About the museum
The Babinda Museum is an award-winning contemporary community museum celebrating the rich and diverse history of Babinda district through modern interpretive display.
The Babinda Museum is housed at 49 Munro Street in the historic Whitchurch building Babinda, next door to the Babinda District Community Association (trading as Babinda Taskforce).
The museum is a Babinda Taskforce economic development initiative and a volunteer committee led, managed and maintained project.
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Saturday.
10am – 3pm (or by appointment on other days).
The Museum is an All Person Access attraction.
The Museum is closed Sundays, Mondays, Christmas Day to New Years Day and Good Friday.
Admission Prices
Entry is free to all.
As this is a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) and a community funded museum, donations are appreciated.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHEN DID THE BABINDA MUSEUM OPEN?
In January of 2023, after five years of research, planning and development, the Babinda Museum was officially opened to the public. The Babinda Museum has been dedicated to the late George Jago, who donated his significant collection of historical data and narratives to the Babinda community.
In November 2023, the Babinda Museum won three categories at the 2023 Gallery and Museum Achievement Awards (GAMAA).
The GAMAA are presented by Museums & Galleries QLD and honour the achievements of individuals and organisations in striving towards excellence.
HOW DID THE COMMUNITY DO THIS AND WHO WAS INVOLVED?
The establishment of the museum would not have been possible without the generous support of our community:
Partners
Cairns Regional Council, Community Bank Babinda (Bendigo Bank), the Queensland Government, and the Australian Government.
Key Stakeholders
Babinda Information Centre, Babinda Chamber of Commerce and local First Nations groups.
Sponsors
Brett Moller and Beth Moller, Exotica Farming, Cazalys Cairns, Babinda Family Health, Babinda State Hotel, Babinda Meat Mart, Babinda Springs, Get Stacked, Babinda Lions Club, SSM Electrics, Babinda Harvest Festival, Zenna’s General Store Babinda, Babinda Kayaking, Gilvear Planning, EcoSmart Earthworks, Northage Painting Services, The Coach Bayliss Junk Wave Method, Member for Hill Shane Knuth MP.
Patrons
Nora Warnock, David Cannon, Deanna Stager, Mary and John Baldassera, John Palmer and Ellen Christensen, and the Crane family in memory of May Crane (nee Rasmussen).
The success of grant funding applications for the Babinda Museum Project is credited to the talented Babinda Taskforce Grant and Communications Officer Alex Knott.
A special mention goes to cabinet and furniture maker Frank Antoni for the donation of his time and rainforest timbers that are evident in the bespoke cabinetry and furniture pieces found throughout the museum.
And thank you to Milton who volunteered his time to prepare the old shop space ready for the museum installation.
Also, big thanks must go to Dr Jo Wills, Museum Development Officer from the Queensland Museum Network. Her guidance and advice strongly shaped the development of the Museum and its exhibits.
Babinda Museum thanks them all for their generous and crucial support!
HOW FAR IS BABINDA FROM CAIRNS?
Babinda is approximately 60km from Cairns or about 50 minutes by car.
It is nestled amongst the lush rainforests of Queensland, and boasts a unique blend of natural wonders, historical sites, and cultural experiences. Check out the Babinda Visitor Information Centre for more information!
WHAT IS THE ENTRY FEE?
Zero. Zip. Nothing! Entry is FREE, however, as it is a community run project we gladly accept donations.
WHAT IS THE BABINDA MUSEUM WALK?
The Babinda Museum Walk (Stage One) was opened on 29th of May 2022 and connects the Babinda Museum to the local commercial centre via a self-led historical walk.
Local businesses and government centres on Munro Street have been used to display 18 historical plaques.
The exact location of these plaques can be seen in the images above and below. Walk the main street of Babinda and explore stories of the past.
Stage Two of the Babinda Museum Walk (yet to be finalised) will link Babinda township with Rotary Park Campground at Babinda Creek.
