art gallery tropical north queensland

Things to do

Art Galleries & Museums

Take some time to discover Tropical North Queensland through its fascinating history on the Cairns Arts and Culture Map.

There are scores of museums that explore the development of the region and its people. Museums range from small-town volunteer-operated and private collections of everything from aviation and military history, Indigenous culture, geology and art to the expansive and detailed collections in the Cairns Museum in the heart of the city. The Cooktown Museum in Cooktown is housed in a 19th-century former convent and holds a significant collection of artefacts of its namesake’s voyages of discovery. There are plenty of hands-on or living museums, too. Step back into the 19th century by walking around 50 restored period buildings from the 1860s at the Historic Village Herberton, or explore an early 20th-century Chinese temple, once part of a thriving Chinatown. From the mainstream to the eccentric, whatever your particular passion, you’re more than likely to find a museum to cater for it.

The vibrant hues of Tropical North Queensland are reflected nowhere better than in its thriving art scene. From traditional Indigenous artworks to contemporary styles, the tropical north is a hotbed of artistic talent. Visit the Cairns Art Gallery, a three-story public gallery in the heart of the CBD displaying ever-evolving exhibitions and offering a variety of classes for both adults and children. Then move on to NorthSite, a cache of homewares, jewellery, fashion and artworks. Find more contemporary works at the artist-owned Underart Gallery and an eclectic calendar of exhibitions at Bulmba-ja arts centre. Head off the beaten track to the Bana Yirriji Art and Cultural Centre in Wujal Wujal near Cooktown. This small outpost is a hot bed of talent, rewarding those who undertake the adventure with everything from textiles to wearable art and paintings. Or journey west across the cape to the home of the famous Aurukun camp dogs at the Wik and Kugu Art Centre. If this all ignites your own inner artist, Brian “Binna” Swindley of Janbal Gallery in Mossman holds intimate workshops to help you produce your own masterpiece.

Herberton Historic Village

Cairns Art Gallery

Crystal Caves

Janbal Gallery

Get cultured

Tropical North Queensland is saturated with art and history.

Explore Art Galleries and Museums

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