The Cairns City Cobras were previously known as City United. City United, which originated in 1969 as a breakaway from the North Cairns Tigers. Midway through the 1969 season. City United replaced Babinda in the Cairns Australian Football League’s reserves competition. The club was then elevated to senior status in 1973.

AFL players Mark West (Footscray) and Che Cockatoo-Collins (Essendon & Port Adelaide) commenced their football with the City Cobras. Also in recent years, AFLW players Laquoiya & Litonya Cockatoo-Motlap (Port Adelaide Power).

The Cairns City Lions as we are now known, were formed in 2011 when the Cairns City Cobras merged with Redlynch Lions Junior AFC.

Cairns City Lions is now a club that encompasses an area from Holloways Beach to Stratford, Brinsmead to Redlynch, and Smithfield to Machans Beach. Our juniors are very strong and we pride ourselves on our youth policy when it comes to the senior side.

With coaches at all levels with great credentials, the future and successes of our club are guaranteed!