Natasha WhalleyThompson
9 Gordon Street, Earlville, Qld 4870
Auction
3 1 1
Open Sunday 7 June 10:15 am Auction Saturday 20 June 12:00 pm🏛️ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-13)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Earlville — Gimuy-walubarra Yidi Country
Originally a rural area dominated by sugarcane and fruit orchards, Earlville transitioned into a residential suburb following World War II. The establishment of the Stockland Cairns shopping centre in the 1970s transformed it into a major commercial hub for the southern Cairns corridor.
Today, Earlville is a bustling 'middle-ring' suburb that balances high-density commercial activity with quiet, leafy residential streets, particularly as one moves toward the western foothills.
Overall Score
7.2
A solid all-rounder that benefits from extreme convenience but is tempered by environmental and safety considerations.
Aboriginal Name
Gimuy— "Place of the Gimuy (Slippery Blue Fig)"
Name Origin
Named after the Earl family, early European settlers who established orchards and farms in the area during the late 19th century.
Established
Gazetted 1975 (Settled late 1800s)
Retail Hub
Home to Stockland Cairns, the largest shopping centre in the region.
Elevation
The western edge features significant elevation with views over the Cairns basin.
Greenery
Bordered by the Henleys Hill Parklands and significant rainforest reserves.
📊 Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0–10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
7.5
Strong demand driven by Cairns' overall low vacancy rates and interstate migration trends through 2025.
Amenity
9.5
Exceptional access to major supermarkets, cinemas, specialty retail, and medical services within the suburb.
Schools
6.5
Serviced by reputable primary options, though secondary students often commute to nearby Edge Hill or the CBD.
Transport
7.0
Excellent bus connectivity along Mulgrave Road, though traffic congestion is increasing during peak hours.
Risk Profile
5.5
Requires careful due diligence regarding flood overlays and cyclone-resilient building standards.
Liveability
7.8
High convenience for families and retirees due to the concentration of services and flat terrain in the east.
Demographics
6.8
A diverse mix of long-term residents, young families, and a significant rental population.
Rental Demand
8.2
Very high demand for both houses and units due to the proximity to major employment hubs.
Growth Potential
7.4
Steady appreciation expected as Cairns continues to densify and land supply in the valley tightens.
Affordability
6.2
Prices have risen significantly since 2021, moving it from 'cheap' to 'mid-market' for the region.
Crime & Safety
5.0
Property crime rates are higher than the regional average, particularly concentrated around commercial precincts.
Walkability
6.5
High walkability near the shopping centre, but decreases significantly in the hilly western sections.
⚡ Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Median House
$645,000
Steady 7% annual growth
Median Unit
$365,000
High yield for investors
Vacancy Rate
0.9%
Critically undersupplied
Family Ratio
62%
Predominantly family households
CBD Distance
5km
8-12 minute commute
Flood Risk
Moderate
Check specific lot overlays
✅ Key Advantages
- Unmatched retail and service convenience with Stockland Cairns at the suburb's heart.
- Proximity to the Cairns CBD and major employment zones like the hospital precinct.
- Diverse housing options from affordable units to high-end hillside homes with views.
- Established leafy streets with mature tropical gardens and large lot sizes.
- Strong rental yields and historically low vacancy rates for investors.
⚠️ Key Watch-Outs
- Significant flood risk in properties adjacent to Moody Creek and low-lying drainage paths.
- Persistent property crime issues (theft/break-ins) reported near the commercial core.
- Traffic noise and congestion along the Mulgrave Road and Bruce Highway corridor.
- Insurance premiums can be high due to combined cyclone and flood risk profiles.
- Aircraft noise can be noticeable depending on the prevailing flight paths into Cairns Airport.
🏘️ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
🏙️ Character
Suburban Hub
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
🏠 Property Types
A mix of post-war timber cottages, 1980s brick veneers, and modern unit complexes.
Dominant dwelling stock.
💰 Price Range
$320k (Units) – $1.2m (Hillside Houses)
Typical entry to ceiling.
