🔍

Yarrabah

QLD 4871 • Rest of QLD

2,505
Population (2021)
$17,524
Median Income
158.84 km²
Area
$150/wk
Median Rent
RuralRemoteCoastalHistoric

About Yarrabah

Yarrabah is a remote Aboriginal community located on a peninsula approximately 50 kilometres south-east of Cairns, within the Yarrabah Shire in Far North Queensland. The community covers a substantial 158.8 square kilometres of tropical coastal land, sitting at near sea level amid rainforest and coastal lowlands. With a population of 2,505 residents, the vast majority — over 95 per cent — identify as Aboriginal Australians, making Yarrabah one of the largest Aboriginal communities in Queensland. The median household income of approximately $1,254 per week and a median age of 25 reflect the community's youthful demographic profile and socioeconomic challenges.

Yarrabah's landscape is one of striking natural beauty, framed by the Coral Sea, rainforest-clad ranges, and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Access to the community is via a sealed road from Cairns, passing through Gordonvale, with the journey taking around an hour. Public transport is limited and private vehicle ownership is the primary means of getting around. The community has its own local services, schools, and health facilities; the Yarrabah Band, one of Australia's longest-running Indigenous bands, reflects the strong cultural pride and creative spirit of the community.

Yarrabah falls under postcode 4871 and is governed by Yarrabah Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mulgrave electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4871
Urban Area
Yarrabah
LGA / Council
Yarrabah
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Mulgrave
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-17.02°, 145.90°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
158.84 km²
Elevation
2m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited community bus services — Cairns (via Gordonvale) 60-75 min

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
50 km
By Train
No rail service to Yarrabah
By Car (Peak)
55-70 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
50-60 min

🛣️ Access is via sealed road through Gordonvale; no rail or regular bus service to Cairns CBD

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Very limited local retail and services; a vehicle is essential for most daily needs outside the immediate community

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$150
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,392
Avg Household Size
4.5 people
Median Age
25 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
76.7%

60 state housing + 313 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,559
Census 2021
2,505
▼ 2.1% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$14,976
Income 2021
$17,524
▲ 17.0% increase

Income Comparison

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

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian Aboriginal 2,374
Australian 33
English 19
German 14
Scottish 7
Irish 5
Polish 4
Welsh 4

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,415
Both parents born in Australia
11
Both parents born overseas
11
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
85.0%
No Religion
10.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
232 (9.3%)
5-14 years
515 (20.6%)
15-19 years
267 (10.7%)
20-24 years
212 (8.5%)
25-34 years
393 (15.7%)
35-44 years
277 (11.1%)
45-54 years
253 (10.1%)
55-64 years
213 (8.5%)
65-74 years
92 (3.7%)
75-84 years
31 (1.2%)
85+ years
5 (0.2%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yarrabah known for? +

Yarrabah is known as one of the largest Aboriginal communities in Queensland, with a rich cultural history and strong Indigenous identity. The community is also known for the Yarrabah Band, one of Australia's longest-running Aboriginal bands, and for its stunning natural setting amid tropical rainforest and the Coral Sea.

How far is Yarrabah from Cairns? +

Yarrabah is approximately 50 kilometres south-east of Cairns by road, taking around 55-70 minutes to drive depending on conditions.

Does Yarrabah have public transport? +

Public transport options to and from Yarrabah are very limited. There is no rail service; access is primarily by private vehicle via the road through Gordonvale. Limited community bus services operate within the area.

What is the population of Yarrabah? +

Yarrabah has a population of approximately 2,505 residents according to the 2021 Census, with over 95 per cent identifying as Aboriginal Australians. The community has a notably young median age of 25 and an average household size of 4.5 persons.

Is Yarrabah a good place to live? +

Yarrabah offers a unique lifestyle for those connected to its Aboriginal community and culture, set in a spectacular natural environment. Like many remote Indigenous communities, it faces socioeconomic challenges but has strong community bonds, cultural pride, and extraordinary natural surroundings.

What is the postcode for Yarrabah? +

The postcode for Yarrabah, QLD is 4871.