SUBURB GUIDE
Gordonvale
A historic sugar-town on the Mulgrave River, half an hour south of Cairns, where large blocks and a rural character come at a city-suburb price.
Median house price
12-mo growth
Median days on market
Median rent (house)
Gross yield (house)
Houses sold (12 mo)
Source: realestate.com.au suburb profile, 12 months to May 2026. Figures are suburb-wide; your specific property may differ.
Gordonvale is a historic cane-farming town at the foot of the Gillies Range, built around the Mulgrave River and the sugar mill that has been operating since 1883. It sits about 30 km south of the Cairns CBD and offers larger blocks, a distinct rural character, and genuine community life at a price point accessible to buyers priced out of inner Cairns. The median house sale price is $690,000, up 12.2% over the past 12 months (realestate.com.au, to May 2026).
The Gordonvale character
Gordonvale is genuinely different from suburban Cairns. The town centre has a low-key country feel, the Mulgrave River runs nearby, and the Gillies Highway winds up into the Atherton Tablelands from the southern edge of town. The sugar mill is still operational and gives Gordonvale a working-town identity that has survived the growth of outer Cairns around it. Blocks are typically larger than in suburban Cairns, and the pace of life is different.
Homes and prices
Three-bedroom homes sit around $665,000 and four-bedroom properties around $751,000 (realestate.com.au, to May 2026). The overall median of $690,000 represents good value relative to the activity level, 143 houses sold in the past year is a strong volume for a town of this size, confirming genuine buyer demand and not just a quiet backwater. The rental yield essentially matches the purchase yield, with $690/wk median rent almost exactly covering what you might expect.
The Gillies access and lifestyle
The Gillies Highway connects Gordonvale to the Atherton Tablelands, making it the gateway to the waterfall circuit, Yungaburra, Malanda, and the cooler highlands. For buyers who want to be in Cairns for work but access highland weekends without a long drive, Gordonvale is the logical base. The Mulgrave River also provides fishing access.
The Gordonvale market
At 28 median days on market (realestate.com.au, to May 2026) and 143 houses transacted in the past year, this is a functioning market with reasonable liquidity for a semi-rural town. The 12.2% growth over 12 months reflects Cairns' broader growth wave reaching further south. Rental demand is steady with 104 houses leased in the past year. Always verify current data before pricing decisions.
What buyers love
Larger blocks and rural character uncommon at this price in the Cairns region
Gateway to the Atherton Tablelands via the Gillies Highway
143 houses sold in 12 months, liquid market for a semi-rural location
Strong $690/wk median rent at 4.5% yield
Genuine community town feel with distinct local identity
Things to consider
About 30 min to Cairns CBD, car essential for most employment and services
Flood risk in low-lying areas near the Mulgrave River, check flood mapping for specific properties
Frequently asked questions
What is the median house price in Gordonvale?
The median house sale price in Gordonvale is $690,000 as at May 2026, up 12.2% over the prior 12 months (realestate.com.au). With 143 houses sold in the year, comparables are solid for a town of this size. Get a local appraisal for a property-specific figure.
How far is Gordonvale from Cairns?
About 30 km and 30 minutes by car south of the Cairns CBD via the Bruce Highway. It is further than the southern corridor suburbs like Edmonton and Bentley Park, which is reflected in the lower price point.
Does Gordonvale flood?
Parts of Gordonvale near the Mulgrave River are in identified flood zones. Always check Cairns Regional Council flood mapping for any specific property. A building and pest inspection should include flood history review.
Thinking of selling in Gordonvale?
Get an honest, no-obligation appraisal from a specialist who knows this suburb inside-out.
What's My Home Worth?By Alexie Aristides — Your Cairns Selling Specialist