Welcome to Tanks Arts Centre, or as we like to call it, the Tanks.
We strive to make everyone feel welcomed and comfortable being their authentic selves. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you feel included and foster a sense of belonging. During your visit, you are welcome to use any strategies that help you relax and enjoy the experience.
This Visual Story was developed in collaboration with Autism Queensland (July 2023) to help you plan and prepare for your visit to the Tanks. It will provide you with information about what to expect to ensure you have an enjoyable experience at Cairns Performing Arts Centre.
You may like to bring some items to make your visit comfortable, such as a water bottle, sensory tools, headphones or earplugs, sunglasses, or a jacket.
Please note that if you bring a bag, it will need to be able to fit under your seat or on your lap.
Tanks Arts Centre is located at 46 Collins Avenue, Edge Hill.
It is next to the Cairns Botanical Gardens and the Mount Whitfield walking trails.
The Tanks Arts Centre is an outdoor venue with three tanks used as exhibition and performance spaces.
It is free to visit and open:
Tank 4 Gallery
Botanic Garden Visitor Centre
As you walk up to the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre, you will notice the building is reflective and can be bright.
The Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre always has a staff member available, if you need help.
There is a café, toilets, and workshop and display spaces on the left.
There are also council office spaces in the building on the right side.
There is a large green sign directing you to the Tanks exhibition area. You can get to the Tanks using a large, open pathway. This area is shaded by trees and generally less crowded. You may hear more outdoor sounds such as cleaners, gardeners, traffic, and planes. When you arrive at the Tanks entrance, you will see a large sign. The main entrance has a red sign and an orange map on the right. When the markets are on, this is where you will see most of the stalls.
There are three Tanks within the Art Centre. The layout inside Tanks can change for each exhibition.Tank 3 is often used for performances. Tank 4 is often used for art exhibitions. Tank 5 is often used for music concerts. There are outdoor pathways to get to each Tank.
You can use a ramp or stairs to get in Tank 3. Tank 3 has a large grass hill next to the entrance that can be used as an outdoor break space. This tank is generally closed during the day unless there is an exhibition open.
Tank 4 has couches, walls, and tables that are all moveable. Some exhibitions might include videos, audio, or lights. This Tank is open during the day. A staff member or volunteer will be here you can ask for help. If no one is at the entrance, you can knock on the office window.
Tank 5 is mainly used for music performances.
The stage, sound desk, bar, and raised viewing platform (with ramp access) are built-in and don't move.
This Tank can be set up for standing or seated performances.
The toilets are located next to Tank 5. There are male, female, and accessible toilets here. Additional toilets can be found at the Visitor Centre.There are no paper towels, only hand dryers, which can be loud. For a specific location, please refer to the Tanks Art Centre map.
You can leave the Tanks Art Centre through the same pathway you entered.
If you would like to call a taxi, you will need to use your mobile. You are welcome to ask for help at the Visitor Centre or Tank 4.
The Tanks Art Centre has several accessible features, including a unisex accessible toilet and dedicated accessible parking bays.
Assistance animals are also welcome.
You can find more information about accessibility at the Tanks Art Centre here.
Please contact us if you would like to provide some feedback on this Welcome Story or your visit to Tanks Art Centre. We welcome all ideas, feedback and experiences.