Cairns Cruise Port Terminal
Client
Ports North
Location
Cairns
Traditional Owners
Yirriganydji / Yidinji
Completion
2010
Photographer
Scott Burrows
The successful re-purposing of an important heritage wharf building in Cairns into the city’s cruise liner terminal.
The refurbishment of the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal was an early stage of the Trinity Wharf Precinct project. The Trinity Wharf Project involved the refurbishment and redevelopment of a number of heritage sheds and their surrounds on the Cairns foreshore. The Wharf sheds are historically important to the city of Cairns and are an example of forerunning use of re-enforced concrete. They are also an important as a precinct in a contemporary sense, serving as a connection to the ocean and an entry point for tourism to Cairns. As such, it was important to maintain the heritage and history of Wharf Shed Number 3 during its redevelopment into the Cairns Cruise Port Terminal. But it was also important for the Cruise Terminal to be a strong and deliberate cultural addition to the Cairns foreshore. As much of the original fabric of the shed as possible was retained, and contemporary amenities were added to make the shed functional as a Cruise terminal. Surrounding the Terminal is a landscaped courtyard, featuring several sculptures that speak to the indigenous history of the area. The Cairns Cruise Port Terminal is a valuable addition the City of Cairns and acts as an exceptional example of adaptive re-use in a regional setting. This project was undertaken by Justin O’Neill as Director of Arkhefield.