Next to the Botanic Gardens, Tanks is one of Cairns' premier live-music and performance venues, hosting a regular lineup of touring bands, theatre and comedy acts. See the website for what's on.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cairns attractions

1. Tanks Arts Centre

Three gigantic, ex-WWII fuel-storage tanks have been transformed into art galleries; it's also an inspired performing-arts venue. Check the website for…

2. Cairns Botanic Gardens

0.14 MILES

These gorgeous gardens are an explosion of greenery and rainforest plants. Highlights include a section devoted to Aboriginal plant use, the Gondwana…

3. Mangrove Boardwalk

1.31 MILES

Explore the swampier side of Cairns on this revelatory wander into the wetlands. Eerie snap-crackle-slop noises provide a fitting soundtrack to the spooky…

4. Captain Cook Statue

1.39 MILES

You won't be able to miss this mammoth statue, one of Australia's most controversial 'Big Things'. Looming over the city's main road since 1972, the 10m…

5. St Monica's Cathedral

1.95 MILES

Cairns' main Catholic church is famous for its themed stained-glass windows, the largest of their type in the world. There are 24 windows depicting the…

6. Cairns Aquarium

2.07 MILES

Cairns' multi-million-dollar aquarium is well worth a visit for its vast and gorgeously presented range of marine life, the Great Barrier Reef in…

7. Reef Eye

2.27 MILES

Soak up stunning views of the Coral Sea and Cairns city aboard this 35m-high Ferris wheel. The fully enclosed gondolas rotate 360 degrees (passengers…

8. KickArts Contemporary Arts

2.33 MILES

These galleries showcase cutting-edge local and regional artworks, plus touring exhibitions. KickArts has moved to the School of the Arts while the Centre…