CIAF '25 VENUE: Tanks Arts Centre

Situated in the heart of Gimuy/Cairns’ in the lush Cairns Botanic Gardens precinct alongside Centenary Lakes and the Arrows Walking Trails of Mount Whitfield, The Tanks Arts Centre (The Tanks) is an iconic heritage-listed site where history, nature, and culture entwine.

CIAF’s 2025 program, featuring primarily free and ticketed events, is brimming with highlights that will transform the Tanks' three repurposed World War II oil tanks and its rainforest surrounds into a celebration of the Country's most eminent First Nations artists and activists.

GETTING THERE

Directions to Tanks Arts Centre station (Edge Hill) with public transport

The following transport lines have routes that pass near Tanks Arts Centre
Bus: 111, 120, 121, 130, 131.

Bus stops near Tanks Arts Centre in Edge Hill

• Collins Ave at Cairns Botanic Gardens, 3 min walk
• Sheridan St at Rutherford Street, 9 min walk
• Greenslopes St at Centenary Lakes, 11 min walk

Find out more & plan your journey at Translink.

CIAF and The Tanks Arts Centre are an integral part of the cultural fabric of Gimuy/Cairns, and welcome people of all abilities to attend, present and engage with our shows, exhibitions and programs.

The Tanks

The Tanks Arts Centre has three buildings - Tank 3, Tank 4, and Tank 5.

• TANK 3 is primarily used for private events, but is also used for dance and physical theatre, children's theatre and fashion shows.
• TANK 4 is the exhibition space. Exhibitions are displayed on mobile walls within the space, so the internal layout changes with each exhibition.
• TANK 5 is the dedicated curated performance space. It has a permanent stage, sound desk and bar and also has a raised viewing platform with ramp access at the rear of the venue.  Tank 5 can be configured as a combination seated/standing or as a fully standing event.

Patrons can advise staff of their access requirements by contacting staff at Ticketlink (1300 855 835 or info [at] ticketlink.com.au) at the time of booking for a ticketed show; otherwise, if it is a free event, please get in touch with the Tanks Team on (07) 4032 6600.

Parking and drop-off

There is free street parking along Collins Avenue and the Tank 1 Car park at 20 Collins Avenue.

There are three accessible parking spaces available directly in front of the main entrance to the Tanks Arts Centre. There is also one parking spot located further along Collins Avenue and two next to Café Tank Sixty Four located at 64 Collins Avenue.

A dedicated drop-off and pick-up zone is located on Collins Avenue out the front of the main entrance; this can be used by taxis, rideshare or private cars.

Venue access and seating

The Tanks Arts Centre is fully wheelchair accessible with compliant graded paths and access points. Tank 3 has a compliant graded ramp to enter and exit the venue. Tank 5, the only venue with a permanent stage, has a raised viewing platform and ramp access to the stage.

There is no permanent seating in any of the venues, and events can range from fully standing to fully seated or seated/standing events. Staff at the Tanks Arts Centre pride themselves on always going the extra mile to ensure everybody has access to and feels welcome at our events.

Accessible bathrooms

There is one accessible bathroom located out the front of the main entrance to Tank 5. Daytime patrons can also access an accessible bathroom in Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre (subject to opening hours).

Companion cards

Companion Cardholders are eligible for a complimentary companion ticket to most programs and performances at Tanks Arts Centre. For eligible events, you will be able to choose a companion ticket when purchasing tickets online. If you require more assistance, our friendly staff at Ticketlink can be contacted via phone on 1300 855 835 or email info [at] ticketlink.com.au

Assistance animals

Assistance animals are permitted in all areas of the Tanks Arts Centre.

Find out more at www.tanksartscentre.com/visiting