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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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From reef to rainforest: Discover the best Port Douglas experiences

(Credit: TTNQ)

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
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    Ancient rainforest, coral reefs, laid-back luxury and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, Port Douglas offers a side of Australia unlike anywhere else.

    Mornings in Port Douglas start with a beautiful symphony. As day breaks, the lyrical calls of Rainbow Lorikeets, cries of the sulphur-crested cockatoos and rhythmic Coral Sea waves create a colourful soundtrack for Tropical North Queensland’s sunrise. If there’s one place in Australia that captures the sweet spot between luxury and laid-back living, it’s here. This small, seaside village has just enough glamour to feel indulgent and just enough barefoot charm to make you feel like you’ve escaped the chaos of everyday life.

    Whether you’re diving into the warm waters on Four Mile Beach or enjoying an ice-cold drink and a Barramundi burger overlooking the marina, Port Douglas offers more than just a seaside holiday.

    Local gourmet goodies

    Nautilus restaurant port douglas
    Nab an open-air table beneath a canopy of palms at Nautilus. (Image: Toby Stanley)

    The tropical food scene in Port Douglas is influenced by the rich agricultural regions surrounding it, with fresh produce arriving daily from nearby farms and tropical growers across the region. At Nautilus – a hidden, palm-fringed restaurant just off Macrossan Street – the menu showcases regional flavours. Its Signature Nautilus Mango Soufflé is a long-time favourite.

    Nearby, Hi-Tide by the Beach offers a relaxed way beachfront dining experience overlooking the Coral Sea. From crocodile and lemon myrtle spring rolls to wild barramundi and a volcanic hot stone steak, taste the diverse flavours of Tropical North Queensland.

    Visitors can also explore the region’s local markets. Port Douglas Markets offers artisan products and tropical treats each Sunday, while the Saturday morning Mossman Markets is the place for fresh local produce from the surrounding farming community.

    Just outside of Port Douglas, Ospreys at Thala Beach Nature Reserve has one of the region’s most memorable dining outlooks. Perched on a small headland between rainforest and sea, take in views across the coastline and mountains while you dine. The seasonal menu highlights local seafood, tropical fruits and native ingredients sourced from across the region

    Travelling with young humans

    Hartley's Crocodile Adventures port douglas
    Catch a spectacle at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. (Credit: TTNQ)

    Port Douglas caters for all types of visitors, but families especially love the walkable streets, wide beaches and range of activities nearby. An attraction that never fails to delight all ages is Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – a wildlife sanctuary and ecotourism park with some of the region’s largest crocodiles. Here, you’ll also find koalas, cassowaries, turtles and other Australian wildlife.

    For something slower paced, sit back and enjoy a tranquil visit aboard the historic Lady Douglas River Cruise. Glide along the calm waters of Dickson Inlet, keeping an eye out for birdlife and estuarine crocodiles along the mangroves. Children can take part in activity sheets onboard and even have the opportunity to help steer the boat.

    This region is also deeply connected to Indigenous culture, and a Dreamtime Walk is one way to learn about it. Discover the stories, traditions and connection to Country of the local Kuku Yalanji people from local Indigenous guides, while exploring the rainforest and waters of Mossman Gorge.

    Exploring local waterways

    Coya Beach port douglas
    Walk along the peaceful Cooya Beach. (Credit: TTNQ)

    Join a guided tour with Walkabout Cultural Adventures to explore the peaceful Cooya Beach. Led by deeply knowledgeable local Aboriginal guides, try seasonal local bush tucker, take in the beautiful landscape and gain insight into the history, culture and traditions of this land.

    Surrounded by dense canopy and ancient species, nearby Hartley’s Creek Falls are at their finest after rain. These beautiful falls are reached via a lush rainforest walk that winds through creek crossings, towering greenery and moss-covered boulders.

    To swim where the locals swim, head out past local farms and into the foothills of the Mossman River to Shannonvale – a low-key freshwater swimming hole surrounded by sun-warmed rocks and deep pockets of clear water. It’s a quiet area to spend a few hours retreating from the world.

    Adrenaline adventures

    Sailaway Port Douglas
    Take to the ocean with Sailaway Port Douglas. (Credit: TTNQ)

    One of the most high-octane ways to enjoy the nature of Tropical North Queensland is white-water rafting down the impressive Barron River. With Grade two and Grade three rapids, expect plenty of splashing, some teamwork, and a few moments where everyone in the raft screams and laughs at the same time.

    Join Back Country Bliss for the most unique floating experience you’ll ever encounter. Head into the rainforest and float along the serene Mossman River on your individual board, taking in the sights and sounds of the ancient landscape around you.

    If you prefer ocean swimming, Sailaway Port Douglas explores the idyllic Low Isles and the outer reef on their snorkelling tours. Enjoy the Great Barrier Reef from above or below and look out for coral gardens, giant clams, colourful reef fish and, if you’re lucky, sea turtles.

    For land-lovers, the Devil’s Thumb is a challenging but rewarding hike with incredible views over the coast and endless cane fields. This 10km return hike will take around six to eight hours, so leave a whole day and pack snacks!

    Experiences that give back

    Skyrail Rainforest Cableway port douglas experiences
    See the rainforest from above on The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. (Credit: TTNQ)

    With two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland rainforest region – it’s not surprising Tropical North Queensland is a hub for eco-tourism. The stunning Daintree Ecolodge was founded on the principles of minimising environmental impact, supporting the local community and teaching guests about the local Indigenous culture. Their elevated rainforest-style ‘bayans’ are tucked among the trees, bringing nature into every part of a guest’s stay.

    Further down the coast, the luxury bungalows and treetop hideaways of Thala Beach Nature Reserve are dotted across 45 acres of protected headland, forest and beach. The property’s design intentionally preserves large areas of native vegetation and beachfront ecosystem, while conserving the surrounding habitat. The private beach and various swimming pools offer a cool retreat from the heat of the day, while the main lodge offers the perfect place to read and relax.

    The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a 7.5-kilometre cableway between Cairns and nearby Kuranda, has won multiple tourism and environmental awards. It’s also the first tourism attraction in the world to achieve Platinum EarthCheck Accreditation, for its long-term environmental management and sustainability initiatives.

    Start planning your Port Douglas adventure at tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au.