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21 of the best pubs and bars in Cairns

Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Jemma Fletcher Jemma Fletcher
Cold beers, tropical cocktails and rooftop sunsets await.

Few places do an afternoon drink quite like Cairns. Think rooftop cocktails overlooking the Coral Sea, craft breweries by the marina, neighbourhood pubs loved by locals and hidden laneway bars pouring exceptional cocktails. Whatever your idea of a great night out, there’s a venue to match.

In short

If you only visit one pub or bar in Cairns, make it Salt House. With its marina location, fire pits, tropical cocktails and unbeatable sunset views, it perfectly captures Cairns’ laid-back waterfront lifestyle.

Best rooftop bar: Rocco by Crystalbrook
Best craft brewery: Hemingway’s Brewery
Best cocktails: Three Wolves
Best Irish pub: P. J. O’Brien’s
Best live music: Elixir Music House
Hidden gem: The Fox Small Bar

Best waterfront pubs and bars

Sunset drinks, marina views and tropical cocktails come together at these waterfront favourites.

Salt House

dining at Salt House, Cairns
Swing by Salt House for indulgent cocktails paired with modern Australian cuisine. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Drinks: Cocktails, wine and local beer

Few venues capture the Cairns lifestyle quite like Salt House. Overlooking Marlin Marina, this sprawling waterfront bar pairs tropical cocktails, premium wines and local beers with fire pits, palm trees and front-row sunset views. Sink into one of the outdoor lounges and settle in for sunset with a cocktail in hand.

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

The Pier Bar Cairns

The Pier Bar Cairns
The Pier Bar Cairns is the perfect setting for beachside drinks.

Drinks: Cocktails, beer and live music

A Cairns favourite for Sunday sessions, The Pier Bar combines waterfront views, live music and DJs with cocktails, cold beers and a lively crowd. It’s the sort of place where one afternoon drink often stretches well into the evening.

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

Rocco by Crystalbrook

a cocktail drink at Rocco by Crystalbrook
Sip on Mediterranean-inspired cocktails. (Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Drinks: Cocktails and champagne

Perched 12 storeys above the Esplanade, Rocco within Crystalbrook Riley is Cairns’ highest rooftop bar. Mediterranean-inspired cocktails, sweeping Coral Sea views and a sophisticated atmosphere make it one of the city’s best spots for sunset drinks. Signature cocktails are the drawcard, with favourites including the Ladi Charli, made with Absolut Vodka, lychee liqueur, coconut cream and citrus.

Address: Level 12, Tower, 131/141 The Esplanade, Cairns City

Classic pubs and breweries

Cold beers, hearty meals and a welcoming atmosphere make these Cairns institutions ideal for an easy afternoon or evening.

Cock & Bull

Drinks: Beer on tap and hearty pub meals

A Cairns institution for decades, Cock & Bull is the kind of neighbourhood pub locals return to time and again. Expect generous pub classics, cold beers on tap, big screens showing live sport and a welcoming atmosphere that suits families, groups and travellers alike.

Good to know: The famously generous meal portions mean you’ll never leave hungry.

Address: 6 Grove Street, Cairns North

P. J. O’Brien’s

Drinks: Guinness and Irish whisky

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 Street, Cairns City

Rattle n Hum Cairns

Rattle n Hum Cairns
Rattle n Hum is a bustling bar and grill. (Credit: Supplied)

Drinks: Beer on tap and pub classics

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.

Address: 65-67 The Esplanade, Cairns

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Cairns RSL Club

Drinks: Beer, wine and classic pub pours

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 on-site bistro.

Address: 119 The Esplanade, Cairns City

Hemingway’s Brewery

a beer tasting flight at Hemingway's Brewery
Sample the refreshing ales at Hemingway’s Brewery. (Credit: Krista Eppelstun)

Drinks: Craft beer

Set inside a heritage-listed wharf building overlooking Trinity Inlet, Hemingway’s Brewery is Cairns’ go-to for craft beer. Brewed on site, the rotating range of beers and ciders pairs perfectly with burgers, pizzas and share plates, while the waterfront setting makes lingering over a tasting paddle easy.

Address: Wharf Street, Cairns City

Cocktail bars and small bars

Looking for something beyond the usual pub? These intimate bars specialise in creative cocktails, boutique spirits and memorable settings.

Three Wolves

Three Wolves, Cairns
Head to the chic speakeasy at Three Wolves for a guaranteed good time. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland/ Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Drinks: Whisky and cocktails

Hidden down a red-brick laneway, Three Wolves has earned cult status among cocktail lovers thanks to its intimate atmosphere, impressive whisky collection and expertly mixed drinks. Pull up a stool at the bar and let the team recommend your next favourite pour.

