History of the Chinese in Cairns

Chinese migration and settlement in the Cairns region began in the late 1870s after the Palmer Gold Rush. These migrants played a major role in the early economic growth of Cairns and region, clearing virgin land in the district to establish market gardens, sugar, rice and banana plantations.

In 1886, Chinese migrants made up 30.04 percent of the total Cairns population. For more than 30 years (from 1880's to 1920) Cairns had a distinctive Chinatown precinct in Sachs Street (Grafton St) between Spence and Shields containing Chinese shops, merchant stores, herbalists, a school, hospital, and two temples.

Although Chinese migrants played a major role in the agricultural and economic development of Cairns and Far North Queensland, there is little visible evidence left of early Chinese enterprise. The last remaining Chinese temple in Grafton St was unfortunately demolished in the 1960's.