Mareeba Heritage Museum
Rated #1 on TripAdvisor for things to do in Mareeba, the Heritage Museum houses over 6,000 artefacts across 53 exhibits in a beautifully restored complex. Entry is free, making it the perfect first stop for visitors wanting to understand the rich history of Mareeba and the Atherton Tablelands.
6,000+
Artefacts
In the collection
53
Exhibits
Display areas
FREE
Entry
Donations welcome
#1
TripAdvisor
In Mareeba
Key Exhibits
Tobacco Industry Collection
Australia's largest collection of tobacco industry artefacts. Mareeba was the tobacco capital of Australia from the 1920s to the 1980s, and this exhibit tells the story through original machinery, photographs, personal items, and oral histories from Italian, Greek, and other migrant families who built the industry.
WWII Military History
Comprehensive exhibit on Mareeba's role as a major Allied military base during World War II. Displays include uniforms, weapons, photographs, maps, and personal effects from the thousands of US and Australian servicemen who were stationed at Hoevet Field (Mareeba Airfield) from 1942-1945.
Indigenous Heritage
Displays honouring the Djungan, Kuku Yalanji, Djabugay, and Muluridji peoples who have lived in the region for tens of thousands of years. Includes traditional tools, weapons, art, and information about ongoing cultural connections to country.
Gold Rush & Pioneer Era
The Palmer River gold rush of 1873 transformed the region. This exhibit covers the discovery, the rush itself, the Chinese miners who made up a significant proportion of prospectors, and the pioneers who stayed to establish the town.
Agricultural Heritage
From the first dairy farmers and timber getters to today's $530 million horticulture sector. Displays include original farming equipment, photographs of early sugar cane and tobacco farms, and the story of the Mareeba-Dimbulah Water Supply Scheme.
Railway & Transport
The arrival of the railway in 1893 made Mareeba possible. Original railway artefacts, photographs of the dramatic climb from Cairns to the Tablelands, and the role of transport in connecting this remote region to the coast.
Coffee House & Gift Shop
The museum complex includes a coffee house serving locally grown Mareeba coffee, light meals, and homemade cakes. It's a popular meeting spot for locals and a welcome refreshment stop for visitors. The gift shop stocks local produce, books on regional history, postcards, and souvenirs.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours
- Monday - Friday9:00am - 4:00pm
- Saturday - Sunday8:00am - 3:00pm
- Public HolidaysCheck website
Location & Access
Address: 345 Byrnes Street, Mareeba QLD 4880
The museum is located on the main street of Mareeba with ample free parking. The complex is wheelchair accessible.
Entry: FREE. Donations gratefully accepted and help maintain the collection.
Visitor Centre Services
The museum also functions as an accredited Visitor Information Centre. Staff can help with accommodation bookings, tour recommendations, maps, and local knowledge. It's the ideal starting point for exploring Mareeba Shire.
Nearby: Warbird Adventures Aviation Museum
Aviation enthusiasts should also visit Warbird Adventures at Mareeba Airport, which houses a collection of restored WWII aircraft including a flyable Spitfire, Harvard trainer, and other wartime aircraft. The museum connects directly to Mareeba's wartime history as a major Allied airbase. Adventure flights in vintage aircraft are available by booking.