tully known for? +

Tully is best known as the town with Australia’s highest recorded annual rainfall — a fact celebrated with the iconic Big Golden Gumboot landmark. It is also famous for world-class white-water rafting on the Tully River and its role as a major sugar cane and banana growing region in Far North Queensland.

How far is Tully from Cairns? +

Tully is approximately 145 kilometres south of Cairns, a drive of around 1.5 to 2 hours via the Bruce Highway.

Does Tully have public transport? +

Tully has a Queensland Rail station served by the Spirit of the Tropics long-distance train between Cairns and Brisbane, though services are very infrequent. Greyhound and Premier Motor Service coaches also stop in Tully. For day-to-day travel, a car is essential.

What is the population of Tully? +

According to the 2021 Census, Tully has a population of 2,368 residents, a slight decrease from 2,390 in 2016, consistent with the ebb and flow of seasonal agricultural workers in the region.

Is Tully a good place to live? +

Tully suits those who appreciate a tropical rural lifestyle, stunning natural surroundings, and affordable housing. It appeals to agricultural workers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those drawn to the Wet Tropics region, though the remoteness and high rainfall are key lifestyle considerations.

What is the postcode for Tully? +

The postcode for Tully, QLD is 4854.