Cardwell suburb profile
Cardwell is a picturesque coastal town in Far North Queensland, nestled between the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Cardwell offers breathtaking views of Hinchinbrook Island and is a gateway for exploring the surrounding marine and rainforest environments. The town features a relaxed atmosphere, with a charming esplanade, local cafes, and fishing spots that attract both residents and visitors. Cardwell's unique location makes it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil lifestyle amidst some of Australia's most iconic landscapes.
Cardwell property market performance
Current median dwelling price$356,950Past 3 months
Property growth+25.0%Past 12 months
Cardwell’s property market has experienced notable growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 19.2% and unit values surging by 30.8%. Despite this growth, the median house and unit prices remain at $0, indicating a unique market situation. Sales activity has been limited, with only 7 houses and 2 units sold in the past year, reflecting a potentially tight market.
Properties in Cardwell are taking longer to sell, with houses spending a median of 135 days on the market and units 91 days, suggesting a slower pace in buyer decision-making. The rental market has remained relatively stable, with house rents unchanged over the last 12 months at $430, while unit rents have increased by 5.7% to $370, indicating a slight uptick in demand for rental units.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | N/A | N/A |
Change in value Past 12 months | 19.2% | 30.8% |
Sold Past 3 months | 7 | 2 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 135 | 91 |
Average rent Past 12 months | $430 | $370 |
Change in rent Past 12 months | -16.5% | 5.7% |
5 year median price trend for houses and units
Cardwell demographics
Cardwell, a charming coastal town in Far North Queensland, is known for its stunning natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle. Nestled between the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, it offers residents and visitors alike a unique blend of marine and rainforest experiences. With a population of 1,320, Cardwell is a tight-knit community where the median age is 60, reflecting a significant proportion of retirees and older residents who are drawn to its tranquil environment and scenic views.
The suburb's housing landscape is characterized by a high rate of outright home ownership, with 45.1% of properties owned outright, indicating a stable and established community. Meanwhile, 40.4% of properties are rented, providing options for those seeking temporary or flexible living arrangements. The median total household income is $846 per week, which aligns with the demographic profile of retirees and those seeking a quieter lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities.
Family structures in Cardwell are predominantly couple families without children, making up 61.2% of the family demographic, while couple families with children account for 20.6%. This distribution highlights the suburb's appeal to older couples and retirees. The presence of the Cardwell Jetty, Hinchinbrook Island, and various walking trails offers ample recreational opportunities, making Cardwell an attractive destination for those who appreciate nature and a slower pace of life.
Cardwell infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities
Cardwell’s foreshore and esplanade have undergone substantial revitalisation in recent years, including upgraded walkways, picnic areas, playgrounds and public art, which has improved the suburb’s appeal to sea-changers, retirees and tourists and may support long-term property demand.[6] The presence of Port Hinchinbrook marina and associated boating infrastructure continues to position Cardwell as a gateway to Hinchinbrook Island and the wider marine environment, underpinning demand from lifestyle buyers and holiday accommodation investors.[5][6]
Local amenities such as the small shopping strip, cafes, essential services and Cardwell State School provide day-to-day convenience, while proximity to national parks, the Cardwell Forest Drive and other outdoor attractions enhances the suburb’s lifestyle offering.[1][6] There are currently no widely publicised major new transport, school or hospital projects specific to Cardwell, so in the near term the property market is more likely to be influenced by tourism trends, retiree migration and broader regional planning by Cassowary Coast Regional Council than by large-scale infrastructure changes.[1]
Cardwell rental market trends
The rental market in Cardwell has remained stable, with house rents holding steady over the past year at $430 per week, while unit rents have experienced a modest increase of 5.7% to $370 per week. This stability, combined with the suburb's coastal charm and lifestyle appeal, makes Cardwell an attractive option for renters seeking affordability and a relaxed environment.
Suburbs near Cardwell
Some popular suburbs near Cardwell include:
How does Cardwell compare to nearby suburbs?
- Median house prices: Cardwell’s median house price is 45.7% higher than Tully’s.
- Median unit prices: Cardwell’s median unit price is 24.4% lower than Wongaling Beach’s.
- House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Cardwell have grown 1.3% higher than in South Mission Beach.
- Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in Cardwell have grown 24.1% higher than in Wongaling Beach.
- Selling speed for houses: Properties in nearby South Mission Beach are selling 57.8% faster than in Cardwell.
- Selling speed for units: Properties in nearby Wongaling Beach are selling 8.8% faster than in Cardwell.

