Cairns Museum: Unveiling the City's Past
Discover Cairns' captivating history at the Cairns Museum, exploring the people, places, and events that shaped Far North Queensland.
Located in the heart of Cairns within the heritage-listed School of Arts building, the Cairns Museum offers a captivating journey through the region's history. Exhibits showcase artifacts, photographs, and stories that have shaped Cairns and Far North Queensland, from its Indigenous roots to its development as a modern city.
A brief summary to Cairns Museum
- Cairns School of Arts building, Cnr Lake and Shields St, 93/105 Lake St, Cairns City, QLD, 4870, AU
- +61740515582
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Take a guided tour to get an overview of the museum's highlights and learn insider stories from knowledgeable volunteers.
- Look out for the NEMO trail, an interactive and hands-on experience designed especially for kids.
- Check the museum's website for information on temporary exhibitions and school holiday programs.
Getting There
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Walking
The Cairns Museum is centrally located at the corner of Lake and Shields Streets, making it easily accessible on foot from most locations within the Cairns CBD. From the Cairns City Library, walk one block east along Shields Street. The museum will be on your right, housed within the historic School of Arts building.
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Public Transport
The Cairns City Bus Station is located a short walk from the Cairns Museum. From the bus station, walk west along Lake Street towards the city center. The museum will be on your left, at the corner of Lake and Shields Streets. Bus fares within Cairns are $0.50 for a single trip.
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Taxi/Ride Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Cairns. Simply request a ride to the Cairns Museum at the corner of Lake and Shields Streets. A short taxi ride from Cairns Central Shopping Centre will typically cost between $6 and $8.
Discover more about Cairns Museum
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Blvk Temple Tattoo
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Explore the vibrant tattoo culture of Cairns at Blvk Temple Tattoo, where artistry meets excellence in body ink and tattoo removal services.
Samurai Gallery Australia
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Explore the rich heritage of Japanese art at Samurai Gallery Australia in Cairns City, featuring samurai swords, armor, and traditional crafts.
Bounce
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Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Bounce in Cairns, a youth hostel ideal for adventurers and social travelers looking for comfort and community.
Makin' Whoopee Gift Shop
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Explore the vibrant Makin' Whoopee Gift Shop for unique Australian gifts and locally crafted treasures in the heart of Cairns City.
Eggplant & Poppy
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Discover the charm of Cairns at Eggplant & Poppy, a unique gift shop offering eclectic treasures and local artisan creations.
Oceana Walk Arcade
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Immerse yourself in the vibrant shopping scene of Oceana Walk Arcade, where local treasures and culinary delights await in Cairns, Queensland.
Cairns City Centre
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Experience the vibrant Cairns City Centre, where urban life meets the stunning beauty of nature, offering a unique adventure in Queensland's tropical paradise.
The Reef Eye
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Discover breathtaking views of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef from The Reef Eye, an iconic Ferris wheel that enhances your travel experience.
Cairns Performing Arts Centre
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Explore the vibrant arts at Cairns Performing Arts Centre, your gateway to a diverse range of performances in the heart of Queensland.
Cairns Australia
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Experience the beauty of Cairns, Australia - your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and lush rainforests, brimming with adventure and vibrant culture.
visit australia
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Explore the wonders of Australia from Cairns City with expert guidance at Visit Australia, your ultimate tourist information center.
Great Barrier Reef Tours Port Douglas
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Visit Port Douglas
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Visit Whitsunday Islands
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Reef Encounter
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Experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef with Reef Encounter, your gateway to unforgettable diving adventures in Cairns, Queensland.
Unmissable attractions to see
Cairns City Tattoo
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Discover your next piece of art at Cairns City Tattoo, where creativity meets professionalism in Queensland's vibrant tattoo scene.
The Woolshed
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Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Woolshed in Cairns, a lively bar and nightclub that promises fun and unforgettable memories.
Cairns Art Gallery
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Explore the vibrant artistry of Cairns at the Cairns Art Gallery, a must-visit destination for art lovers and tourists alike.
