Located in the lush Cairns Botanic Gardens precinct alongside Centenary Lakes and the Arrows Walking Trails of Mount Whitfield, this iconic heritage-listed site is where history, nature, and culture entwine.
The Tanks takes its name from the three WWII oil storage tanks from the Royal Australian Navy that were decommissioned in 1987 and creatively transformed into an innovative multi-use arts centre by Cairns Regional Council. The oil-stained poles and bare concrete walls of the Tanks inspire a Gothic charm that never fails to impress.
Since 1995, the Tanks has taken pride in delivering an exceptional local and international live music program, a carefully curated visual arts and performance program, market days, workshops, and community events.
Music
Unforgettable live entertainment at the Tanks, state-of-the-art tech, national & international musicians – one of the best music venues in Australia
Tank 4 Gallery
Explore captivating exhibitions and diverse artworks at Tank 4, where creativity knows no bounds.
Festivals
Join us year-round in an exhilarating celebration of children, cinema, music, and the vibrant Cairns lifestyle through our electrifying annual festivals.
Workshops
Discover Tanks Arts Centre's diverse workshops, from hands-on learning to circus lessons, enriching the Tanks experience
History
A prehistoric world suspended in time and space, designed for war, coloured by history, and powered by the transformative nature of the arts.
Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre
The Visitor Centre shop stocks a range of books, gifts and souvenirs designed and hand-made by our talented local artists, as well as locally sourced produce.
Accessibility
Tanks Arts Centre is an inclusive and accessible arts venue that welcomes people of all abilities. Find out more about our venue.
Tanks Markets