Discover a hands-on way to bring history into your classroom with Cairns Museum's innovative 'Museum in a Trunk' program. Rich with artifacts and stories, it offers students an engaging glimpse into Queensland's past.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 weeks
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages; no physical fitness required
Wildlife
History
The Cairns Museum has operated since 2014 and has become a central repository for the region's cultural history.
Conservation
The museum promotes sustainable practices by encouraging digital resources and responsible artifact handling.
Cairns Museum
Discover a hands-on way to bring history into your classroom with Cairns Museum's innovative 'Museum in a Trunk' program. Rich with artifacts and stories, it offers students an engaging glimpse into Queensland's past.
Cairns Museum is a community-focused cultural institution located in Cairns City, Queensland. The museum preserves and presents the social, economic and cultural history of Far North Queensland through five curated galleries that explore the stories of the Bama Traditional Owners, the region’s sugar cane industry, tropical living, and other local themes. Visitors can choose general admission for a self-guided visit, book a 90-minute guided excursion or group booking, or arrange educational programs tailored for classrooms.
Educational offerings include Museum in a Trunk, a two-week hands-on resource loan of themed trunks such as "Life Before Electricity" and "Yidinji Culture," complete with fact sheets to support lesson plans. School incursions bring interactive activities and technology directly to schools through the "History on the Move" program, led by enthusiastic volunteers who use artifacts and hands-on demonstrations to engage students. The museum’s exhibitions combine original objects, interpretive displays and community-contributed materials to provide context and authenticity. Volunteers and staff maintain and interpret the collection, ensuring factual accuracy and respectful representation of Traditional Owner histories. The museum supports group visits with tailored tours and activities suitable for all ages, making it a practical choice for school groups, tour groups and families. Programs and exhibits are designed for accessibility and engagement, using hands-on activities, interpretive signage and multimedia to make history truly memorable for visitors of all ages. Local expertise included.
Galleries
5
Five curated galleries of regional history
Tour Length
90 min
Interactive 90-minute guided group tour
School Resources
Two-week trunks
Museum in a Trunk loans for classrooms
Volunteer-led
Yes
School incursions led by volunteers
Book Admission, arrange a Museum in a Trunk, request a School Incursion, or reserve a group excursion with Cairns Museum.
Plan Ahead
Reserve your trunk at least two weeks in advance to ensure availability.
Use the Fact Sheet
Encourage students to read the included fact sheet for a richer understanding of artifacts.
Handle Artifacts Carefully
Teach students proper handling techniques to preserve the artifacts.
Integrate with Curriculum
Use the trunks to complement history lessons and project-based activities.
Notebook and Pen
Perfect for taking notes and recording observations during the lesson.
Optional Digital Device
Use tablets or smartphones to access additional resources or record videos.
Comfortable Classroom Chairs
Ensure students stay comfortable during in-depth discussions.
Art Supplies
Use for creative projects related to artifacts.