Cairns History Walking Tour Discount Tickets

Get your discount tickets for the Cairns History Walking Tour, save up to 13% !

Overview

Walk through the heart of Cairns and journey back in time on a tour full of stories, secrets, and surprises. From the city’s early settlers to its iconic landmarks, uncover the fascinating tales that shaped Cairns into the vibrant city it is today. Along the way, experience hidden gems, hear captivating anecdotes, and see the city through the eyes of its past. Perfect for curious visitors who love history, storytelling, and a little adventure!

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Meet in front of museum near Evoburger on Sheilds Street Side (corner of Shields and Lake Streets)

Language Offered

German-GUIDE

English-GUIDE

Itinerary

1. Cairns Museum
Discuss the historic meeting place for traditional owners and colonial settlers.
Duration: 10 mins
2. Cairns 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.
Duration: 10 mins
3. Cairns Esplanade
The history of the reef and rainforest as World Heritage Sites is discussed. The history of early settlers, including pirates, is discussed.
Duration: 10 mins
4. Cairns 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.
Duration: 10 mins
5. The 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.
Duration: 10 mins
6. The 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.
Duration: 10 mins
7. Crystal 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.
Duration: 5 mins
8. Hides 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.
Duration: 5 mins

Inclusion

Tour Guide

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
  • 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

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

Supplied by Cairns Urban Walking Tours

Reviews

4.9

★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 61 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

5 stars
59
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 stars
1

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