From a pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef to a sprawling farm, Cairns offers myriad event venues that can create memorable corporate experiences
1. The Sugar Shed at Yorkeys Knob Cane Farm
Set amid the lush green sugarcane fields of Tropical North Queensland, The Sugar Shed brings the rich history of the region’s sugarcane industry to life. Its machinery shed with open sides blends rustic country charm with modern facilities, inviting groups to enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding cane fields against a setting sun.
With both indoor and outdoor spaces available, The Sugar Shed can accommodate events of up to 250 pax for banquets, or 1,000 pax cocktail-style. Uniquely Queensland elements, such as sugar cane cocktails on arrival and barbecue dinners, can also be incorporated into the event.
2. Trinity Beach Palace
This luxurious private beachfront estate located just 20 minutes north of Cairns is available for exclusive hire for high-end corporate events. Offering 135 metres of beach frontage and set among tropical gardens, this venue has both indoor and outdoor entertainment areas. The estate also features five rooms that can accommodate up to 10 guests.
The intimate media lunch on Day 1 of Australia Next 2024 was held here. As a prelude to lunch, guests were handed mocktails and snacked on roving canapes while listening to local aboriginal tunes, before being ushered to the lawn. The menu that day, crafted by acclaimed chef Nick Holloway of Nu Nu Events & Catering, showcased the fresh, seasonal produce of Tropical North Queensland. Dishes included paperbark-roasted coral trout, desert lime and mountain pepper; and rice with barbecued wild ginger mudcrab.
3. Tanks Art Centre
Situated in the Cairns Botanic Gardens precinct, Tanks Arts Centre is a multi-use, contemporary arts and events facility creatively housed in three repurposed WWII oil storage tanks.
Choose from the Tank 4 gallery for events of up to 150 people with a backdrop of beautiful artwork, or the open space of Tank 3 for corporate events for up to 500 people. For smaller workshops and community events of up to 100, there is the multipurpose Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre and its amphitheatre. Should planners need a large performance space, Tank 5 boasts a world-class sound system, stage, green room and bar, and is suitable for up to 800 people. Each tank can be artistically lit to set the perfect mood.
4. Reef Magic Pontoon
Groups of approximately 50 to 250 can set sail on a private charter from Cairns to the all-weather Reef Magic Pontoon at Moore Reef on the outer Great Barrier Reef. At over 1,000m2, the pontoon has capacity for 450 guests, although numbers are usually kept to a maximum of 250 for a better experience.
Corporates can avail a diverse range of activities, including snorkelling in the sheltered coral lagoon, scuba diving, helmet diving, glass-bottom boat tours, and scenic helicopter flights. Lunch, morning and afternoon tea with complimentary water and tea or coffee are included.
5. Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal
Originally built over a century ago, the historic wharf shed has been carefully restored to preserve its heritage charm and beauty while offering modern amenities and state-of-the-art technology for events. The interior features high ceilings and large windows, allowing natural light to fill the space, while original features such as the exposed timber, and clock tower and bell demonstrate the glory of the building’s past.
Although the terminal can take 400 people for banquets or up to 600 pax for a cocktail, the space has been designed for guests can spill out onto the breezeway or decked areas to enjoy the sparkling backdrop of Trinity Inlet.
