🔍

Yungaburra

QLD 4884 • Rest of QLD

1,272
Population (2021)
$37,544
Median Income
20.38 km²
Area
$290/wk
Median Rent
HeritageTourist HubRetiree-HavenLeafyRural

About Yungaburra

Yungaburra is a charming heritage-listed village situated on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, approximately 80 kilometres south-west of Cairns within the Tablelands Regional Council area. With a population of 1,272, the locality sits at an elevation of 691 metres and covers 20.4 square kilometres of lush tableland country, offering a noticeably cooler climate than the tropical coast below. The median age of 53 reflects a community that skews toward retirees and tree-changers who have relocated from coastal and urban areas seeking a quieter, nature-rich lifestyle.

Yungaburra is renowned for its well-preserved heritage streetscapes, boutique shops, art galleries, and its celebrated monthly markets that draw visitors from across the Tablelands and Cairns. The village sits within easy reach of the Crater Lakes National Park — home to the stunning Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine — and is a recognised site for platypus spotting along Peterson Creek. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, local cafes and restaurants, and excellent access to the natural wonders of the Atherton Tablelands, making Yungaburra one of the most distinctive small towns in tropical Queensland.

Yungaburra falls under postcode 4884 and is governed by Tablelands Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Hill electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4884
Urban Area
Eacham
LGA / Council
Tablelands
Federal Electorate
Kennedy
State Electorate
Hill
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-17.27°, 145.60°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
20.38 km²
Elevation
691m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Tablelands Bus & Coach regional services — Atherton / Cairns 15 min to Atherton; ~2h to Cairns

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
80 km
By Train
No rail service; Cairns is the nearest rail hub
By Car (Peak)
1h 15min – 1h 30min via Gillies Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
1h – 1h 15min

🛣️ Atherton (15 km north) is the main regional service centre for schools, supermarkets, and medical care.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

The heritage village centre is walkable with cafes, galleries, and local shops; a car is needed for larger shopping trips to Atherton.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$290
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,495
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
53 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
2.5%

7 state housing + 6 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,239
Census 2021
1,272
▲ 2.7% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$31,772
Income 2021
$37,544
▲ 18.2% increase

Income Comparison

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

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 977
Born Overseas 204

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 72
  • 2. New Zealand 35
  • 3. Germany 11
  • 4. Papua New Guinea 9
  • 5. Philippines 9
  • 6. Scotland 9
  • 7. United States 7
  • 8. Ireland 6
  • 9. South Africa 6
  • 10. Italy 5

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 602
Australian 456
Irish 212
Scottish 149
German 111
Italian 52
Australian Aboriginal 26
Dutch 19
Welsh 14
French 13

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

778
Both parents born in Australia
244
Both parents born overseas
175
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
46.8%
No Religion
44.3%
Buddhism
1.0%
Islam
0.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
47 (3.7%)
5-14 years
138 (10.8%)
15-19 years
61 (4.8%)
20-24 years
36 (2.8%)
25-34 years
86 (6.8%)
35-44 years
126 (9.9%)
45-54 years
173 (13.6%)
55-64 years
195 (15.3%)
65-74 years
254 (20.0%)
75-84 years
126 (9.9%)
85+ years
33 (2.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yungaburra known for? +

Yungaburra is known for its beautifully preserved heritage streetscapes, the popular monthly Yungaburra Markets, and its proximity to the Crater Lakes National Park including Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine. Peterson Creek running through the village is one of the most reliable spots in Queensland to see wild platypus.

How far is Yungaburra from Cairns? +

Yungaburra is approximately 80 kilometres south-west of Cairns CBD, a drive of around 1h to 1h 15min via the Gillies Highway or Palmerston Highway. Atherton, the regional service centre, is just 15 kilometres north.

Does Yungaburra have public transport? +

Yungaburra is served by regional bus services connecting to Atherton and, less frequently, to Cairns. There is no passenger rail service on the Atherton Tablelands; a car is the most practical way to travel to and from the village.

What is the population of Yungaburra? +

According to the 2021 Census, Yungaburra has a population of 1,272 residents, up from 1,239 in 2016. The community has a notably high median age of 53, reflecting its appeal to retirees and lifestyle-seekers.

Is Yungaburra a good place to live? +

Yungaburra is ideal for those seeking a relaxed, nature-connected lifestyle in a community with genuine character and heritage charm. The cooler Tablelands climate, strong arts and markets scene, and proximity to outstanding natural attractions make it one of Queensland's most appealing small towns, though residents rely on Atherton for major shopping and services.

What is the postcode for Yungaburra? +

The postcode for Yungaburra is 4884, which it shares with nearby Tablelands localities including Tinaroo and Kairi.