It was located on the Coral Sea coast about 90 kilometres (56 mi) south of the city of Cairns.

The shire, administered from the town of Innisfail, covered an area of 1,639.1 square kilometres (632.9 sq mi), and existed as a local government entity from 1881 until 2008, when it amalgamated with the Shire of Cardwell to form the Cassowary Coast Region.

[6] The Johnstone Shire Council was dismissed on 8 February 2007 by the Queensland Government's Local Minister, Andrew Fraser claiming the shire council had become ineffective due to internal conflict, inappropriate behaviour and financial problems,[7] despite an issued show cause presented on 2 August 2006.

[8][9] Among the perceived gross misconduct were the following incidents: "Send up a truckload of piss so we can all get fucking drunk" – George Pervan – 2006.

[4][13] The Shire of Cardwell included the following settlements: Greater Innisfail area: Localities: