[2][3] The name is derived from the ethnonym of the local Ngatjan people.

[1] The split between the local government areas approximates the drainage divide with the northern part of the locality in the Cairns Region draining into the Russell River (Suez Creek being the principal watercourse within the northern part of the locality) and with the southern part of the locality in the Cassowary Coast Region draining into the North Johnstone River (Waraker Creek being the principal watercourse within the southern part of the locality).

[6][7][8] The land in the locality is undeveloped and entirely contained within the Wooroonooran National Park (part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area).

[4] The only road through Ngatjan is the Cooroo Lands Road which traverses the southern part of the locality connecting the locality of Cooroo Lands (which is cut off to the south by the Johnstone River) to Upper Darradgee from where there are connections through to the Bruce Highway at Fitzgerald Creek.

[1] Media related to Ngatjan, Queensland at Wikimedia Commons