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
How do you library? We want to know
Cairns Libraries is inviting the community to have its say on the future of library services....
28 August 2026
Annual dam warning system test
The Copperlode Falls Dam Early Warning System will be live tested on Thursday 3 September between 10am and midday....
27 August 2026
Keeping it local pays off for Cairns
More than nine out of every 10 dollars spent in 2025/26 stayed in the local economy, contributing to a total...
26 August 2026