Cairns' Multicultural Community in 2026: Pacific Islands, Indigenous Culture and Far North Diversity

Cairns is one of Australia's most culturally diverse cities in ways that are distinct from the diversity of the southern capitals. The city's location — on the edge of the Pacific, adjacent to the largest Indigenous communities in Australia — creates a multicultural character shaped by Pacific Islander, Torres Strait Islander, Aboriginal and Southeast Asian communities that is found nowhere else in Australia.

Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal communities

The Torres Strait Islander community with deep roots in Thursday Island and the Torres Strait is a significant presence in Cairns, which serves as the primary mainland service centre for the region. Aboriginal communities from Cape York and the Wet Tropics have longstanding connections to Cairns. The Gimuy (Cairns) Country of the Yirrganydji and Gimuy Walubara Yidinji peoples is the foundation of the region's Indigenous cultural landscape.

Pacific Islander community

The Pacific Islander community in Cairns — from Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and other Pacific nations — reflects the city's position as a Pacific gateway. Cultural events, community organisations and the distinctive Pacific cuisine present in the city reflect this connection.

Southeast Asian community

The Southeast Asian community in Cairns — particularly Filipino, Vietnamese and Thai — reflects the city's proximity to the Asia-Pacific and its history of labour migration to the region's agricultural and tourism industries. The multicultural food scene on Shields Street and in the weekend markets reflects this community's presence.

Cultural events

The Cairns Festival in August celebrates the city's arts and culture with events across the multicultural spectrum. NAIDOC Week celebrations in Cairns are significant, reflecting the importance of First Nations communities to the city's identity.

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