Address: 32 Abbott Street, Cairns City

Wolf Lane Distillery

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

Drinks: Tropical gin and spirits

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 unique. You can also find gin-tasting sessions here, as well as a cocktail-making masterclass.

Address: 28-30 Abbott Street, Cairns City

Flamingos Tiki Bar

a fiery cocktail being prepared at Flamingos Tiki Bar
Flamingos Tiki Bar is a fun, hidden bar. (Credit: Supplied)

Drinks: Tropical cocktails

Step downstairs into a colourful world of neon lights, tiki decor and tropical cocktails at Flamingos Tiki Bar, where it’s all about neon, palm trees, tropical prints, hula girls, and creative drinks, flavoured 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.

Address: 43 The Esplanade, Cairns City

Pachamama

cocktails at Pachamama, Cairns
Settle in for cocktails at sundown. (Credit: Pachamama)

Drinks: Tequila, mezcal and cocktails

Bold colours, lively music and Latin American flavours set the tone at Pachamama. The cocktail list heroes tequila and mezcal alongside tropical twists on the classics, while tacos, ceviche and share plates make it just as suited to dinner as drinks. If you’re after somewhere with plenty of energy before a night out, this is it.

Good to know: Happy hour is one of the best-value times to visit.

Address: 163 Abbott Street, Cairns City

Whiskey & Wine

dinner at Whiskey & Wine Cairns
Pair expertly crafted cocktails with perfectly matched food. (Credit: Whiskey & Wine)

Drinks: Whisky, wine and cocktails

For something a little more refined, Whiskey & Wine by Crystalbrook specialises in premium whiskies, carefully curated wines and expertly crafted cocktails. The intimate bar offers a quieter alternative to the Esplanade’s larger venues, making it ideal for date nights or lingering over a nightcap after dinner. The carefully curated back bar includes rare whiskies alongside Australian and international wines, making it a favourite with serious spirit lovers.

Address: 85 The Esplanade, Cairns City

The Conservatory Bar

Drinks: Wine and cocktails

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.

Address: 12/14 Lake Street, Cairns City

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The Fox Small Bar

The Fox Small Bar, Cairns
Order refreshing cocktails at this low-key, trendy bar. (Credit: The Fox Small Bar)

Drinks: Wine, gin and cocktails

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.

Address: Shop 4/9 Kamerunga Road, Stratford

Live music and nightlife

When the sun goes down, these lively venues keep the good times rolling with live bands, DJs and dance floors that stay busy well into the night.

Gilligan’s

Drinks: Beer, cocktails and DJs

One of Cairns’ biggest nightlife venues, 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 (spicy shots) to Wet Pool Party Sundays.

Address: 57/89 Grafton Street, Cairns City

The Cotton Club

dining at The Cotton Club, Cairns
Each plate is cooked with locally sourced ingredients. (Credit: The Cotton Club)

Drinks: Cocktails, champagne and DJs

The Cotton Club brings a touch of vintage glamour to Cairns after dark. Expect velvet booths, Art Deco-inspired interiors, creative cocktails and DJs keeping the energy high into the evening. Whether you’re kicking off a night out with espresso martinis or settling in for a few rounds with friends, it strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated cocktail bar and lively late-night venue.

Address: 24 Shields Street, Cairns City

The Woolshed

Drinks: Beer, cocktails and late nights

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 dance floor, 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 Street, Cairns City

Elixir Music House

Drinks: Craft beer and local 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 Street, Cairns City

Bar 94 Club & Beer Garden

Drinks: Beer and cocktails

Known for heavily supporting the local music scene, stop in at Bar 94 for cosy lounges, well-priced drinks, and delicious hot dogs, wings and pizza. Events are 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 Street, Cairns City

Calypso Club

food and cocktails at Calypso Club, Cairns
Enjoy tropical cocktails by the poolside. (Credit: Calypso Club)

Drinks: Tropical cocktails

Bringing a touch of Palm Springs glamour to Cairns, Calypso Club is the city’s newest poolside cocktail destination. Fringed by swaying palms and private cabanas, one cocktail here easily turns into an afternoon. Tropical-inspired drinks, share plates and laid-back resort vibes make it a great choice for everything from pre-dinner drinks to leisurely weekend sessions.

Good to know: Reserve a cabana if you’re celebrating a special occasion or visiting with a group.

Address: 131-141 The Esplanade, Cairns City

Planning the morning after? Refuel at one of Cairns’ best cafes.