Cairns Night Markets
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Discover the vibrant flavors and unique crafts at Cairns Night Markets, the ultimate destination for food lovers and souvenir hunters in Queensland.
Allbout Cairns
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Explore the vibrant city of Cairns and its stunning surroundings with expert guidance from Allbout Cairns, your ultimate tourist information center.
Cairns Waterfalls
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Explore the stunning Cairns Waterfalls, where adventure meets tranquility in Queensland's lush tropical paradise.
Rusty's Markets
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Explore Cairns' Rusty's Markets for a delightful blend of fresh produce, local crafts, and vibrant culture in a lively atmosphere.
Cairns Self-Guided Heritage Walk
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Explore Cairns' rich heritage with a self-guided walk, uncovering historical landmarks and cultural stories at your own pace in this tropical paradise.
Hot Air Balloon Cairns
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Coffee Works Cairns
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Discover the rich flavors of freshly roasted coffee and handcrafted chocolates at Coffee Works in Cairns, a must-visit for all coffee lovers.
Seastar Cruises
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Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef with Seastar Cruises, offering unparalleled boat tours, diving adventures, and marine exploration in Cairns.
Tusa Reef Tours - Cairns Premium Great Barrier Reef Tours | Snorkel & Diving
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Discover the vibrant marine life and stunning coral formations of the Great Barrier Reef with Tusa Reef Tours in Cairns, Australia.
Great Adventure
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Experience the thrill of nature at Great Adventure, a must-visit tourist attraction in Cairns City, Queensland, where adventure meets stunning scenery.
Night Markets
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Michiko Memorial Garden
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Essential places to dine
Wawawa Izakaya
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The Cotton Club
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Fetta's Greek Taverna
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Slap and Pickle Low and Slow Smokehouse
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The Lillipad Cafe
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Experience the vibrant flavors of breakfast and exceptional coffee at The Lillipad Cafe in Cairns - a must-visit destination for food lovers.
Bombay Kitchen Cairns city
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Bellocale Italian Seafood Restaurant
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Experience exquisite Italian seafood at Bellocale in Cairns City—where fresh ingredients meet authentic flavors for an unforgettable dining experience.
Waffle On Cairns
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Discover delicious waffles at Waffle On Cairns - where every breakfast is a delightful experience amidst tropical Queensland.
Indian Brothers Restaurant
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Experience authentic Indian flavors at Indian Brothers Restaurant in Cairns – where every meal is a culinary journey through India.
Hog's Breath Cafe Cairns
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Experience mouthwatering steaks and family-friendly dining at Hog's Breath Cafe in Cairns - where every meal is an unforgettable experience.
La Fettuccina Restaurant
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Cairns Burger Cafe
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Corea Corea
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Perrotta's at the Gallery
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Ganbaranba
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The General Store
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Sarang
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Smokemart & GiftBox Cairns City
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Bowerbird Australia
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So Unforgettable Jewellery
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Willa + Me HOME
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Gypsett
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Vintage Seeker
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House of Archeion
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Vintage Shops Australia
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Giftopia
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Orchid Plaza Shopping Centre
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Rainforest Gift
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Earth Toys
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KYA x KIT
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
P.J.O'Brien's Irish Pub
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Bar 94 Club & Beer Garden
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The Downunder Bar
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The Crown Hotel
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Experience the vibrant nightlife and local culture at The Crown Hotel, Cairns' go-to pub for food, drinks, and live entertainment.
McGinty's Irish Bar
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Miss Chief Bar & Eatery
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Three Wolves
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Wolf Lane Distillery
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Rattle n Hum Cairns
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Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Rattle n Hum Cairns, where delicious grill cuisine meets a lively pub ambiance, perfect for tourists and locals alike.
Fiestas Cairns
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Whiskey and Wine by Crystalbrook
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Coral Sea Brewing Company
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Grand Hotel
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Flamingos Tiki Bar
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Elixir Music House
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