Question 1

Is Freshwater a nice place to live?

Accepted Answer

Freshwater sits on the northern fringe of Cairns between the coastal plain and rainforest-clad hills. It is a quiet, leafy suburb with a village-like centre, larger blocks and established trees, where housing ranges from classic timber Queenslanders to low-rise contemporary homes. River corridors, pocket parks and walking tracks into the surrounding rainforest give a semi-rural feel while everyday conveniences remain close, so it tends to suit families and commuters who prefer a relaxed, residential rhythm.

The community of 2,142 people has a median age of 42 and a typical household income of $1,867 a week, roughly $97,100 a year. Couple families make up 77.5% of families and owner-occupation is common (70.8% owned outright or with a mortgage, renters 29.2%). Local practical amenities include Freshwater State School and Freshwater railway station on the Cairns line, which is also the boarding point for the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Recent work and planned upgrades on the Freshwater Creek water treatment plant and a proposed flood warning system are under way.

Question 2

Is it expensive to live in Freshwater?

Accepted Answer

Rental costs in Freshwater, measured against typical local incomes as recorded at the most recent Census, show that a house renting for $660 a week would take about 35.4% of a typical local household's weekly income, which is a sizeable share. A unit renting for $550 a week would take about 29.5% of that income, a moderate share, so renting a house looks more stretched against local incomes than renting a unit. Whether that feels expensive depends on your own income and circumstances.

Everyone's financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.

Question 3

Is Freshwater a good place to invest?

Accepted Answer

Over the past 12 months in Freshwater, unit values climbed 41.2% and house values rose 32.9% — both large increases, with units outpacing houses on capital growth. Rents were quieter: house rents increased 10.0% and unit rents rose 4.8%.

Put simply, property prices increased much more strongly than the rents those properties are earning over the year. Which of those outcomes matters to you depends on whether your priority is capital growth or rental income.

This information has been prepared without taking your objectives, needs and overall financial situation into account. It is not meant to be a substitute for professional financial advice. For this reason, you should consider the appropriateness of the information and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.

	Houses	Units
Median price Past 3 months	N/A	N/A
Change in value Past 12 months	32.9%	41.2%
Sold Past 3 months	9	3
Median days on market Past 12 months	17	10
Average rent Past 12 months	$660	$550
Change in rent Past 12 months	10.0%	4.8%

Get a property report and suburb profile for any property in Freshwater

Freshwater suburb profile

Freshwater property market performance

5 year median price trend for houses and units

Freshwater demographics

Suburbs near Freshwater

How does Freshwater compare to nearby suburbs?

Choose the right real estate agents in Freshwater

Get a head start and compare top local agents in Freshwater

Not quite ready to sell?

Suburb and property report

Digital estimate for your property

Navigate the market