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Jemma Fletcher
Based in sun-kissed Brisbane, Jemma Fletcher is an accomplished writer, editor and content manager. Armed with a Bachelor of Journalism from The University of Queensland, as well as over a decade of tourism marketing experience, Jemma now specialises in freelance travel writing and has a soft spot for the beauty of Queensland. Her expertise has been honed through her previous roles as Chief Editor of Queensland.com and WeekendNotes.com and she is the passionate creator of High Cup of Tea, an online directory celebrating Australia's finest high tea experiences. After growing up in the UK (hence her love for tea and scones) and a delightful chapter in Sydney, Jemma loves to explore quaint towns with a rich history. Also high on her weekend list is tasting the local cafe scene, enjoying charming farm stays with her young family and deciding where her next travel adventure will be (half of the fun is in the planning!)
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How to spend three romantic days on Hamilton Island

(Image: Sharyn Cairns)

    Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
    Continue
    From barefoot beach walks to moonlit dinners, this three-day Hamilton Island itinerary will have lovebirds swooning.

    Few Aussie destinations do romance quite like Hamilton Island. Set in the dreamy Whitsunday Islands, this popular honeymoon destination combines luxury retreats, palm-fringed reefs and spectacular dining with the easy rhythm of tropical living. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary or spontaneous couples’ weekend, here’s how to spend a loved-up three days on Hamilton Island.

    Day 1

    Morning

    A serene ocean-view room overlooking endless blue horizons.
    Let picturesque ocean views welcome you the moment you check in. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    Nothing kills the holiday buzz faster than waiting at the baggage carousel. Luckily, our arrival couldn’t have been smoother. Staying at the boutique, adults-only Beach Club Hotel means VIP transfers are included, so the moment we land, a staff member greets us and whisks our bags straight from the baggage claim to our room. We don’t have to lift a finger.

    Occupying a prime piece of real estate on Catseye Beach, Beach Club is a peaceful retreat just steps from sugar-white sand and a turquoise lagoon. Within 10 minutes of stepping off the plane, we’ve arrived and are switched into holiday mode.

    We check into our room, immediately delighted by the sight of several wallabies grazing in the garden just in front of our private terrace. Beyond, picturesque ocean vistas stretch across the horizon. The room’s mini bar is stocked with bespoke sweet treats; the bathroom with premium Aesop amenities that add to the luxury.

    After we’ve checked out the resort’s beachside infinity pool – plotting the lounge chairs we’ll no doubt return to later – we head out to explore the island. Families glide by on hire bikes and chirping rainbow lorikeets dot the foliage. We decide to hike up to Passage Peak – one of the most scenic walks on Hamilton Island – which takes about 40 minutes one way and boasts panoramic Whitsundays views that will stick with you for long after you leave.

    Afternoon

    A romantic beachside lunch as champagne is served.
    Recharge with a laid-back lunch at Beach Club Restaurant. (Image: Nikki To)

    After working up an appetite, Beach Club Restaurant is the perfect place to snap up a light lunch. Think barramundi, nourish bowls, Wagyu beef burgers, brown butter toasties and Queensland chilli prawns. For those who don’t want to move from their prime perch on the beach or by the pool, there’s also the option to order bites via QR code from the resort’s lounge chairs.

    After our fill, we plunge into the hotel’s incredible infinity pool, its surface blending near seamlessly into the blues of Catseye Beach. Quiet and tucked away from the island’s hum, it feels illegal to do anything but relax here.

    Evening

    A curated flatlay of dishes from Catseye Pool Club.
    Celebrate your first evening over beautifully plated coral trout. (Image: Nikki To)

    There’s truly nothing more satisfying than a little R&R (rest & robe) time in your hotel room after spending the day in the sun. Fresh from a shower, we watch the ripe tangerine sun slowly dip below the palm-framed horizon from our plush terrace daybed. Two wallabies are still grazing on the grass. It’s a magical setting; I find it hard to believe I am only a few hours away from home.

    Come dinnertime, we zip over to nearby Catseye Pool Club, which is a short buggy ride from the hotel or a five-minute walk. A chic new haunt from Sydney-based pair Josh and Julie Niland, the restaurant is all about reconnecting over flavour-rich share plates using high-quality Aussie ingredients.

    We sit in a corner overlooking Catseye Beach – arguably the best seat in the house – with mini table lamps casting a soft glow about the contemporary indoor-outdoor setting. What comes next is pure delight; grilled prawns served with tumeric and lemongrass marinade, macadamia satay sauce and a Thai-leaning sour green mango salad. Then, elegantly plated coral trout served with kasundi and zucchini. We savour it all slowly, the conversation flowing easily between bites and sips while the moonlight transforms the ocean into molten silver.

