Cairns History Walking Tour
Cairns History Walking Tour
Cairns may be a pretty face but its history is also rich and deep, going back at least 40,000 years. Explore beyond the rainforest and reef to the ancient and recent history, complete with stories and photographable architecture, art and landmarks. We look at buildings of significance from the early colony, including architectural styles, as well as indigenous outdoor artworks.
You will learn about the importance of the natural features of Cairns (reef and rain forest), the oldest living culture in the world and the pre-colonial lifestyle. We talk about the challenges of colonisation, pirates and opium trade, and the early gold rush, farming, business, and the cultural melting pot that makes Cairns what it is today.Historic buildings highlighted include Cairns Museum, Cairns Art Gallery, Mulgrave Shire Office, Telegraph Office, Post Office, Chambers, Boland's Department Store, the Adelaide Steamship Company, Central Hotel, Chinatown, and Hides Hotel.
Book This ExperienceA glimpse of the journey
Your Itinerary
A curated journey through the experience
Cairns Museum
Discuss the historic meeting place for traditional owners and colonial settlers.
10 minutesCairns Art Gallery
Discuss the Shields Street traditional aboriginal shields street art by Paul Bong as well as the gold rush and establishment of the colony. The history of the Public Curators building, now the Cairns Regional Gallery, is explored.
10 minutesCairns Esplanade Lagoon
The history of the reef and rainforest as World Heritage Sites is discussed. The history of early settlers, including pirates, is discussed.
10 minutesCairns Tourist Information Centre
The history of early government in Cairns is discussed in front of Mulgrave Shire building, the original local government headquarters for the colony.
10 minutesThe Reef Hotel Casino
The war memorial next to the Casino is visited and the role of the wars in Cairns life, especially World War 2, is explored.
10 minutesThe Chambers
From this position, the historic Bolands Centre as the first department store in Cairns is discussed. The Adelaide Steamship Company and the Central Hotel are also discussed from this vantage point.
10 minutesCrystal Ball Bookstore
The Chinatown exhibit infront of the bookstore is visited to discuss the important role of the Chinese in Cairns history and the history of Grafton Street as the heart of Chinatown.
5 minutesHides Hotel Cairns
Return to location of start of tour in front of Cairns Museum. Discuss the role of the School of Arts in the founding colony. Discuss the history of Hides hotel and the role of historic hotels in early colony life. Discuss the Trocadero Dance Hall across the road from Hides and role in World War 2 life for soldiers.
5 minutesIncluded
- Tour Guide
Good to Know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
- COVID-19 vaccination required for guides
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Tickets & Cancellation
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.