19 Best Cairns Pubs And Bars For A Night Out

Quench your thirst at these tropical watering holes.

In a city as adventurous as Cairns, the key is to slow down and enjoy a refreshing drink as often as you can. Whether you’re looking for rooftop sunset drinks, you’re out and about on the esplanade and fancy a quick pick-me-up, or even a late-night boogie with your favourite tipple, Cairns plays host to a fun range of pubs and bars. Here are 19 of the best.

1. Flamingos Tiki Bar

Best for: Tropical drinks

Hidden beneath street level, Flamingos Tiki Bar is all about neon, palm trees, tropical prints, hula girls and creative drinks flourished with fruit. Not sure what to order? Ask for a signature cocktail, such as a Flamingo Sling, a Daintree Daiquiri or a Shark Bait Hoo Ha Ha, or browse the extensive spirits list for your poison of choice.

Flamingos Tiki Bar in cairns — Flamingos Tiki Bar is a fun, hidden bar. (Image: Supplied)

Address: 43 Esplanade, Cairns City

2. Cairns RSL Club

Best for: Esplanade view

Centrally located, the Cairns RSL Club offers fantastic views of the esplanade, a laid-back energy and is family-friendly. Enjoy a cold beverage from the Sports Bar or Diggers Bar and stay for lunch at the onsite bistro.

Address: 119 Esplanade, Cairns City

3. Rocco by Crystalbrook

Best for: Rooftop view

If you want to sip on Insta-worthy cocktail creations twelve floors up, head to the city’s highest rooftop bar Rocco , offering 270-degree panoramic views of Cairns and the Coral Sea. Rocco is renowned for its signature cocktails so you can expect to find an inspired drinks menu with both sweet and savoury flavours. It’s hard to choose but the Ladi Charli with Absolut vodka and lychee liqueur softly combined with coconut cream and citrus sounds delightful.

two women enjoying drinks at Rocco by Crystalbrook — Reserve a table ahead for your girls’ nightout at Rocco by Crystalbrook. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Address: Level 12, Tower, 131/141 Esplanade, Cairns City (within Crystalbrook Riley)

4. Oak and Vine Restaurant and Bar

Best for: Sunset views

Watch the sunset over the Coral Sea on the terrace at Oak and Vine as the space transforms into a lively cocktail bar. Choose from inventive signature cocktails, fine wines, craft beers, and a selection of artisan botanical gins with spicy tonics. Or see their Sippin’ on Sunset Special which includes a mixed charcuterie board and two cocktails or a house bottle of wine for only $50.

food and drinks at Oak and Vine Restaurant and Bar — Indulge in cocktails and botanical gins at Oak and Vine Restaurant and Bar. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Address: 59/63 Esplanade, Cairns City

5. Rattle n Hum Cairns

Best for: Your friendly Aussie pub

With a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere often showing sports and playing live music, Rattle n Hum is a bustling bar and grill, with friendly staff and generous-sized meals. Out at the back is an epic outback beer garden with greenery and festoon lighting throughout and a retractable all-weather roof. You can also find a Rattle n Hum in Port Douglas and Palm Cove.

Rattle n Hum in cairns — Rattle n Hum is a bustling bar and grill. (Image: Supplied)

Address: 65-67 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD 4870

6. The Conservatory Bar

Best for: Wine tastings

The Conservatory Bar may be small in size but its chilled-out vibes, impressive wine list and Queenslander-style design have garnered it a big following. Pop in for a beverage, enjoy the live music and order one of the impressive grazing boards to share with friends.

a dimly lit corner at Conservatory Bar, Cairns — Curl up with a drink in hand at Conservatory Bar.

Address: 12/14 Lake St, Cairns City

7. Hemingway’s Brewery

Best for: Craft beers

With 20 varieties of brews and ciders on tap, including at least 10 of its own, Hemingway’s Brewery has the beer lovers among us covered. Housed in a heritage-listed building at Cairns Wharf with historical images above the bar and incredible views across Trinity Inlet, it’s a really cool space to enjoy a frothy and excellent pub grub.

people dining at Hemingway's Brewery Cairns Wharf — Take in incredible wharf views when you dine at Hemingway’s Brewery. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Address: Wharf St, Cairns City

8. Salt House

Best for: Lively atmosphere

If a lantern-lit bar with flowing ponds and fire features lights up your senses, then you’ll love Salt House . Pick an outdoor lounge area and while away the afternoon sipping into the sunset with a cocktail in hand.

a woman enjoying cocktails at Salt House, Cairns — Swing by Salt House for indulgent cocktails. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Address: Marina Point, 6/2 Pier Point Rd, Cairns City

9. Three Wolves

Best for: Cocktails

Hidden down a red brick laneway in the heart of the city is the charming Three Wolves , a boutique whiskey, wine and cocktail bar with an exciting menu.

