Cairns Museum
Highlights
- Explore captivating tales of tropical life, revealing the rich history of Far North Queensland's diverse cultures.
- Discover the Museum's air-conditioned comfort, perfect for escaping Cairns' humidity while immersing in local heritage.
- Engage with friendly local guides who share personal insights into Cairns' vibrant past and unique lifestyle.
- Wander through a blend of old and new in a quintessential tropical building featuring a traditional wraparound verandah.
The Cairns Museum has amazing stories to share about living in the tropics. Stories of heat, sweat and hard work. Of cane, railways, rainforests and reefs; of White Australia, Aboriginal resistance and European isolation. Tales of tourists, hippies and local celebrations, amidst humidity, cyclones, toads, mould and mozzies.
Situated in the central business district of Cairns, the air-conditioned Museum’s incredible collection holds the secrets and memories of the people, places, events and changing environment of Far North Queensland.
Housed in a quintessential tropical building with a traditional wraparound verandah, Cairns Museum is the coming together of old and new. Its contemporary interior, spread over three levels offers fluid spaces and modern amenities.
The Museum’s friendly local guides look forward to sharing their insights into Cairns’ history, lifestyle and cultures with you.
Images and Video
Accreditations
- Australian Museums and Galleries Association
- Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
- QLD – Tourism Tropical North Qld
Features
Tags
Current offers
Family Special
Bring the family there is plenty to explore together for kids of all ages; Hands-on activities, discovery trails and playful exhibits in airconditioned comfort.
Actively welcomes people with access needs.
General access
- Offers multiple options for booking – web, email, phone is available.
- Offers a range of contact methods for receiving complaints.
- Companion Cards are accepted.
- Employs people with disabilities.
- Accessibility information and photos, including of a bathroom, room and/or floor plan on their website (can be emailed on request).
- Asks all visitors if there are any specific needs to be met.
- Website meets <a href="https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/" target="_blank">WCAG 2.0</a> accessibility standards
- Advise tour guides of the access needs of guests at the time of booking (includes pick up and drop off requirements)
- Assistance with booking arrangements (includes providing clear itineraries with written instructions on what to do at various destinations)
Communication
Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia)
Vision
Caters for people who are blind or have vision loss.
- Braille and tactile signage on all information and paths of travel are available.
- Information in large print is available.
- Handrails on all stairways
- Exit signs which are visible at a ground level (high level signs are difficult to see in a fire) are available.
Hearing
Caters for people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
- Volume controlled phones are available.
- Visual alerts for emergencies (Include flashing light) are available.
Physical – Mobility
Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
- Uses floors/coverings which are slip resistant, firm and smooth
- Uses non-slip tiles in the bathroom or slip resistant matting
- Grab rails in the bathroom
- Seating in common areas including reception area
Physical – Wheelchair
Caters for people who use a wheelchair.
- A step free main entrance to the building and/or reception area (includes ramps or slopes with a maximum gradient of 1:14, otherwise are too steep for wheelchairs)
- Step free access to the conference or function room
- Accessible seating areas in theatrette
- Lifts with enough space for people using a mobility aid to enter and turn around to use the lift buttons. Buttons are at accessible height.
- Doorways which are easy to open and have lever handles (doorways 850mm or wider when open and not heavy).
- An accessible public toilet which is unlocked.
- A wheelchair accessible toilet / shower and change room is available.
- At least one wheelchair accessible parking space with wheelchair accessible signage clearly displayed (International standards are 3200mm wide x 2500 mm high).
- Wheelchair accessible transport options available in the general vicinity (provide information on name of the operator, phone and website link to individual providers for private vehicles, community transport train, mini vans, hire cars, buses, taxis, ferry, tram, light rail etc in their access statement).
Physical – High support needs
Caters for people with high support needs who travel with a support person.
Access & Inclusion
An access and inclusion statement is available on the business website.
- https://www.cairnsmuseum.org.au/accessibility/
Plan more around this area
Cairns, QLD Waters Edge Apartments Cairns
Positioned on the Cairns Esplanade, opposite parklands and recreational facilities with views of Esplanade and Trinity Inlet, Waters Edge Apartments are in a prime location.
Cairns, QLD 
Mantra Trilogy
Located on The Esplanade overlooking the harbour, Mantra Trilogy offers contemporary comfort close to Cairns best attractions, with Hotel Rooms up to Three Bedroom Apartments.
Cairns, QLD
YHA Cairns Central
Cairns Central YHA is an award winning hostel located within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, cafes and nightlife.
Cairns, QLD 
Pacific Hotel Cairns
Located on the Esplanade overlooking Trinity Harbour, Pacific Hotel Cairns is renowned as one of the best places to stay for exploring Tropical North Queensland.
CAIRNS, QLD Mercure Cairns
Mercure Hotel Cairns is at the heart of the city's vibrant dining, shopping, and entertainment precinct.
Cairns, QLD
Pullman Cairns International
A personal welcome to Pullman Cairns International, located in the heart of tropical Cairns and gateway to the world famous Great Barrier Reef.
Cairns City, QLD The Cotton Club
The Cotton Club is a vibrant restaurant and cocktail bar in the heart of Cairns, offering an unmatched fusion of fresh, locally sourced cuisine.
Cairns, QLD The Benson Restaurant and Bar
Capturing the essence and tranquillity of Far North Queensland, The Benson Bar and Restaurant is a combination of relaxation and sophistication.
Cairns City, QLD Oak & Vine Cairns
Experience the most breathtaking views of Cairns from the Oak & Vine rooftop restaurant.
Cairns City, QLD CC's Bar and Grill by Crystalbrook
Drawing inspiration from Crystalbrook Station and the ruggedness of the Australian outback, CC’s Bar and Grill is redefining the traditional steakhouse.
Cairns City, QLD Arte by Crystalbrook
ARTE, a neighbourhood café where good coffee meets good company!
Cairns City, QLD KOI Bar and Restaurant
A Cairns-based contemporary Asian-fusion, Japanese-inspired dining destination that brings together refined flavours, modern creativity, and an elevated yet welcoming atmosphere.
