?In decades past, Europeans came to Far North Queensland for farming, but today the shift in Asian migration is mainly due to their rising economies,? he said. ?People in places like India and China are upskilling compared to decades past and they're bringing those skills to Australia.?

The significant Asian presence in Cairns is driven by its geographic proximity to Southeast Asia and its status as a premier international tourism gateway. Cairns is one of the closest Australian cities to major Asian hubs, making it a natural entry point for students, workers, and investors. The city’s economy is heavily reliant on international tourism, particularly from China and Japan, which led to a robust infrastructure of Asian-owned businesses, tour agencies, and hospitality services. Furthermore, Cairns has a long history of migration from Asia dating back to the late 19th century, when Chinese migrants arrived for the gold rushes and later stayed to establish agricultural and merchant businesses. In 2026, the city also attracts many international students from countries like Japan, China, and Vietnam who attend James Cook University or local language schools. This cultural blend has made Cairns a multicultural hub with a thriving food scene, numerous multilingual services, and a community that reflects Australia's deep economic and social ties to the Asia-Pacific region.