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.
Posted By : Helen_C
Joining together for an evening stroll around CAIRNS learning about the history of the area. Also good places to eat and shop.
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Posted On : 2024-07-03 19:50:48 
Posted By : ctheworld67
A great tour to take at the start of your visit to Cairns. Great overview of the history of the town and many informative additional details about where to find good food! Book it for your first day and you will have a good base for a great visit.
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Posted On : 2024-04-09 06:21:24 
Posted By : kathleendH3448PH
Excellent walking tour of Cairns. Guide exceptionally knowledgeable about the area and its history. Would highly recommend.
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Posted On : 2024-02-19 04:09:27
Posted By : Pe7e
I rate this 90 minute walking tour of Cairns inner city very highly and would put it as a must do.
Our guide Peter is able to convey an immense knowledge of history, architecture styles and local foke lore over the course of an easy walk.
The style is very much like a conversation in delivery with added “old photos’ to view from his tablet.
Peter opened our eyes to Cairns.
We commenced a 5pm walk on a 35deg 75% humidity afternoon, but the pace ensured no hardship at all - due mostly to the fascination of the sites and stories.
My wife and I did this on our last day - hindsight says do this on day 1 or 2 (our guide will smile at this - he says 90% say this). I have no hesitation in recommending Cairns Urban Walking Tours at all. (Jan30, 2024)
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Posted On : 2024-01-30 23:08:16
Posted By : normanl625
Good general interest tour. Gave a lot of background history. The guide was very friendly and informative
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Posted On : 2023-09-03 17:43:06
Posted By : vanessafJ8282AT
Amazing experience would highly recommend for anyone looking for a history tour I gained so much knowledge
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Posted On : 2023-08-16 23:31:36
Posted By : JohnA166
Peter was a knowledgeable and friendly host. The 90 minutes passed very quickly. We know a great deal more about the history of the city
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Posted On : 2023-08-06 04:16:50
Posted By : Ellen S
A great walk with guide Peter. He talked about a lot of different topics and is clearly knowledgable.
Knows a lot of details and is real enthusiastic sharing the stories.
My only critical note: I would have liked to hear a bit more about the time before the European settlers.
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Posted On : 2023-07-23 07:03:15
Posted By : Jasna_S
The knowledge of the guide was wonderful
Combining history , architecture , stories , culture etc making it a fascinating tour
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Posted On : 2023-07-02 22:06:10
Posted By : Di H
This was a great overview of Cairns history. There were a lot of interesting things to learn from the tour guide. Best to go in a small group.
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Posted On : 2023-06-23 08:31:09
