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
Cleaning up Cairns to keep waterways litter-free
Over 100 people have joined clean-ups across Cairns so far this September. Join a project near you this weekend and...
18 September 2026
Our trainees share why you should apply
With no one better placed to provide insight than our current trainees and apprentices, we asked members of the cohort...
16 September 2026
Barlow Park stadium upgrade works to begin
Barlow Park will close temporarily from 21 September to allow early works to begin on the major upgrade, creating a...
15 September 2026