Entertainment
5 July, 2025
Another string to city’s bow
THE heart of ancient Egypt has landed in Tropical North Queensland, with the much-anticipated Tomb of the Pharaohs exhibition now open in Cairns.
Located just around the corner from the Cairns Aquarium, the interactive attraction invites visitors on a time-travelling journey through 11 meticulously recreated tombs of Egypt’s most iconic rulers, nobles and high priests. Featuring over 450 museum-grade replicas, including gold-encrusted coffins, mummified humans and animals, ornate jewellery and towering sarcophagi, the experience sets a new benchmark for cultural tourism in the region.
Founder and CEO Daniel Leipnik, who also co-founded the Cairns Aquarium, said the $10 million exhibition was more than two years in the making and had already captured public interest, with more than 30,000 tickets sold before opening day.
“This is a real world-first,” Mr Leipnik said.
“We’ve recreated full-scale tombs using 3D modelling, handmade artefacts from Egypt, and authentic details captured by archaeologists and Egyptologists, many overseen directly by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.”
Unlike traditional museums, the Tomb of the Pharaohs encourages hands-on exploration. Visitors can walk through life-sized rooms once occupied by ancient royalty, admire glittering replicas of Queen Nefertari’s jewellery, and study the finely engraved pink quartzite sarcophagus of Seti I. Many of the displays are based directly on original tomb sketches, photographs and artefacts, brought together in one place for the first time.
Highlights include the Globe Room of Tutankhamun, the tomb of Ramses IV and an evocative sanctuary chamber inspired by the Temple of Hathor. The exhibition even includes a replica of the Rosetta Stone, a pivotal find that unlocked the secrets of ancient hieroglyphs.
The scale is impressive, spanning over 550sqm and enhanced with atmospheric lighting, textured walls and ceiling-high temple carvings.
With 20 mummified figures (human and animal), and even a recreated corridor leading visitors from one tomb to another, the experience feels more like a Hollywood set than a static display.
Tickets start at $48 for adults and $29 for children.
For bookings, visit
