Hou Wang Temple

Hou Wang Temple The Hou Wang Temple is a well preserved, minimally restored heritage timber and iron Chinese temple.
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Located in the midst of the tropical Far North Queensland of the Atherton Tablelands is the last timber and iron Chinese temple in Australia, the Hou Wang Chinese Temple and Museum. Donated to National Trust of Australia (Queensland) in 1979, the Chinese temple has undergone meticulous conservation of its unique, historical integrity. Visiting Atherton, locals and tourists alike can explore and ap

preciate the significance of its Chinese cultural heritage. Far more than just a temple, Hou Wang Miao features a full display of cultural artefacts to engage and educate the whole family on what was once a site of social and religious significance for the region’s Chinese community. Discover the beautifully preserved artefacts within the Chinese museum as you are guided by passionate volunteers who are brimming with facts and information about this exceptional property. It is rumoured to be the only existing temple dedicated to Hou Wang outside of China itself. Most of the temple fittings, including the elaborate carvings, bell and metal vessels, were made in China and transported to Australia. Members from the community contributed money to fund the construction of the temple in 1903, and their names are recorded on inscriptions within the building. Located on the edge of Atherton, the Hou Wang Temple is not to be missed when exploring North Queensland. The Hou Wang Temple can be reached by car or by the daily bus services running from Cairns, Kuranda and Mareeba to Atherton.

Looking for a truly unique location for your next photo shoot?Last weekend, the grounds of Hou Wang Chinese Temple and M...
29/05/2026

Looking for a truly unique location for your next photo shoot?

Last weekend, the grounds of Hou Wang Chinese Temple and Museum provided the stunning backdrop for a Debutante Ball photo shoot — and we're thrilled to share that the Bonello family were absolutely delighted with how the day unfolded. The talented team at Feathers & Lace Photography captured the occasion beautifully, and commented on what a gorgeous and versatile space our grounds are for this type of shoot.

We couldn't agree more!

Hou Wang Chinese Temple and Museum is available for private photo shoots offering a stunning heritage setting for portraits, school formal photos, family milestones, and more. With its beautiful architecture, expansive grounds and gardens, rich history, Hou Wang is unlike any other photography venue in the region.

To enquire about bookings, contact us at: [email protected]

We'd love to hear from you!

24/04/2026
✨ Luck, fate… or a little bit of both?Step into a world where destiny is shaped by ritual, symbolism and belief at Luck ...
16/04/2026

✨ Luck, fate… or a little bit of both?

Step into a world where destiny is shaped by ritual, symbolism and belief at Luck & Fate: The Artifacts of Fortune — now showing at Hou Wang Chinese Temple and Museum until 30 May.

Discover rarely seen treasures brought out from the museum’s collection, each telling a story of how people have sought protection, prosperity and guidance through the centuries. From traditional red divination cups used to seek answers, to intricate fortune printing blocks and a powerful Foo Dog door knocker guarding against evil — every object carries meaning, mystery and cultural significance.

This limited-time exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into the beliefs that have guided generations, revealing how the search for good fortune is something we all share.

📅 On display until 30 May
🕰️ Wednesday to Saturday | 10:00am – 2:00pm

Book Tickets 👉 https://brnw.ch/21x1DlL

Don’t miss your chance to experience these wonderful artifacts up close.

Closed for the Easter Long Weekend, but we'll see you back at the Temple on Wednesday 8 April from 10am-2pm.
31/03/2026

Closed for the Easter Long Weekend, but we'll see you back at the Temple on Wednesday 8 April from 10am-2pm.

29/03/2026

🐣 Easter | Hou Wang Chinese Temple & Museum

Please note that Hou Wang Chinese Temple & Museum will be closed across the Easter Long Weekend, Friday 3 April – Monday 6 April 2026. 🐰
We will reopen on Wednesday 8 April, resuming our regular hours of Wednesday to Saturday, 10am – 2pm.

How do you ask the gods for guidance?Luck & Fate: The Artifacts of Fortune Exhibition, you'll discover traditional red d...
01/03/2026

How do you ask the gods for guidance?

Luck & Fate: The Artifacts of Fortune Exhibition, you'll discover traditional red divination cups—also known as moon blocks—used in temples to seek divine answers.

Explore a curated selection of culturally significant objects rarely seen outside of our museum archives.

This focused, interpretive showcase highlights traditional Chinese beliefs surrounding luck, Superstition, and destiny - revealing how these ritual objects once guided decision-making, offered protection, or shaped hopes for the future.

Exhibition runs 4 March – 30 May 2026.
🎟️online or at the Museum. https://brnw.ch/21x0lFY

Discover the objects that carried meaning, shaped choices, and connected people to forces beyond the everyday.



🏮🐎 Happy Chinese New Year – Year of the Fire Horse (2026)! 🐎🏮Wishing you success, vitality, strength, and good fortune i...
17/02/2026

🏮🐎 Happy Chinese New Year – Year of the Fire Horse (2026)! 🐎🏮

Wishing you success, vitality, strength, and good fortune in this rare Fire Horse year, a time of energy, independence, and bold progress.

From all of us at Hou Wang Temple, Gong Xi Fa Cai! 🧧

🎉 ENTRIES OPEN TODAY | 9AM 🎉The National Trust Queensland Heritage Awards 2026 are back! Do you know a project, place or...
14/01/2026

🎉 ENTRIES OPEN TODAY | 9AM 🎉
The National Trust Queensland Heritage Awards 2026 are back!

Do you know a project, place or initiative that protects, preserves or celebrates Queensland’s First Nations, built, natural or cultural heritage? From restored historic sites and collections to community-led programs, advocacy, research and storytelling — this is your chance to be recognised.

With a refreshed range of award categories, we encourage submissions from organisations, local councils, community groups projects of all sizes and types from across Queensland.

🏆 Entries are open now
🔗 Find out more and submit your entry: https://brnw.ch/21wZ62f

Let’s celebrate the people and projects caring for Queensland’s heritage today and into the future.

08/01/2026

Due to the current severe weather warning affecting North Queensland, Hou Wang Temple will be closed on Friday, 9 January and Saturday, 10 January, and until further notice.
This decision has been made to ensure the safety of our staff and volunteers.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support, and we will provide updates as conditions change.

✨ Hou Wang Temple is back open! ✨ 10am-2pm Wednesday to Saturday!Looking for a cultural and historical experience? Visit...
06/01/2026

✨ Hou Wang Temple is back open! ✨ 10am-2pm Wednesday to Saturday!

Looking for a cultural and historical experience? Visit the Hou Wang Temple in Atherton, a significant heritage site full of history and stories to explore.

While there, you can also enjoy the current exhibition in the Old Post Office Gallery, adding another layer of insight into the region’s cultural, historical and arts scene.

📍 Hou Wang Temple, Atherton https://brnw.ch/21wYStV
🖼️ Old Post Office Gallery

Address

86 Herberton Road
Atherton, QLD
4883

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 2pm
Thursday 10am - 2pm
Friday 10am - 2pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

+61740916945

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