    Day 2

    Morning

    An 18-hole golf course set against sweeping ocean views.
    Tee off side by side against a backdrop of sweeping ocean views. (Image: Andrea Francolini)

    A la carte breakfast is complimentary for guests of Beach Club, and we take full advantage of the fact. Barista-quality coffee and pressed juice – today it’s carrot, melon, orange and pineapple – arrive alongside pastries baked fresh this morning. For the larger meal, I treat myself to the buttermilk pancakes with praline butter.

    If you prefer an active start to the morning rather than lying in, you’ll find plenty of options. Perhaps tee off at the 18-hole golf course, where the views are as much of a drawcard as the sport itself. Designed by five-time British Open winner Peter Thomson, the course is integrated into the ridged landscape of Dent Island.

    Afternoon

    Artfully paired wines and bites from the Talk & Taste experience.
    Uncover new favourite wines together. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

    For wine-curious couples, Beach Club’s new Talk & Taste experience is a must. Held several times a week for up to eight guests, it’s an intimate tasting of Aussie drops paired with curated bites – all guided by Bommie Assistant Manager and wine enthusiast Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher.

    We opt for the white wine and seafood option, enjoying pours from Eden Valley to Launceston while Courtenay shares her knowledge and passion for the intricacies of wine making.

    Later, we drive our golf buggy up to One Tree Hill. This is one of the most popular spots on the island for sunset, but we chose to come a little earlier so we have more space to ourselves. We enjoy afternoon wine and cheese, admiring the 360-degree views of the island and its impossibly blue waters.

    Evening

    The moody, atmospheric interiors of Bommie Deck.
    Dress up for a romantic evening at Bommie Restaurant. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    Since we are, after all, on holiday, we continue the tipples at Bommie Deck. Suspended above Hamilton Island’s marina, this architectural monument is a fabulous place for a sunset spritz.

    Just a few steps inside is Bommie Restaurant, the contemporary Australian fine dining establishment headed by chef Ryan Locke. Of anywhere on the island, this is the place to frock up and celebrate a special occasion – especially if theatrical culinary experiences take your fancy. The tasting set menu is a whirlwind of native Australian flavours and creative plating – with highlights including the cured venison wrapped in wattle seed seasoning. For dessert, a clever take on white chocolate and lemonade ends the night on a high.

    Day 3

    Morning

    A couple gliding across calm waters on SUP boards together.
    Ease into the morning with a paddleboarding adventure. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    Another low-key morning means another blissful breakfast at Beach Club. This time, it’s smashed avo toast topped with Persian fetta, dukkah and poached eggs – a deliciously fueling start to the day.

    The weather today is perfect for a paddle, so we walk straight from our room onto the sand of Catseye Beach to pick up some SUP boards. Guests of Beach Club receive complimentary non-motorised water sports equipment, spanning everything from mini catamarans to snorkel gear and kayaks. Finding our balance on the boards is a fun challenge at first, but before long, we’re gliding across the glassy water like naturals.

    Afternoon

    A helicopter soaring above the iconic Heart Reef.
    Add the ultimate highlight with a Heart Reef flight together. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    No couples’ retreat is complete without a touch of pampering. Located in the resort area, Spa Wumurdaylin offers everything from body wraps and facials to de-stress massages using natural Australian products. The Soul Temple treatment begins with a heavenly feeling sugar scrub, followed by a Vichy vertical shower and underwater massage. I leave in a daze.

    If you prefer adventure to relaxation, there is an abundance of day trips from Hamilton Island, from snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef to Whitsundays helicopter tours – all of which make for unforgettable experiences that will bring you and your partner closer.

    Evening

    A couple standing at qualia, gazing out over the endless ocean horizon.
    Close your journey over a beautiful dinner by the sea. (Image: Sharyn Cains)

    Enjoy an elevated evening at qualia’s tranquil Pebble Beach restaurant, where a private beach setting complements the thoughtful, seasonal menu. Or perhaps continue relaxing at Beach Club, feasting on roast lamb and seafood at the poolside restaurant or soaking in ocean views from your room with in-house room delivery. And don’t forget the champagne – a weekend of love, fun and restoration is worth toasting.

    Getting there

    Hamilton Island has its own airport called the Great Barrier Reef Airport, which makes it fuss-free to get to. Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar offer short, direct flights from most major Australian cities, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Cairns. This means you’ll spend less time travelling and more time enjoying each other’s company.

    Visit hamitlonisland.com.au for more couples’ retreat ideas.