Day Trip to Mareeba with Kids

Things to do in Mareeba with Kids

A day trip to Mareeba with the family may not be at the top of your bucket list of things to do, BUT IT SHOULD BE!

Discover the hidden gem of Mareeba, just an hour away from Cairns!
This rural town is a fantastic destination for families, offering a perfect and relaxing day trip from Cairns or Port Douglas.

Plus there’s lots of good coffee to be had here too!

Mareeba Heritage museum & visitor info

Kids will love it here!

Don’t miss the chance to visit the Mareeba Heritage Museum!

Many people drive past the Mareeba visitors Information sign without giving it a second thought, but if you stop and go inside you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the interactive, engaging, and fun displays for the kids.

What’s more, the kids can even participate in the exciting I Spy children’s activity, where they can discover 25 unique and peculiar artefacts that the Mareeba Heritage Museum has hidden amongst the Museum. They even offer prizes to be won like your very own magnifying glass or a globe ball toy!

Trust us, it’s worth a visit!

The Mareeba Heritage Museum has over 47 exhibits and 6,000 items to explore.

There are many undercover and indoor displays, plus there is the fantastic outside open air museum, with the Mareeba townscape and shops a fun part to explore for kids of all ages.

Allow at least one hour to explore here, two would be better, and longer if you want to grab a bite to eat at the café.

Admission is only $5 for adults, and includes unlimited free returns for locals (Cairns included) or a three day return pass for all other visitors.
Kids under 16 free
I Spy Activity $9.95pp (includes Admission)

Every third Saturday of the month, in conjunction with the Mareeba 100 Park Markets, entry is free!
(All information correct at the time of writing – Aug 2023)

Getting there: Heading from Cairns, follow State highway one, turn right towards Mareeba and take the first right at the information signs.

Centenary Park Playground

After visiting the Mareeba Heritage Museum, stroll on over to the undercover playground located in Centenary Park, at the other end of the museum. A quick two minute walk to this awesome little playground that will keep the kids entertained for a while.

Time to get wet

Mareeba Splash Park

What better way to cool off than to head to the Mareeba Splash Park.

Located at the Mareeba Swimming Pool, this fully fenced splash park will be a hit for kids of all ages.

There is a small charge for entry, currently $3.30 for kids (find current prices here) and includes the use of the pool as well as the splash park.
We think for the peace of mind that knowing that the splash park is cleaned every day and not open to the public at night, that it is well worth the small fee! There are toilets, change rooms, tables and a café here too.

Coffee time

One thing you can be sure of, good coffee in and around Mareeba is easy to find. From visiting a coffee plantation on the outskirts of Mareeba, or to one of the many cafe’s in town, you won’t be disappointed.

There is even a coffee museum in Mareeba, Coffee World, located at Coffee Works.