💡 Why It Matters
Earlville serves as the primary commercial engine for the southern suburbs. For buyers, it offers a 'best of both worlds' scenario: the convenience of an inner-city suburb with the space and price point of a middle-ring area.
💰 Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
🏠 House Median
$645,000
$580k – $950k
🏢 Unit Median
$365,000
$290k – $480k
📈 Price Trend
+7.8% past 12 months
12-month movement
🔑 Weekly Rents
Houses $620pw, Units $440pw
Current asking rents
📉 5-Year Price History
🏘️ Property Type Split
Earlville has seen a sustained upward trajectory as buyers are priced out of Edge Hill and Whitfield, leading to 'gentrification creep' into the nicer pockets of the suburb.
🎯 Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
🏙️ vs Metro Average
12% below Cairns regional median
Price comparison
📋 Income Ratio
6.4x annual household income
Median price ÷ median income
💳 Gross Yield
5.2% gross yield
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
While prices have risen, Earlville remains accessible for dual-income families compared to the northern beaches or premium inner-west suburbs.
🔥 Rental Demand
Vacancy rates, demand pressure, tenant profile, and investor outlook.
📊 Vacancy Rate
0.9%
Lower = tighter market
⏱️ Days to Lease
16 days
Avg time on market
📈 Rent Growth p.a.
+9.5% pa
Annual rental increase
Demand Level
Very High
👤 Tenant Profile
Retail workers, healthcare professionals, and young families seeking proximity to schools.
💼 Investor Outlook
Extremely tight supply and high demand from the local workforce make this a low-vacancy 'safe bet' for cash flow, provided insurance costs are managed.
🚀 Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+7.8%
1-Year Growth
+24% cumulative
3-Year Growth
+55% cumulative
5-Year Growth
📍 Growth Drivers
- Ongoing population growth in the Cairns region.
- Limited new land release in the immediate vicinity.
- Upgrades to the Bruce Highway/Mulgrave Road intersection improving flow.
- Increasing appeal of 'middle-ring' suburbs for work-from-home professionals.
⛔ Headwinds
- Rising insurance premiums impacting holding costs.
- Interest rate sensitivity among the suburb's middle-income demographic.
- Perception of safety in certain pockets near the shopping centre.
🔮 5-Year Outlook
Expect continued steady growth. As the Cairns CBD expands, Earlville will increasingly be viewed as an inner-urban location rather than a southern suburb.
🛡️ Crime & Safety
Safety index, trend comparison, and what to check locally.
5
Safety Score
Average
📉 Trend
Stable
vs last 12 months
🏙️ vs Metro Average
12% higher than regional average for property offences
Relative comparison
Risk Categories
Property Crime: High
Personal Safety: Medium
Traffic Incidents: Medium
📋 What to Check Locally
Check the QPS Online Crime Map for specific street-level data; avoid streets with high concentrations of short-term multi-dwelling units if security is a primary concern.
⚠️ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
📋 Summary
Environmental risks are the primary concern, specifically drainage capacity during the wet season and cyclone resilience of older structures.
🌊 Flood Risk
Moderate risk; specific zones near Moody Creek and the southern boundary are subject to 1-in-100 year flood overlays.
🔥 Bushfire Risk
Low risk for the majority of the suburb, increasing to Moderate in the western hillside fringes.
🏦 Insurance Impact
High premiums are common; buyers should obtain a quote during the cooling-off period to ensure the property is insurable at a viable rate.
🗺️ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
📐 Typical Zoning
Low-Medium Density Residential
🔲 Overlays
Flood Hazard, Airport Environs, Landslide Hazard (western slopes).
🏗️ Development Hotspots
Infill development of older large lots into townhouses near Stockland.
Zoning allows for some densification, which could impact privacy for existing single-dwelling homes but supports long-term land value.
🌳 Liveability
Day-to-day experience — transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
🚌 Transport
Frequent bus services to CBD; easy access to Bruce Highway for southern travel.
🛍️ Amenity & Retail
Top-tier; everything from groceries to cinema and medical is within a 3-minute drive.
