Cairns Museum teaches about the history of Cairns.

The Cairns School of Arts is a beautifully preserved heritage-listed building that is home to the fascinating Cairns Museum.

About the Cairns Museum

In the heart of Cairns City at the corner of Lake and Shields Streets, this iconic building was originally designed by Tunbridge, Tunbridge & Lynch and constructed between 1907 and 1941 by Hanson & Sons. Today, it stands as a reminder of Cairns’ rich history and cultural heritage. The museum offers an engaging glimpse into the region’s past, with exhibits covering everything from early settlement to the unique ecosystems of Far North Queensland.

The Cairns Museum is perfect for visitors of all ages. It’s a great place to explore the stories that shaped this vibrant city. Open daily from 10 a.m., it’s an ideal stop for those keen to learn more about the fascinating history of Cairns.

Cairns is a city steeped in history, and visiting the Cairns Museum is a great way to discover interesting information. Housed in the beautiful heritage-listed School of Arts Building, the museum is a treasure trove of artefacts, photographs, and stories about the city’s history.

The Cairns Museum is small but filled with fascinating exhibits that bring the city’s history to life.  As you wander the museum, you will learn about the Indigenous people who have lived there for thousands of years.  Then European settlers arrived in the 1800s, and Cairns grew and developed over the years.

Click here to join a tour of the Cairns Museum and explore more of Cairns.

Highlights

One of the museum’s highlights is the exhibit telling the story of Cairns Trinity Wharf. The wharf was once the city’s lifeblood, and the exhibit showcases its importance and impact on the city’s development.

Be sure to stop by the Great Barrier Reef exhibit, which showcases the Reef’s history. The exhibit includes artefacts, photographs, and stories detailing the Reef’s history, including its discovery and the efforts to preserve it.

There are interactive exhibits and school holiday activities for children to learn about the history of North Queensland.

The fact that volunteers who are enthusiastic about Cairns and its history run the museum is one thing that sets it apart.  The volunteers are friendly, knowledgeable, and always happy to answer questions.

Opening Hours

Admission to the Cairns Museum is free, but donations are welcome. It is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, except on Sundays and public holidays.

Here is our list of more fun things to do in Cairns

Next, explore Cairns Best Attractions