Adelaide Steamship Company Ltd Building, Cairns

The Adelaide Steamship Company Ltd Building is a cherished heritage-listed office building. Constructed in 1910 by Wilson & Baillie, the building holds historical and architectural significance, reflected by its inclusion in the Queensland Heritage Register on 9th July 1993.

This single-storeyed structure boasts a rough-rendered masonry facade, located at the corner of Lake and Spence Street on the southwestern edge of Cairns' central business district. Its design and detailing showcase a strong influence of the Arts and Crafts architectural style, giving it a distinctive and captivating appearance.

The Adelaide Steamship Company Ltd Building features a corrugated iron roof with shaped end gables and sprocketted eaves, creating an attractive and unique roofline. Curved metal brackets support the eaves, which are pierced by tapering piers featuring shallow ogee-shaped gablets above. The corner and end piers are topped with spheres, adding a touch of elegance to the building's exterior. The building's charm is further enhanced by arcaded verandahs along both street frontages.

The Lake Street facade boasts a shallow ogee-shaped central gable that once housed the entry but now features a recessed window. Above the window, in relief, are the words "THE ADELAIDE STEAMSHIP COMPANY LTD," paying homage to the original purpose of the building. A sculpture of one of their vessels adds a decorative touch, commemorating the maritime heritage associated with the Adelaide Steamship Company. The Spence Street facade culminates with a wall return featuring a keyhole-shaped gateway adorned with scroll details above.

Inside, the building has undergone refurbishments to adapt to modern requirements, while still preserving its historical character.