Queensland location profile
Yarrabah QLD 4871
Yarrabah is a coastal Aboriginal community on Cape Grafton, surrounded by rainforest, beaches and reef-fringed waters. It offers strong cultural heritage, community spirit and a quiet lifestyle within reach of Cairns’ services.
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Why families consider Yarrabah
Predominantly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community with a young age profile, strong Yidinji cultural ties and close-knit, family-oriented living. Employment is largely in community services, health, education, arts and land/water management, with a relaxed coastal, tropical lifestyle.
Amenities & services
- Community supermarket and general stores
- Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service clinic
- Local takeaway cafes
- Yarrabah Arts & Cultural Precinct
- Yarrabah State School (P–10) and community services
- Yarrabah Indigenous Knowledge Centre (Workshop St, Yarrabah)
- Cairns City Library (Abbott St, Cairns)
Transport & connectivity
- No local train station; nearest is Cairns Railway Station
- QConnect/CDC Queensland bus service Yarrabah–Cairns via Gordonvale (limited timetable)
- Yarrabah Road; Bruce Highway (A1)
Lifestyle & recreation
- Mission Bay and Cape Grafton beaches
- Fishing and boating from local jetty/boat ramp
- Community sports oval, basketball courts and facilities
- Community swimming pool
- Cultural events and exhibitions at Yarrabah Arts & Cultural Precinct
- Mandingalbay Yidinji Indigenous Protected Area
- Malbon Thompson Range National Park
- East Trinity Reserve
- Cape Grafton coastline and bays
Education context
Limited local childcare and kindergarten options; places can be waitlisted, with broader availability in Cairns and Gordonvale.
- James Cook University – Cairns (Smithfield campus)
- CQUniversity – Cairns Campus (Cairns CBD)