Early Chinese immigrants arrived in the 1870s to work in goldfields and market gardens. Italians followed, becoming cane farmers, winemakers and builders of local churches and halls.
In the 20th century, migrants from India, the Philippines, Greece and the Pacific Islands shaped food, music, festivals and commerce.
Today, over 50 nationalities are represented in Cairns, with multicultural festivals, language schools and community groups reflecting this vibrant cultural fabric.
The Italian Festival, CARMA, Multicultural Festival, Japan Bon, Indian Festival, Filipino Barrio Fiesta and Harmony Day events are just a few examples of celebrations that bring people together across faiths and languages.
Every August, Cairns Multicultural Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the diversity that makes our community unique.
Our different cultures and backgrounds enrich Cairns and help make it a wonderful place to call home.
Quick facts about multicultural Cairns:
22.2% of people in Cairns were born overseas
13.9% of people in Cairns speak a language other than English a home
72 languages are spoken in Cairns
The top 10 non-English languages spoken in Cairns are Japanese, Mandarin, Nepali, Punjabi, Creole, Italian, German, Tagalog, Korean and Yumplatok (Torres Strait Creole).
More than 900 residents of the Cairns region become Australian citizens every year.
(Search Diversity Queensland - Online Population Resource, 2026)
