The Cairns Art Gallery occupies an elegant interwar building in the civic precinct on Abbott Street, part of the former Cairns Court House Complex. The gallery focuses on contemporary and historical art from the region, with a strong holding of works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from Cape York communities. The regional collection is particularly good — art from this corner of Australia reflects a cultural world that most southern Australians never encounter.
The programming is stronger than many visitors expect. Touring shows from major Australian institutions pass through regularly, and the permanent collection is well presented. Admission is free for the permanent galleries, with charges for some temporary exhibitions.
It's compact enough to do properly in an hour and a half. The building itself — interwar architecture adapted for tropical Queensland, with shaded verandahs and good interior proportions — is worth the visit on its own terms.