Cairns, Australia, is home to a diverse range of museums that offer visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich history, culture, and natural wonders. From exploring the wonders of the rainforest to delving into the fascinating stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, there’s a museum in Cairns to suit every interest.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun and educational day out, be sure to check out these top 9 museums in Cairns. Discover ancient artifacts, learn about the local indigenous culture, and immerse yourself in the vibrant artistic scene that makes Cairns such a special destination.
Top Museum in Cairns, Australia
Top Museum in Cairns, Australia
The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum
- Address: 2 Skyrail Dr, Smithfield QLD 4878, Australia
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (1543)
- Phone: +61 7 4038 1665
- Website:
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PMTuesday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PMWednesday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PMThursday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PMFriday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PMSaturday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PMSunday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
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The 9 Best Museum near Cairns, Australia
Historic Village Herberton
- Address: 6 Broadway, Herberton QLD 4887, Australia
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (1193)
- Phone: +61 7 4096 2002
- Website:
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM - Reviews:
3 weeks agoA great step back in time and well worth the drive to Herberton. There is plenty to see, and you can spend days wondering through the village. Plenty of preserved and restored history from the local area as well as a few items from further abroad. Very dog friendly. A few more items on the food menu would certainly be a plus. A must do activity in Far North Queensland for locals and tourists alike.4 months agoFantastic day with the kids aged 10,8,4. Spent most of the day exploring the village/museum items in each building. The kids watched a blacksmith demo for over an hour. Unfortunately was not a weekend that the steam train was running. The historical items collected and the village displays are amazing. We enjoyed a scone with jam and cream for morning tea. After a few more village display visits we headed over to the camp kitchen where we were greeted by a lovely couple who cooked up a delicious camp oven lunch. There is a great play ground if the kids need a run around throughout the day. There is so much to see and take in. What a fantastic display of items. The film showing some of the indigenous history of the area along with the pioneers story was also interesting. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.2 weeks agoWe visited the Herberton Historic Village over the holidays with our parents and 6 month old. Easily the best historic attraction we have been to as a family and a MUST DO if visiting the Tablelands. There was something to see and do for everyone with the oldies constantly reminding us of the memorabilia they had “back in their day”. The random storms throughout the day didn’t dampen our spirits and was actually satisfying waiting out the rain under a 100 year old tin roof shed. Thanks for an amazing and unforgettable day!3 months agoDidn’t think I’d enjoy the opulence and leftover waste of colonialism and obvious impact it has had on the environment and it’s indigenous peoples however I was delightfully surprised by the effort put into collecting and presenting the pioneer artifacts and lifestyle by presenting it in a huge Villiage of shops and sheds, stores and buildings of every kind from toy store to garage, chemist and butcher, radio shop and school house etc etc etc, the list is endless and make sure you have at least 2 days to explore. Will take some people back to the antiques and things they have seen or owned or been handed down. The wealth earned from taking the tin has certainly boosted QLD however the toke is tic minimalistic display of poorly labelled Aboriginal items is an example of destruction by the commonwealth and its peoples. I took a million photos for my aging mother who will appreciate the memories of yesteryear. Good gift shop, some excellent handturned local wood items by their master craftsman, toilets are spread through the Villiage, plus a cafe with great food. You can take a nice walk over the suspension bridge to the station n mill and along the creek. There are various presentations on timetabled through the day and a film narrated by a Jack Thompson that I wasn’t really impressed with. Although the curved cinema screen was cool the film glossed over genocide and theft! My husband loves this kind of place because lots of old machinery, some cars n bikes and a great collection of tools as well. My favourite would have to be the lower and upper classrooms set up and the chemist. The toy store is the creepiest beware of atttachment in there. Staff at gift shop were lovely, super friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this as one of the best historical comprehensive and excellently presented collections of pioneer life in Australia without the noise and bustle of places like Sovereign Hill ViC. Not really wheelchair friendly though which is a downside for many.5 months agoAn amazing walk back through the early days of this historic area. Definitely worth a visit and allow plenty of time as if older you will not want to leave! ??
Mareeba Heritage Museum and Visitor Information Centre
- Address: 345 Byrnes St, Mareeba QLD 4880, Australia
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (750)
Cairns Museum
- Address: Cairns School of Arts building, Cnr Lake and Shields St, 93/105 Lake St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (521)
Cooktown Museum
- Address: 50 Helen St, Cooktown QLD 4895, Australia
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (390)
The Ted Elliott Mineral Collection
- Address: Low St, Georgetown QLD 4871, Australia
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (132)
Hou Wang Temple
- Address: Herberton Rd, Atherton QLD 4883, Australia
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (56)
Spy and Camera Museum
- Address: 49 Grace St, Herberton QLD 4887, Australia
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (17)
Mulgrave Settlers Museum
- Address: 60 Gordon St, Gordonvale QLD 4865, Australia
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4 (9)
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5 Replies to Discover the Biggest Museum in Cairns, Australia
It’s a sanctuary for every history buff. The number of meticulously restored vehicles put my heart into the highest peak. And I made my friends jealous. The exhibition covers the history of tanks from the late 1930s up to the present day. Surprisingly the Third Reich section is phenomenally represented. Don’t think twice, just buy a ticket!
If you are in Cairns and like history or military things, you must drop in and check this place out. The staff are friendly and very helpful. The number of vehicles, artillery guns, and weapons on display is by far the best in Australia!
They also have a shooting range downstairs if you would like to fire a selection of rifles. The gift shop has lots of great souvenirs too.
It was my first visit and definitely won’t be my last.
I rate this place 5/5 stars and look forward to my next visit.
I’ve never been particularly interested in military history, but this museum was highly recommended by a friend, and they were totally right!
This is a massive warehouse full of tanks, artillery, and other vehicles from all kinds of countries and wars. You can walk around at your convenience, examine the exhibits from every side, and even stare down the barrels – a chilling experience. You cannot climb onto or into the exhibits, but doors are often left open so you can peer inside.
I highly recommend this museum, even if you don’t have much interest in the military.
Incredible collection!
Very positively surprised, we got stuck in the area during the cyclone which meant bad weather activities brought us here and so glad it did. Incredible collection of tanks and vehicles! Would recommend and return
Approximately 11km from Cairns CBD, 20 minutes by taxi.
We ventured out to take a look and spent just on 2 hours. Well set out. Over 200 tanks, trucks and military armour in this collection.
Entry ticket allows entry for 3 days. Well priced and informed staff.
Highly recommend a visit to the Australian Armour and Military Museum.
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