SUBURB GUIDE
Stratford
A river-corridor suburb with sporting reserves, good schools nearby, and a steady family owner base.
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.
Stratford sits along the Barron River corridor between Cairns North and Freshwater, with a well-established feel and large sporting reserves on its doorstep. It attracts buyers looking for a quieter pace without sacrificing city proximity. The median house sale price is $926,500, up 11.6% over the past 12 months (realestate.com.au, to May 2026).
Stratford's character
The suburb runs along the Barron River floodplain edge, with a combination of low-lying streets and slightly elevated pockets. Stratford Sporting Reserve and the nearby Cairns Showgrounds anchor the community. The streets are quiet and predominantly owner-occupied, with a mix of post-war timber homes and more recent builds on the larger blocks.
Homes and prices
Three-bedroom homes sit around $825,000 and four-bedroom properties around $1.05M (realestate.com.au, to May 2026). The overall median of $926,500 represents good value relative to Edge Hill and Whitfield, for a suburb that borders them. Unit stock is limited but present, with a median of around $482,500 for the small volume that trades.
Schools and amenities
The suburb is within the catchment for well-regarded primary options and a short drive to several Cairns secondary schools. Local shops and services are modest. Cairns North and the CBD are both under 10 minutes, covering most daily needs.
The Stratford market
Sales volumes here are low, 16 houses in the past 12 months is a relatively thin market, so treat the 11.6% growth figure as directional rather than definitive. The median of 32 days on market (realestate.com.au, to May 2026) suggests reasonable buyer demand when stock appears. Rental income averages $720/wk at a 4.6% gross yield. Always get a local appraisal before pricing.
What buyers love
Quiet, established suburb with owner-occupier stability
Large sporting reserves and river-corridor greenspace
Closer to the CBD than many northern suburbs
Steady 11.6% growth over 12 months
River and open-space feel uncommon this close to the city
Things to consider
Very low listing volumes make comparable pricing tricky
Some lower-lying streets carry flood risk, check flood mapping before buying
Frequently asked questions
What is the median house price in Stratford?
The median house sale price in Stratford is $926,500 as at May 2026, up 11.6% over the prior 12 months (realestate.com.au). Sales volumes are low, so the median can shift with a handful of results. A local appraisal gives you the most reliable read on your specific property.
Does Stratford flood?
Some low-lying parts of the suburb are in identified flood zones given its position near the Barron River floodplain. Always check the Cairns Regional Council flood mapping for any specific property before purchasing or listing. A building and pest inspection should include flood history.
How far is Stratford from Cairns CBD?
About 10 minutes by car. The suburb sits between Cairns North and Freshwater, making it convenient for city access while maintaining a suburban feel.
Thinking of selling in Stratford?
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