Explore the colours of Tropical North Queensland at these Cairns art galleries

Welcome to Cairns, where the rainforest meets the reef, and the art scene shines as brightly as the Tropical North Queensland sun. While a popular launching pad for rainforest explorers and reef adventurers, the city is also a cultural hub with an eclectic mix of artists and galleries that capture the spirit of the local and global art community. Whether you are a seasoned art lover or simply looking to add a splash of culture to your Cairns adventure, the local galleries are filled with pieces that tell the stories of this unique region. Let's paint the town as we explore some of the best art galleries in Cairns.

Cairns Art Gallery

At the heart of the city's art scene is the Cairns Art Gallery. Located in a beautifully restored heritage building in the central business district, this Cairns gallery is a focal point for local and international art. With a diverse range of exhibitions that rotate throughout the year, the gallery showcases everything from photographic works to indigenous art and contemporary installations. It's a must-visit for anyone keen to get a pulse on the region's artistic expressions.

Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland/Andrew Watson

Doongal Aboriginal Art

For those specifically interested in Indigenous art, Doongal Aboriginal Art in Cairns offers an extraordinary collection that celebrates the rich heritage and vibrant cultures of Australia's First Peoples. The gallery specialises in Aboriginal rainforest art and features the works of over 20 local artists and more than 150 Central Australian artists. It is also home to one of the largest collections of locally made didgeridoos, boomerangs and traditional artefacts.

UnderArt Gallery

A stone's throw from the Esplanade and Crystalbrook Flynn, UnderArt Gallery brings a contemporary flair to Cairns' art scene. This charming little spot is an independent Cairns art gallery and gift shop renowned for its eclectic mix of artwork, featuring everything from bold sculptures to delicate jewellery, all crafted by regional artists. The gallery's vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff make it an ideal spot for discovering emerging and established artists and finding the perfect gift or Cairns keepsake.

Crystalbrook Bailey

Crystalbrook Bailey transforms its spaces into dynamic art galleries, with dedicated art zones spanning both public areas and guest floors. The hotel curates a rotating art experience where each of the 12 floors showcases unique artists, ensuring that the artwork remains fluid and ever-changing through carefully negotiated agreements with individual artists.  While rooted in the Cairns region, Crystalbrook Bailey maintains a global artistic outlook, showcasing works from Australia and beyond. No area within the hotel is considered off-limits for artistic expression, making it a truly dynamic cultural space

Learn more about Art at Crystalbrook Bailey here.

Cairns Art Society

Operating since 1931, the Cairns Art Society is one of the oldest art organisations in the area. As a not-for-profit, it dedicates itself to nurturing the talents of North Queensland artists. Showcasing their works across two galleries in Cairns, the society regularly hosts exhibitions, classes, and events. These gatherings provide excellent opportunities to view the works of emerging artists alongside established names, offering a dynamic glimpse into the local art scene.

Cairns Performing Art Centre

While best known for its music concerts and theatre productions, the Cairns Performing Art Centre (CPAC) is also a home for visual arts, with a collection of artworks by significant Indigenous Queensland artists, located in and around the centre. From sculptures based on the traditional fire-making implements of the Girringun people to ceramic bagu figures that line the CPAC foyer, the art on display perfectly complements the centre's cultural performances.

Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Bulmba-ja Arts Centre

Formerly known as the Centre of Contemporary Arts Cairns, Bulmba-ja is a newly refurbished theatre, gallery and creative space focusing on Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander art. It's a place of storytelling and cultural exchange where visitors can engage with regional artists and learn about the processes behind their imaginative creations.
From the traditional to the contemporary, art galleries in Cairns offer a window into the diverse artistic soul of the region. Each gallery has its own unique charm and specialises in different forms of art, ensuring visitors can always find something that speaks to them. Whether you're drawn to the Dreamtime stories of Aboriginal art or the innovative approaches of modern artists, Cairns invites you to explore and be inspired.