Key Industries in Cairns

Healthcare and Social Assistance
Healthcare is the largest contributor to the Cairns economy. A $1 billion transformation is underway on the Cairns Health and Innovation Precinct, significantly increasing the capacity for Cairns through Government funding. Healthcare and social assistance adds $1.74 bllion in value to Cairns' economy.
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Arts and Culture
Cairns is emerging as Northern Australia's creative capital. Investments in the region support major cultural infrastructure, a strong First Peoples culture, and a growing screen industry. These world-class venues attract productions, tourists, and talent, creating opportunities across the Cairns economy. Arts and culture add $139 million of value to Cairns' economy.
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Tourism
Adding $769 million value to the Cairns' economy, the tourism industry in Cairns is extremely strong. Home to the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Heritage Area, Cairns has a strong tourism ecosystem, a growing events calendar, and ongoing investment in visitor infrastructure to support opportunities across accommodation, hospitality and tourism services.
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Manufacturing
Cairns has developed advanced manufacturing capabilities, supporting marine, aviation, defence, food production, and engineering across Northern Australia. FNQ's Regional Manufacting Hub and growing investment in advanced technology positions Cairns for further innovation, fabrication, and industrial growth. In 2026, manufacturing industries provided a $458 million gross value add to Cairns.
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Construction
Major developments in Cairns, including the Southern Growth Corridor, Cairns Health and Innovation Precinct, and Marine Precinct Expansion, create opportunities for investment and further development. Construction remains one of the region's key economic drivers, with $761 million gross value added through a strong pipeline of residential and commercial infrastructure projects.
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Marine and Defence
Cairns is an important maritime location in the Far North, with the industry adding $647 million of value to the region. Home to HMAS Cairns and the Royal Australian Navy's Regional Maintenance Centre North-East, investments in the Cairns Marine Precinct are expanding defence activity and strengthening the region's position as a strategic maritime hub. Cairns is home to three shipyards, and has the capacity to complete significant vessel maintenance and refit.
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Education and Training
Cairns is the education hub of FNQ. World-class learning is available through James Cook University, CQUniversity, and TAFE Queensland, among other instritutions. Specialist learning is available for marine, aviation, health, and advanced manufacturing, attractive both domestic and international students. Cairns' gross value add for education and training is $737 million.
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Aviation
The Cairns Airport is the primary gateway to Far North Queensland, and is the seventh busiest airport in Australia. The sector plays a critical role in connecting people and industries with direct international connections, aviation training facilities, established aircraft maintenance and emerging air freight opportunities overseas. $411 million gross value is added to Cairns' economy from aviation.
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