MAREEBA HERITAGE CENTRE

Welcome to Mareeba Heritage Centre

Welcome to Mareeba, a town as rich in history as its soil.

Mareeba is located in tropical North Queensland, an area often referred to as the ‘food bowl’ of Queensland along with the Atherton Tablelands, owing to its fertile soil and ideal agricultural and growing conditions. Discover Mareeba like a local at the Mareeba Heritage Centre, located in the Centenary Park. At our visitor information centre and heritage museum, you will be able to experience the true heart of Mareeba and the surrounding Tablelands region.

Upon arrival into our car park, you will immediately be greeted by some of the historical displays which best depict the town of Mareeba. Some of these include a fully restored tobacco harvester, a manual release valve from the Tinaroo Dam, a tractor pulled grader and a brahman bull statue. If you continue to peruse the inside grounds, you’ll also find farming equipment, relics from our early fire service, a saddle shop, a blacksmith shop, stockyards, goat carts and much more. The Mareeba town streetscape also makes for a great photo opportunity.

The Mareeba Heritage Centre creates a lively atmosphere, representing the growth of an energetic and wild Australian country town. Some of Our exhibits have been recognised as nationally significant and include historical artefacts and photographs, building re-creations, machinery and much more. The difficult decision will be where to start your journey through the fascinating and educational Mareeba Heritage Centre.

Exploring Mareeba Heritage Centre

The Mareeba Heritage Centre is not just a place to learn all there is to know about Mareeba and the Tablelands region, but so much more! The Mareeba Heritage Centre comprises a visitor information centre, a heritage museum, a fully functional café, as well as a giftshop. It’s all here, housed in the one beautiful building!

On the deck at the Visitor Information Centre, you will find out about upcoming events in the area. When you walk inside, you’ll find brochures pertaining to Mareeba and the wider Tablelands area. If you’re searching for something specific, or you have any questions at all, our friendly team of volunteers will be ready to assist with directions, unbiased local insights and recommendations to help you make the most of your visit to Mareeba and the Atherton Tablelands.

Our onsite café, Heritage Coffee House, is operated by the Mareeba Leagues Club, and is open seven days a week for your convenience. The coffee house offers tantalising treats like cakes and slices – gluten free, dairy free and vegan options are also available. If you’re visiting us early in the morning, why not stop in for breakfast? Our eggs benny has previously been awarded one of the best in the region.

Our giftshop sells a variety of tourist souvenirs, gifts, local arts and crafts and local food products, as well as a range of books and publications about the history of the area. This is the perfect place to purchase a memento of your trip to bring back home, or to spend time browsing for gifts for your friends or family members.

Discover Our Heritage Museum

Our heritage museum offers visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of lively, interactive and engaging displays and delve deep into the heart of Mareeba’s history and culture. Entry to the museum is just $5.

Our heritage museum is home to over 6000 items, 47 exhibits and over 25 years of collections. If you want to learn about the rich and varied history of Mareeba, you’ve come to the right place. Guests are encouraged to be inquisitive about every facet of Mareeba’s culture and heritage. There are areas dedicated to Mareeba’s Indigenous residents, as well as early explorers and settlers, mining, the rainforest, timber industry and World War I.

Of course, you are free to explore the museum at your leisure. However, there are also guided tour options available. The 1-hour museum highlights guided tour provides an excellent introduction to Mareeba and its fascinating history. These tours are conducted by our museum curator, Mary Thompson, and are available between 9 AM to 3 PM Monday to Wednesday. Bookings are essential.

Making the Most of Mareeba and the Tablelands

Mareeba and the Atherton Tablelands are located above Cairns in Queensland. It’s a place for exploration and adventure, maintaining a unique and special relationship with nature. Mareeba is on the cusp of the Queensland Outback, yet only roughly a one hour drive from Cairns and its stunning, coral-studded beaches. Mareeba is a thoroughfare serving as a gateway to the majestic wilderness of Cape York, as well as being right at the doorstep of World Heritage listed rainforests.

There are a variety of National Parks offering an array of experiences. If you want to see towering trees thriving in ancient rainforests, Barron Gorge National Park and Dinden National Park are both worth a visit. If you want to be captivated by open eucalypt woodlands and flowing streams, Davies Creek National Park will not disappoint. The area is also renowned for some of the most stunning waterfalls in the country, including Barron Falls and Emerald Creek Falls. The soothing rush of the crystal-clear water as it cascades over boulders worn smooth by time is not a sound you’ll forget in a hurry!

All these attractions can be visited in self-drive vehicles at your own pace in your own time. It’s worth noting that public transport options are limited in the Mareeba area. However, if you are unable to self-drive, or you simply prefer a more structured tour, there are plenty of guided tour options available, both on the ground and in the air! Tours and activities including micro-light flights, hot air ballooning and even a motorcycle trike tour are just some of your options. Whatever your preferences, sunny Mareeba is the perfect base to explore the many experiences and stories of the region. The Mareeba Visitor Information Centre can assist with maps, travel tips and suggestions to help make your trip marvellous and memorable!

Accessibility

Trans North Bus & Coach Service operates a passenger and light freight service between Atherton and Cairns and all towns and villages in between, including Mareeba. For guests who are self-driving, accessible car parking is available near the door. As the Mareeba Heritage Centre is located within the grounds of Centenary Park, there are ample grassy toileting areas suitable for service animals. It is also worth noting that on-leash domestic dogs are also permitted on the grounds of Centenary Park.

The Mareeba Heritage Centre is all on one level and is wheelchair accessible throughout the building and the outdoor displays. Wheelchair accessible bathrooms are located on the deck outside the building on the left.

The Mareeba Heritage Centre is open seven days. The visitor information centre and the museum share the same opening hours, which are 9AM – 4PM Monday to Friday, and 8AM – 3PM on Saturday and Sundays. These hours were accurate at the time of writing. It is always worth calling ahead to check the hours of operation before your visit. The Mareeba Heritage Centre can be contacted on 07 4092 5674.