Etheridge

From the pristine waters at Cobbold Gorge and the clear night skies at the world renowned Undara Lava Tubes, to the healing powers of the Talaroo Hot Springs, Etheridge Shire is a region rich in history, natural beauty and community spirit.

With nearly 10% of the Shire’s area designated as national parks and a notable destination on the famous Savannah Way scenic drive tour, the area is renowned for its captivating landscape, diverse wildlife and friendly community.

Etheridge Shire is known as the Golden Heart of the Gulf Savannah due to its historical significance in the gold mining industry and its central location within this unique and beautiful landscape. Located 4 hours west of Cairns, Etheridge is home to just under 800 residents in Georgetown, Einasleigh, Forsayth, Mt Surprise and Kidston.

The community benefits from a diverse economy centred around agriculture, cattle grazing, mining (gold, copper, zinc & led), tourism and renewable energy generation.

The town offers a warm, welcoming community with vibrant local events like the Banging in the Basalt Music Bash, Einasleigh Races & Rodeo and regular markets, as well as an array of charming cafes and pubs where locals meet and enjoy their incredible backyard in the bush.

The Stats

726 Population

39,199km² Area

$74,932 Median Family Income (Above state average)

$398,000 Median House Price

Top 3 Industries

1. Mining & Renewable Energy

2. Tourism

3. Agriculture

Education

1 Childcare Centre

Little Gems Childrens Centre (Georgetown)

3 Primary Schools

Mt Surprise State School (P-6)
Forsayth State School (P-6)
Georgetown State School (Kindy-6)

Many of the students from the rural community of Etheridge Shire and surrounds complete their high school studies at boarding schools in Mount Isa, Townsville or Cairns, or through distance education through schools like the Cairns School of Distance Education or Charter Towers School of Distance Education. The Shire often provides support or information about these options to help families with the transition.

Key Attractions

Blackbraes National Park

Cobbold Gorge

Copperfield Gorge

Undara Lava Tubes

Talaroo Hot Springs

Terrestrial Information Centre & Ted Elliott Mineral Exhibit

Antbed House

Agate Creek Camping & Fossicking Area

Savannahlander

Old Forsayth Lockup

Giberton Outback Retreat

Copperfield Dam

Georgetown Golf Club

Connectivity

Etheridge Shire is located in North Queensland within the Gulf Savannah region. The shire covers a vast area of approximately 39,000 square kilometers and is bordered by Croydon Shire to the west, Charters Towers to the east, and the Northern Territory to the north. The main town in Etheridge Shire is Georgetown, which is around 400 kilometers west of Cairns.

Etheridge is accessible via the Savannah Way, which connects Cairns to the Northern Territory. The main towns, such as Georgetown, are about 400 kilometers west of Cairns and can be reached by traveling through scenic Outback Queensland along the Gulf Developmental Road.

By Road

The Etheridge Shire is halfway between Cairns and Karumba and is located on the Savannah Way.

Many of the roads in the area are unsealed and conditions can vary throughout the year and may be impassable during the December to April wet season

By Air

Regional Express (REX) operates flights to and from Normanton, a 3 hour drive from Georgetown, with regular service to destinations such as Cairns, Doomadgee, Mount Isa and Mornington Island. For more details visit Rex Airlines.

Cairns International Airport can be reached by car in under 5 hours from Etheridge providing flights to regional, national and international destinations.

Georgetown and Mt Surprise both have sealed airstrips and Einasleigh has a gravel strip. There are no flights to and from these airfields, however private aircraft can utilise these strips with clearance through Etheridge Shire Council on (07) 4079 9090 or email [email protected].

Service

Etheridge Shire has limited cellular phone coverage for Telstra users only. View Telstra's Coverage Map and search Georgetown, Mt Surprise, Forsayth or Einasleigh to see where mobile reception is at is best in Etheridge. A satellite phone and or UHF CB (5km-20km range) may be a good option if you're on an extensive adventure.

Telstra's Coverage Map

With Thanks

Live North West Queensland would like to thank Etheridge Shire Council for their support in developing this resource and continued support in developing regional north west Queensland. For further information visit the Council website and support services.