The parents of a toddler who died after being found unconscious in a hot car were “at work and looking after their family” when the tragedy occurred, police say.

The two-year-old was found unresponsive in a vehicle in a carpark in Innisfail, far North Queensland, in 30-degree heat on Monday.

Despite attempts to revive the little girl, she died at Innisfail Hospital later that day.

Police said the girl had been in the car “for quite some time”, although the exact amount of time remained under investigation.

The parents were not there when their child was discovered inside the hot vehicle.

“It appears the child had been in the vehicle by herself for quite some time and the parents were away from the car at the time the car was found,” Superintendent Mick Searle said.

He said it was “a significant period of time”.

Searle said family and specialist police were assisting with the investigations, which were complex and could take some time.

“Support is being provided to the family and friends and the Innisfail community and our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the people involved in this matter.”

Officers had responded to reports of a child unresponsive in a vehicle at a Rankin Street address about 1pm Monday.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police.