Things to do in Great Barrier Reef, Queensland: The Best History Museums

One of kind vintage shop and Cat cafe. Have a cup of real organic tea or coffee and scone while you browse our ever changing range of Antique, upcycled and vintage furniture and collectables along with vintage and retro style clothing and accessories. Our shop cats are usually happy for a hug and owner and decorator Deb Is always happy for a chat. Bookings for large groups preferred. Parking available.

Want to explore a shipwreck, dive on the Great Barrier Reef and visit a rainforest, all in one day? Situated in the city centre, the Museum showcases life in the tropics from dinosaurs to modern day, with our travelling exhibitions and local displays adding a touch of the unexpected. The Museum is family-friendly and has free activities and tours every day including a great activity where you can help fire a ships cannon (at 11am and 2.30Pm daily, covered shoes required). Our Cafe is open from 10am to 3pm daily and serves great coffee, milkshakes, fresh sandwiches, wraps, slices and more. There are gluten-free options as well. And we've got FREE WiFi!

The James Cook Museum is set in a stunning nineteenth-century convent, and houses an original anchor and cannon from the HMB Endeavour, and an extensive collection of local Guugu Yimithiir artefacts. The museum tells the story of the interaction between Captain James Cook and the indigenous people – it is a story that is integral to Australian history, told from both perspectives, and is the first recorded act of Reconciliation. The museum showcases the fascinating heritage of Cooktown – set on the banks of the Endeavour River.

The Cairns Museum tells the story of Cairns, right in the heart of the city. Housed in the award-winning School of Arts building, the Museum contains five galleries that showcase the history of Cairns, including Aboriginal Traditional Owners, sugar cane history, WW II, tourism development, local architecture and cyclones, as well as the inside story of living in the tropics - amongst crocs, toads, jellyfish and snakes! Our friendly local guides are on hand to assist and give you genuine advice on what to see and do in Cairns. The Museum also offers free wifi on its tropical verandah and has a range of unique merchandise for sale at reasonable prices.

** The Rockhampton Heritage Village is currently closed for refurbishment ** This township museum showcases the rich, colourful history of the Rockhampton district. Set on 11.4 hectares you'll experience life from 1850s to 1950s. Highlights include the Hall of Clocks, a collection of restored vintage vehicles and machinery, country hospital building, the old school house, doll collection, fire station, homesteads and cottages and extensive herb garden. Sunday Markets are held on site every two months..

Greenmount Homestead (five kilometres west of Walkerston) is one of Mackay's most valued historic attractions. Built in 1915 by Albert Cook, the former cattle property forms part of the original claim taken up by Captain John Mackay in 1862. Following the death of Albert’s son Tom, the homestead was gifted to the city in 1983 and has operated as a heritage site ever since. The grounds contain a number of buildings, including a Queenslander style homestead, staff quarters, garage and blacksmith’s workshop, which together house a collection of more than 20,000 artefacts. The stunning heritage listed gardens and grounds played an important role in Cook family life, and feature a formal front garden, fernery, and arbour.