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If you’re driving through Mareeba, be sure to stop here!
I’ve driven through Mareeba hundreds of times in my life and never stopped at the Mareeba Heritage Museum, but yesterday, I did. Make sure you don’t make my mistake.
What’s in this post?
- The Mareeba Heritage Museum (photos & info)
- More Things To Do in Mareeba and on The Tablelands
- Where To Stay in Mareeba
We stopped at the Mereeba Heritage Museum for breakfast on the drive between Port Douglas and Cairns. This drive takes approximately 2 hours and you pass through Kuranda, crossing the Barron River before dropping down into Smithfield, north of Cairns City. Mt Molloy and Julatten are also on this route.
The Mareeba Museum is rather like a smaller version of Herberton Historic Village, which is well worth a visit too!
The Mareeba Heritage Museum and Information Centre
I’m not going to tell you a huge amount about the museum and Mareeba’s history, it will spoil your visit to the museum. We think you should go and learn more for yourself.
The visitor information centre and museum’s own website is here. Opening hours are 9 am to 4 pm Mon to Fri, weekends, 8 am to 3 pm. The museum is closed on major holidays. Double-check for opening times on the website.
Things To Do in Mareeba and on The Tablelands
Most tourists probably come to Mareeba for the hot air balloon rides over the Tablelands, as the sun rises over the Coral Sea to the east. For the ultimate romantic sunrise, book this ballooning activity here. This comes with pick up from your Cairns hotel, or you can arrange alternatives.
Mareeba also has Coffee Works, of course, there is a small chocolate and coffee museum on site. For more things to see and do in and near Mareeba, go to our “Things To Do on The Tablelands” post. It’s extremely comprehensive!
Mareeba Accommodation
There are plenty of camping options near Mareeba. If you’re visiting for The Mareeba Rodeo (July 12th, 13th 2025), you can camp at the showgrounds. If you’re looking for hotel or motel accommodation in or near Mareeba, we recommend The Jackaroo Motel. It’s right opposite the Heritage Museum and Mareeba Market Grounds, and next to the Saturday morning Mareeba Park Run start. The balloons normally pass overhead too!
Mareeba is a small town in Far North Queensland Australia, about an hour from Cairns on the Atherton Tablelands. Cairns International Airport is the closest airport, other than the small airport at Mareeba (Mareeba Airodrome). The nearest train station is at Cairns Central, or Kuranda, for the scenic train. Port Douglas is roughly 1.5 hours away. Enjoy your visit!
