Why choose this Cairns & the Tropical North 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.
Make the most of your Cairns & the Tropical North adventure
What makes Cairns History Walking Tour a unique experience ?
Discuss the historic meeting place for traditional owners and colonial settlers.
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.
The history of the reef and rainforest as World Heritage Sites is discussed. The history of early settlers, including pirates, is discussed.
The history of early government in Cairns is discussed in front of Mulgrave Shire building, the original local government headquarters for the colony.
The war memorial next to the Casino is visited and the role of the wars in Cairns life, especially World War 2, is explored.
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.
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.
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.
Tour Description & Additional Info:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Options To Choose for Your Trip:
- Cairn History Walking Tour
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Times: Tours need to be booked in advance. Please ask for group specials for larger groups.
Cairns History Walking Tour Inclusions:
Included with Your Ticket
- Tour Guide
Trending Cairns & the Tropical North Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out
Special Instructions:
- This Tour is Provided by Cairns Urban Walking Tours.
- Tour Timezone & Starts at Australia/Brisbane.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 50 valid reviews on VIATOR.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 12 Travelers is accepted for booking.
Show the guide your electronic or printout of your ticket upon arrival. Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour departs to check in with your tickets so that the tour can leave on time.
