German Club Cairns

30/09/2026

The Enzian Dance group was established by Alois Ettinger in 1971 when the German Club Cairns was founded.

29/09/2026

Considerable work was needed to transform the church hall into the club’s clubhouse. Through ongoing restoration and maintenance, German Club Cairns has become one of Australia’s “greatest little clubhouses.” In early 1990, Cairns Germania Club was officially renamed the German-Austrian-Swiss Association, trading as Germania Club. To reflect changing times, the old-fashioned name “Germania Club” was later officially changed to German Club Cairns.

28/09/2026

The first meeting of German-speaking people interested in forming a club to support German-speaking migrants was held on 27th June 1971, with nine people attending. They resolved to establish the Cairns Germania Club. The same nine people met again on 4th July 1971, formally founded the club, elected its first president, and drafted its constitution.

27/09/2026

The Oktoberfest festival is hosted by the German, Swiss, Austrian Association of North Queensland, formerly known as the Germania Club. Founder of the club Gerhard Liebnau came to Australia in 1956. He headed up North to cut sugar cane and liked it so much he stayed. The Germania Club, he says, started small.
“To raise money, we started with picnics on the beach. We loaded up the trailer with b**r and soft drinks for the kids and that was how it started.”
“The first Oktoberfest we pitched a tent in a park and had to bring our own b**r and sandwiches. We had to keep watch at night because people would be breaking in and pinching things!”

26/09/2026

German, Swiss, Austrian Association of Far North Queensland (originally known as the Germania Club) was established in Cairns in 1971. It is a true multicultural association with members from a host of European nations. It aims to bridge the gap between cultures and does so in style every year with Oktoberfest.

26/09/2026

24/09/2026

No reservations, no problem — it’s Oktoberfest! 🍻 Grab a b**r, share a table, and leave with more friends than you came with. Prost! 🎉 Gates open at 11am - tickets $10

23/09/2026

Tying the Apron: A Secret Code
One of the most intriguing aspects of wearing a dirndl is the way the apron is tied. The position of the bow can indicate the wearer’s relationship status!

22/09/2026

A dirndl is a traditional dress worn primarily in southern Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other Alpine regions. It consists of several key components: a fitted bodice, a blouse, a full skirt, and an apron. The dirndl is often associated with festivals, folk celebrations, and cultural events, particularly Oktoberfest.