Stop by for a chat with their friendly bar staff to discover your next favourite drink.

two girls walking by the side of Three Wolves, Cairns — Head to the chic speakeasy at Three Wolves for a guaranteed good time. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/ Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Address: 32 Abbott St, Cairns City

10. Wolf Lane Distillery

Best for: Tropical gins and liqueurs

For a splash of paradise, check out Wolf Lane Distillery for award-winning tropical gins and premium coffee liqueurs, infused with luscious North Queensland tropical fruits and rainforest botanicals that make them entirely unique. You can also find gin-tasting sessions here, as well as a cocktail-making masterclass.

empty chairs at Wolf Lane Distillery, Cairns — Pull up a chair at Wolf Lane Distillery. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/ Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Address: 28-30 Abbott St, Cairns City

11. The Pier Bar Cairns

Best for: Sunday session

Had a heavy Saturday night? Spend your Sunday afternoon recovering at The Pier Bar , with live music, DJs and food and drinks specials from 4pm. Located in an awesome spot by the water, it’s the ideal spot to catch up with friends, with an extensive wine, beer and cocktail menu featuring delicious in-house creations as well as the classics.

Address: The Pier Shopping Centre, 1 Pier Point Rd, Cairns City

12. P. J. O’Brien’s

Best for: An Irish pub

If you’re craving a good old-fashioned watering hole with Guinness on tap, classic grub and Irish music gigs, you absolutely have to go to P. J. O’Brien’s . From the Monday parma and pint to Friday pie and pint, there’s a special no matter what day you go in. Full of charm, it’s the perfect setting to eat, drink and be merry.

Address: 87 Lake St, Cairns City

13. Downunder Bar

Best for: Simple fun

Open seven nights a week until midnight, Downunder Bar offers a no-fuss, easy bar experience. Take your pick from nine pool tables (it’s free), karaoke every Thursday, a jukebox and cheap drink deals.

people playing at the pool tables in Downunder Bar, Cairns — The Downunder Bar is the biggest pool table venue in Cairns.

Address: 102 Lake St, Cairns City

14. Bar 94 Club & Beer Garden

Best for: Entertainment

Known for heavily supporting the local music scene, stop in at Bar 94 for cosy lounges, well-priced drinks, and delicious hotdogs, wings and pizza. There are events happening every week (including music shows, comedy, trivia, bingo and more) so if you’ve got an evening to spare and you’re happy to experience the unexpected, this is the place to go.

Address: 94 Lake St, Cairns City

15. The Fox Small Bar

Best for: Trendy neighbourhood spot

For something a little more low-key, enjoy a drink at The Fox Small Bar , a popular local neighbourhood small bar in the heart of Stratford with an extensive wine, gin and cocktail list. Peckish? Order the charcuterie board with cured meats, cheeses, and more.

The Fox Small Bar in Cairns — The Fox Small Bar is a low-key, trendy bar. (Image: Supplied)

Address: Shop 4/9 Kamerunga Rd, Stratford

16. The Beach Shack, Kewarra Beach Resort

Best for: Beach bar

Open seasonally, the famous Kewara Beach Shack bar sits on a beachfront just metres from the shoreline. Enjoy stunning views of the Coral Sea while sipping an ice-cold beverage with your feet in the sand and live music humming in the background. Bliss. There are often food trucks onsite too and it’s a great little spot to bring the kids.

sunset at Kewarra Beach — Come to Kewarra Beach for the sunset and stay for the cocktails. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Address: 80 Kewarra St, Kewarra Beach

17. Gilligan’s

Best for: Social fun

More than just budget accommodation, the legendary Gilligan’s has three quirky bars to explore (Main Bar, Beach Bar and Attic Bar) with a character for everyone. There’s no time to feel lost here as you’ll instantly be swept away into the theme of the night, from Fireball Fridays to Wet Pool Party Sundays.

a crowd of people enjoying a night filled with performances at Gilligan's — Join in the fun at Gilligan’s and soak up that party atmosphere.