🌲 Parks & Recreation
Good access to Henleys Hill and local neighborhood parks like Mary Feeley Park.
🏫 Schools
Our Lady Help of Christians (Private) is highly regarded; state catchments are functional but average.
🏥 Healthcare
Excellent; multiple GPs, chemists, and proximity to Cairns Private and Public Hospitals.
👥 Demographics
Who lives here — income, age, ownership, and education levels.
A balanced demographic with a slight lean towards established families and a growing cohort of young renters.
💵 Median Income
$78,500 pa
🏠 Ownership
54% owner-occupied, 46% renting
🎂 Age Profile
Median age 38
🎓 Education
High percentage of vocational and trade qualifications; growing professional segment.
📊 Age Distribution
The high rental percentage ensures a liquid investment market, while the stable median age suggests a community that stays long-term.
🏗️ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
📋 Overview
Recent and planned upgrades focus on transport infrastructure and retail modernization.
📈 Positive Impacts
- Mulgrave Road traffic flow improvements.
- Refurbishment of Stockland Cairns retail precincts.
- Expansion of local childcare facilities.
📉 Negative Impacts
- Construction noise from road widening projects.
- Increased traffic volume on secondary residential streets.
🗺️ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
📍Bayview Heights
Position
West
Price
15-20% more expensive
Lifestyle
Quieter, more elevated, purely residential.
Best for
Families seeking views and less traffic.
📍Woree
Position
South
Price
10% cheaper
Lifestyle
More industrial and older housing stock.
Best for
Budget-conscious first home buyers.
📍Mooroobool
Position
North-West
Price
Similar
Lifestyle
More varied terrain; some high-risk pockets.
Best for
Investors and entry-level families.
📍Westcourt
Position
North-East
Price
10% more expensive
Lifestyle
Closer to CBD, more urban/industrial feel.
Best for
City workers and urbanites.
🔍 Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile — useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
Aitkenvale
QLD
7.0/10
Major retail hub (Stockland) in a regional city (Townsville) with similar demographics.
Upper Mount Gravatt
QLD
7.5/10
Centred around a major Westfield with a mix of older homes and new units.
Kanwal
NSW
6.8/10
Regional hub near major services and hospitals with similar price points.
Wollongong
NSW
7.4/10
Specifically the fringe suburbs that offer retail proximity and coastal-mountain geography.
💬 Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
📊 Overall Community Sentiment
Residents value the 'everything at your doorstep' lifestyle but remain cautious about property security and wet-season drainage.
★★★★☆
Convenience
I can walk to the shops and the doctors in five minutes. It's the most convenient place I've ever lived in Cairns.
Amenities
Walkability
★★★☆☆
Safety Concerns
Love my house and the yard, but we had to install a full security system and cameras after a few 'look-ins' from teenagers.
Crime
Value for money
★★★★★
Views and Breezes
Up on the hill, we get the best breezes and views of the city. It feels worlds away from the busy shopping centre below.
Lifestyle
Environment
★★★★☆
Rental Yield
My unit here has never been vacant for more than three days. The demand from retail workers is relentless.
Yield
Demand
★★★☆☆
Traffic
Mulgrave Road is a nightmare at 5 PM. If you work in the city, the commute is short but very frustrating.
Traffic
Proximity
★★★★☆
Community Spirit
The older streets have a lovely community feel. We all know each other and look out for one another's homes.
Community
Safety
💡 Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
🧑💼 Buyer Strategy
- Prioritize properties on the western side of the suburb for better elevation and lower flood risk.
- Check the age of the roof and ensure it has modern cyclone tie-downs to lower your insurance.
- Look for homes with existing security features like Crimsafe screens and gated driveways.
- Avoid properties directly backing onto the major drainage canals if you are risk-averse regarding flooding.
- Investigate the specific street's history of property crime via local community groups.
❓ Questions to Ask the Agent
- Has this specific property ever had water over the floorboards during a monsoon event?
- What are the current annual insurance premiums for this address?
