Best Galleries in Cairns (2026)
Planning your next outing? These are 33 of the best galleries in Cairns right now, whether you're after a lazy weekend, a day with the kids or somewhere new to explore. We rank each one by our Spot Score and keep the list fresh, so you're always seeing what's actually worth your time.
Cairns's galleries span major public collections and small independent spaces showing local artists. Entry is often free, making them an easy, low-cost outing — check for current exhibitions before you go.
33 spots
Cairns Art Gallery
Restored 1936 government building, now a gallery featuring Australian art, with a gift shop & cafe.
Tanks Arts Centre
Concerts, kids' theater & rotating art exhibitions in a large post-industrial arts space.
Watergardens Nursery
Watergardens Nursery is a gallery in Smithfield, Cairns. It holds a 4.9-star Google rating from 155 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 63/100.
UnderArt Gallery
UnderArt Gallery is a gallery in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.9-star Google rating from 131 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 62/100.
Munganbana Aboriginal Art Gallery
Munganbana Aboriginal Art Gallery is a gallery in Edge Hill, Cairns. It holds a 4.9-star Google rating from 122 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 62/100.
Shamrock Space Studio (Photography, Videography, Aerial)
Shamrock Space Studio (Photography, Videography, Aerial) is a gallery in Clifton Beach, Cairns. It holds a 5.0-star Google rating from 100 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 62/100.
Event Cinemas Cairns Smithfield
Modern chain showing mainstream and independent movies, plus international opera, music and ballet.
Doongal Aboriginal Art & Artefacts
Doongal Aboriginal Art & Artefacts is a gallery in Edge Hill, Cairns. It holds a 4.5-star Google rating from 120 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 58/100.
Bulmba-ja arts centre
Modern arts complex offering theater productions, art exhibits & meeting space, plus a cafe & bar.
Cairns Art Gallery, Court House Building
Cairns Art Gallery, Court House Building is a gallery in Edge Hill, Cairns. It holds a 4.5-star Google rating from 62 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 55/100.
Little Green Bicycle Art Studio & Shop
Little Green Bicycle Art Studio & Shop is a gallery in Trinity Beach, Cairns. It holds a 5.0-star Google rating from 27 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 55/100.
Artview Gallery
Artview Gallery is a gallery in Edge Hill, Cairns. It holds a 4.8-star Google rating from 24 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 53/100.
NorthSite Contemporary Arts (formerly KickArts)
NorthSite Contemporary Arts (formerly KickArts) is a gallery in Edge Hill, Cairns. It holds a 4.5-star Google rating from 37 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 53/100.
Ngarru Gallery
Ngarru Gallery is a gallery in Port Douglas, Cairns. It holds a 4.5-star Google rating from 35 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 53/100.
Akasha Mead Art
Akasha Mead Art is a gallery in Kuranda, Cairns. It holds a 5.0-star Google rating from 17 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 52/100.
Clifton Beach
Clifton Beach is a beach in Clifton Beach, Cairns. It holds a 4.8-star Google rating from 59 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 52/100.
SEA Gallery
SEA Gallery is a gallery in Port Douglas, Cairns. It holds a 4.8-star Google rating from 21 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 52/100.
Petra Meikle de Vlas - Australian Fine Art Painter
Petra Meikle de Vlas - Australian Fine Art Painter is a gallery in Clifton Beach, Cairns. It holds a 5.0-star Google rating from 14 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 51/100.
Galleries by suburb
Zoom in on the best galleries in Cairns's most popular neighbourhoods.
Galleries guides for Cairns
roundupCairns Nightlife: The Best Bars & Live Music
Cairns may be best known as the gateway to the reef and rainforest, but once the sun drops the city centre comes alive with a compact, walkable cluster of bars, breweries and live
Read guide →roundupFree Things to Do in Cairns
From the Esplanade Lagoon and Botanic Gardens to Palm Cove and rainforest escapes, these are Cairns’ best free outings — plus what costs extra.
Read guide →roundupCairns With Kids: Family-Friendly Things to Do
From the free Esplanade Lagoon to the Daintree, here are Cairns family activities worth planning around, with practical ideas for wet and sunny days.
Read guide →Galleries in Cairns — FAQs
What are the best galleries in Cairns?+
Our top-rated galleries in Cairns are ranked by our Spot Score, which combines Google ratings, review volume, category fit and how recently we verified the details. The highest scorers appear at the top of this page.
How is the Cairns galleries ranking decided?+
We blend independent signals — Google star ratings and review counts, popularity, the quality of available information and freshness — into a single Spot Score out of 100. It's an editorial score, not a paid placement.
Can I filter galleries by suburb or price?+
Yes. Use the filters to narrow by suburb, minimum rating, price level, whether a place is open now, and features like dog-friendly or outdoor seating.
How many galleries are listed in Cairns?+
We currently feature 33 galleries across Cairns and surrounding suburbs, and we add and re-check venues regularly.