About Tony Williamson

What is Tony’s background?

Tony was born in Cairns and started his real estate career with Ray White Cairns in 1989. He took an eight-year break to complete a commerce degree and join Price Waterhouse, then came back to the Cairns real estate market. He is a fully licensed agent, a public auctioneer and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Outside real estate he has served the region on several boards. He was a non-executive director of Queensland Country Credit Union, sat on the Northern Pride rugby league board from 2014 and chaired it from 2016 to 2020, and was interim CEO of the FNQ Hospital Foundation from January 2020. REMAX Australia, “Meet the ‘most influential’ Tony Williamson”, 20 December 2018; Cairns Local News, “Stepping down with Pride”, 2020; FNQ Hospital Foundation, “Williamson steps into role”, 14 January 2020

Tony’s career in Cairns real estate

1. 1989Starts his real estate career with Ray White Cairns.
2. 1990sTakes an eight-year break to complete a commerce degree and join Price Waterhouse, then returns to Cairns real estate.
3. 1999Buys a half share in a Century 21 office in Cairns.
4. 2004Opens the first RE/MAX franchise in Cairns.
5. 2006Sells the office at 40 and moves into training, consulting and speaking.
6. 2010Returns to RE/MAX and builds RE/MAX Real Estate Services, starting with one staff member.
7. 2016Moves the office from Sheridan Street, Cairns North, to a converted wedding chapel in Whitfield.
8. 2017Named in Elite Agent’s first Top Influencers list.
9. 2018Ranked 29th in the Cairns Post’s 50 Most Influential people in the Far North. His office employs more than 20 people.
10. 2019Sells RE/MAX Real Estate Services, then a team of 23.
11. 2020Becomes interim CEO of the FNQ Hospital Foundation.
12. Aug 2025Reopens REMAX Real Estate Services in Cairns City, his third RE/MAX office in the city.
13. Apr 2026REMAX Real Estate Services merges with Powerhouse Property to form REMAX Powerhouse. Tony focuses on sales, auctions and training the team.

Sources: Real Estate Business, “Director reopens REMAX in Cairns for third time”, 21 August 2025; REMAX Australia, “Meet the ‘most influential’ Tony Williamson”, 20 December 2018; Elite Agent, “Cairns real estate ‘king’ sells RE/MAX business”, 20 October 2019; Elite Agent, “Buying with a calculator”, February 2026; Cairns Local News, “Firms combine”, 23 April 2026.

Why did Tony come back to real estate?

Tony told Elite Agent he returned because he wanted “a lifestyle job”, not to build the biggest office in the region again. He also said he is a strong believer in the RE/MAX brand in a city that draws visitors from around the world.

“I bleed red, white and blue.”

Tony Williamson, Real Estate Business, “Director reopens REMAX in Cairns for third time”, 21 August 2025

How does Tony see the Cairns market?

Tony says Cairns was undervalued for years and grew quickly after COVID. Population growth, government jobs and projects like the hospital upgrade brought new buyers, especially interstate investors.

Those investors often buy on rental yield rather than location, through a buyer’s agent and sometimes without seeing the property. He gives the example of a buyer who chose a property in Babinda over a beachfront home at Holloways Beach for about 1% more yield.

“Cairns has been discovered.”

Tony Williamson, Elite Agent, “Buying with a calculator”, February 2026

Where to find Tony

Agency

REMAX Powerhouse

Address

112 Hoare Street, Manunda QLD 4870

Office phone

07 4030 0120

Tony’s mobile

0407 161 626

Email

tonywilliamson@remax.com.au

Licences

Licensed real estate agent and auctioneer, Queensland

Media coverage

Tony has been featured in Elite Agent, Real Estate Business, the Cairns Post and Cairns Local News, has written for Real Estate Business, and has been interviewed on video by real estate trainer Tom Panos. See the press page for articles and press releases.

Does Tony coach other agents?

Tony has trained agents since the 2000s, when he worked in training, consulting and speaking, and he now trains the REMAX Powerhouse team. He coaches agents across Australia through Real Estate King. Visit Real Estate King →