Gordonvale is the most southern suburb of Cairns located south of Edmonton approximately 35-minute drive from the Cairns CBD. Gordonvale was originally its own individual town but with the growth of Cairns became part of the Cairns Regional Council in 2008. The land throughout Gordonvale is predominantly rural with large sugar cane farms, but has begun to be developed with many residential pockets of land beginning throughout the suburb. Due to its predominantly rural nature there are many green spaces scattered throughout the suburb including Gordonvale Golf Course, Norman Park and Marj Dawson Park fitted with children's play equipment. There are also many sporting teams operating from Gordonvale including the Pyramid Power AFL Club and the Gordonvale Touch Association. The postcode for Gordonvale is 4865.

Gordonvale has a central business area with many shops providing necessities for everyday life including a chemist and doctor, convenience stores, fuel stations, and many other small local stores. There are also a number of small restaurants including an R.S.L. club. The closest major shopping centre is just 15-minute drive north to Mount Sheridan Plaza offering a Kmart, Coles, Australia Post Office, and many other stores and restaurants.

Gordonvale has a number of schooling options in primary and secondary schooling for both public and private. Gordonvale State School caters for years prep-6 in public schooling whereas St Michael's School provides private schooling for years prep-6. Gordonvale State High School is the only secondary school located within the boundaries of Gordonvale which provides public schooling for year 7-12. The surrounding suburbs contain both primary and secondary schools for both public and private education. The Cairns Sunbus public transport service also runs throughout the area with multiple stop overs in the suburb.