Address: 57/89 Grafton St, Cairns City

18. The Woolshed

Best for: Party atmosphere

Popular with backpackers, The Woolshed is another bar with plenty of action and different areas to suit your motive. When you’re not on the dancefloor, sit away from the music yet close to the bar on its mezzanine floor, or head out to the balcony to look out over City Place and its lit-up fig trees.

Address: 22-24 Shields St, Cairns City

19. Elixir Music House

Best for: Quality live music

With a funky underground vibe and the home of live music to a wide range of genres, Elixir Music Bar is the go-to place to tap your foot with a beer while supporting the local arts scene. We hear this bar has some of the finest fried chicken in Cairns too.

Address: 1/92 Abbott St, Cairns City

Be prepared and plan your next-day brunch at one of these top 15 cafes in Cairns.

Beyond the sand, sea and food scene, Townsville is shaping up to be the new events capital of the Sunshine State.

Townsville is quickly making a name for itself as an events capital of Queensland. From worldwide sporting events to celebrations of the arts, there’s never been a better time to align your next tropical getaway with the unbeatable vibes of an event in Townsville.

The yearly calendar is full, meaning there’s an event for everyone. But these are shaping up to be some of the biggest events in 2025.

1. North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA)

24 Sep – 12 Oct 2025

While sun, sea and sand might be the first images conjured up at a mention of Townsville, the tropical city is fast making a name for itself as a cultural hub. Experience it at its best during the North Australian Festival of Arts.

Over several weeks, the famous Strand in Townsville will be bursting with colour, sound and energy as it celebrates the arts, culture and community. Catch theatre, cabaret, dance, circus acts and so much more. Stop to listen to world-class live music and even get involved with interactive workshops.

In previous years, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra performed a free outdoor concert and Brisbane Author, Trent Dalton, was there to share his latest book.

performers at North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) — Catch live music and more.

2. Supercars NTI Townsville 500

11-13 July, 2025

Sports fans will be pleased to know that Townsville boasts more than just the NRL Cowboy’s. Those facing the comedown of this year’s Formula 1 can bounce back with the 2025 NTI Townsville 500. Each year, the event draws motorsport enthusiasts from around the country as Supercar racing takes over the streets of Townsville.

Off the race track, the weekend also promises plenty of car tricks and displays – think drifting, car builds and the MotorEx automotive expo – plus live music, ADF displays, freestyle motocross and more.

crowd watching Supercars NTI Townsville 500, townsville events — See supercars take over Townsville.

3. Australian Festival of Chamber Music

25 July – 2 Aug 2025

Clear your ears of the sounds of revving engines with one of the city’s longest-running events, The Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM). Here, some of the world’s most celebrated musicians head to Townsville to perform an impressive 30 concerts over nine days.

The best part? AFCM features exclusive shows that can only be experienced at the festival, like AFCM Concert Conversations, where visiting festival musicians share their personal and professional lives.

lead image for Australian Festival of Chamber Music, townsville events — Experience exclusive events at the AFCM. (Image: Andrew Rankin)

4. SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week

28 Aug – 2 Sep 2025

Just 20 minutes from the city, koala-filled Magnetic Island is a must-do at any time of year. Time the trip for the annual SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week to not only enjoy paradise, but also five days of tropical racing fun with a twist.

Every August to September, enjoy live bands, parties, beach festivals, markets, long lunches and even mud crab races. All while taking in tropical island views.

SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week — Enhance Magnetic Island trips with five days of tropical racing. (Image: TEQ)

5. Wedgwood: Artists and Industry exhibition

23 Apr – 24 Aug 2025

Hailing from England, Wedgwood has been a household name almost since the brand started in 1759 (by Charles Darwin’s grandfather). With over 260 years under the company’s belt since then, its ceramics and designs are popular all over the world.

And now, Wedgwood: Artists and Industry will showcase highlights of the brand’s history – straight from the UK’s Victoria and Albert Museum – at Townsville’s Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.

Wedgwood teacup — See the best of Wedgwood. (Image: Getty/ Photonewman)

6. Wallabies v Argentina

6 September

Rugby fans should time their Townsville getaway for September to add watching the Wallabies clash against Argentina from Queensland Country Bank Stadium to their itineraries.

The home ground of the NRL North Queensland Cowboys, this vibrant and stylish $185 million sporting venue in South Townsville is the perfect setting to enjoy sports.

aerial of Queensland Country Bank Stadium in townsville — See the rugby at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. (Image: TEQ)

Start planning your event-filled getaway at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au .

19 of the best pubs and bars in Cairns