Facts, figures & history
First People's history & languages
Stories, history and culture of the many First Peoples language groups that called the Cairns region home for thousands of years.
Geography & population
The Cairns region is located within on a narrow coastal strip between the Great Dividing Range and the Coral Sea, and is part of Australia’s Wet Tropics. The estimated residential population of the Cairns region was 161,932 persons as at 30 June 2016.
History of Cairns from the 1870s
History of Cairns following European settlement, Cairns during World War II, significant milestones, and heritage drives and trails.
Street, suburb and park names
Do you want to know more about your street name, suburb history or park name? Read about the origin and histories of local places of interest.
City symbols
Information on the meaning of the Cairns Regional Council logo, city crest and floral emblem.
Last Updated: 5 October 2021
Latest News > All News
Council backs key community partnerships
Council has endorsed a series of agreements that will strengthen support for sport, culture, heritage and environmental initiatives across the...
29 June 2026
Strengthening focus on disaster resilience
Council has endorsed the Local Resilience Action Plan (LRAP), providing a strategic framework to guide future disaster resilience and risk...
29 June 2026
DA approved for new CQUni Cairns campus
The Cairns community is a step closer to more local education opportunities, new jobs and a stronger future workforce, following...
26 June 2026