29 September 2023
8 mins Read
In a city as adventurous asCairns, 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.
Best for:Tropical drinks
Hidden beneath street level,Flamingos Tiki Baris 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.
Address:43 Esplanade, Cairns City
Best for:Esplanade view
Centrally located, theCairns RSL Cluboffers 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
Best for:Rooftop view
如果你想在Insta-worthy sipcocktail creations twelve floors up, head to the city’s highest rooftop barRocco, 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.
Address:Level 12, Tower, 131/141 Esplanade, Cairns City (within Crystalbrook Riley)
Best for:Sunset views
Watch the sunset over the Coral Sea on the terrace atOak and Vineas 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 theirSippin’ on Sunset Specialwhich includes a mixed charcuterie board and two cocktails or a house bottle of wine for only $50.
Address:59/63 Esplanade, Cairns City
Best for:Your friendly Aussie pub
With a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere often showing sports and playing live music,Rattle n Hum是一个繁忙的酒吧和烧烤,友好的员工吗nd 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 inPort DouglasandPalm Cove。
Address:65-67 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD 4870
Best for:Wine tastings
The Conservatory Barmay be small in size but its chilled-out vibes, impressive wine list and Queenslander-style design has 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 St, Cairns City
Best for:Craft beers
With 20 varieties of brews and ciders on tap, including at least 10 of its own,Hemingway’s Breweryhas 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.
Address:Wharf St, Cairns City
Best for:Lively atmosphere
If a lantern-lit bar with flowing ponds and fire features lights up your senses, then you’ll loveSalt House。Pick an outdoor lounge area and while away the afternoon sipping into the sunset with a cocktail in hand.
Address:Marina Point, 6/2 Pier Point Rd, Cairns City
Best for:Cocktails
Hidden down a red brick laneway in the heart of the city is the charmingThree 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.
Address:32 Abbott St, Cairns City
Best for:Tropical gins and liqueurs
For a splash of paradise, check outWolf Lane Distilleryfor 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.
Address:28-30 Abbott St, Cairns City
Best for:Sunday session
Had a heavy Saturday night? Spend your Sunday afternoon recovering atThe 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
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 toP. J. O’Brien’s。从周一周五派和帕尔马和品脱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
Best for:Simple fun
Open seven nights a week until midnight,Downunder Baroffers 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.
Address:102 Lake St, Cairns City
Best for:Entertainment
Known for heavily supporting the local music scene, stop in atBar 94for 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
Best for:Trendy neighbourhood spot
For something a little more low-key, enjoy a drink atThe 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 Rd, Stratford
Best for:Beach bar
Open seasonally, the famousKewara Beach Shackbar 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.
Address:80 Kewarra St, Kewarra Beach
Best for:Social fun
More than justbudget accommodation, the legendaryGilligan’shas 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.
Address:57/89 Grafton St, Cairns City
Best for:Party atmosphere
Popular with backpackers,The Woolshedis 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
Best for:Quality live music
With a funky underground vibe and the home of live music to a wide range of genres,Elixir Music Baris 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
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