Shire of Cardwell

Shire of Cardwell Queensland
Location within Queensland
Population	9,529 (2006 census)[1]
• Density	3.11182/km2 (8.0596/sq mi)
Established	1884
Area	3,062.2 km2 (1,182.3 sq mi)
Council seat	Tully
Region	Far North Queensland
LGAs around Shire of Cardwell: Herberton Johnstone Coral Sea Herberton Shire of Cardwell Coral Sea Herberton Hinchinbrook Coral Sea

The Shire of Cardwell was a local government area of Queensland. It was located on the Coral Sea coast about halfway between the cities of Cairns and Townsville. The shire, administered from the town of Tully, covered an area of 3,062.2 square kilometres (1,182.3 sq mi), and existed as a local government entity from 1884 until 2008, when it amalgamated with the Shire of Johnstone to form the Cassowary Coast Region.

The shire also had responsibility for some Great Barrier Reef islands, including Dunk Island, Goold Island and Hinchinbrook Island.

The area's economy is based on agriculture, in particular sugar and bananas, and tourism. Part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland and Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Sites are located in Cardwell Shire.