- Is the property located within the 20 or 25 ANEF aircraft noise contours?
- Are there any active development applications for the vacant lots nearby?
- What is the age of the air-conditioning units and are they regularly serviced?
- Has a recent pest inspection identified any active termite management systems?
- What are the average quarterly water and council rates for this property size?
- Are there any known issues with the local drainage easements on this street?
🏷️ Seller Strategy
- Highlight proximity to Stockland as a major selling point for convenience-seeking buyers.
- Invest in professional landscaping to hide any road noise and create a 'tropical oasis' feel.
- Ensure all building approvals for extensions or sheds are in order, as Cairns buyers are increasingly diligent.
- Address any drainage issues on the block before listing to avoid 'red flags' during building inspections.
- Position the property as a 'low maintenance' option if it's a unit or small-lot house.
📣 Positioning Tips
Position the home as the ultimate 'lifestyle hub' where the CBD is 10 minutes away and every possible amenity is within walking distance. Focus on the 'established' nature of the suburb compared to newer, barren developments further south.
💼 Investment Case
Earlville offers some of the highest gross yields in Cairns with near-zero vacancy rates.
⚠️ Investment Risks
High insurance costs and potential for capital growth to be capped by crime perceptions in certain pockets.
📈 Action Plan
- Target 2-3 bedroom units in well-maintained complexes with low body corporate fees.
- Ensure the property is not in a high-risk flood zone to keep insurance viable.
- Install air-conditioning in all bedrooms to maximize rental return.
- Consider a property manager with a strong local presence to vet tenants thoroughly.
🔑 Renter Tips
- Be ready to apply immediately; properties often lease after the first inspection.
- Check for undercover parking to protect your vehicle from the tropical sun and hail.
- Ask about the electricity costs if the house doesn't have solar, as AC usage is high here.
🏘️ What Renters Love Here
Unbeatable access to shops and public transport.
⚠️ Renter Watch-Outs
Noise from the shopping centre and main roads can be significant at night.
🏢 Landlord Strategy
- Regularly clear gutters and drains before the monsoon season to prevent water damage.
- Provide a gardener if the property has significant tropical plantings to maintain curb appeal.
- Consider allow pets, as the local market has a high percentage of pet owners and low supply of pet-friendly rentals.
📋 Compliance & Management
Ensure all smoke alarms are interconnected as per QLD 2022/2027 legislation and check safety switches.
🤝 Agent Insights
- The market is currently split between 'safe' elevated homes and 'risky' low-lying ones.
- Interstate buyers are often unaware of the flood maps; transparency here builds trust.
- Stockland's presence is the biggest driver for both owner-occupiers and tenants.
🎯 Marketing Angles
The '10-Minute Suburb'—everything you need is within a 10-minute radius.
👤 Target Buyer Profile
Young families moving from southern states and local downsizers from larger acreage properties.
✅ Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
✓
Verify flood hazard level on the Cairns Regional Council 'CairnsPlan' maps.
✓
Obtain a comprehensive insurance quote to confirm affordability.
✓
Check the QPS crime map for the specific street and surrounding block.
✓
Inspect the roof for cyclone-rated tie-downs and general condition.
✓
Confirm the property is not on a 'Contaminated Land' register (common in old agricultural areas).
✓
Test all air-conditioning units for cooling efficiency.
✓
Check for signs of rising damp or mold, common in older tropical homes.
✓
Verify the boundary fences align with the title plan.
✓
Review the Body Corporate minutes if purchasing a unit or townhouse.
✓
Assess the noise levels during peak hour and during a scheduled flight arrival.
✓
Check for any large trees that may pose a risk during a cyclone.
✓
Verify that any downstairs enclosures are council-approved for habitation.
📚 Government Sources & Disclaimer
Official council and government links only. Always verify independently before any property decision.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This report is based on data available as of 2026-03-13. Property investment involves risk. Buyers should conduct their own independent financial, legal, and building advice before proceeding with a purchase. Market conditions can change rapidly.
