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.

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach — Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter — Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa — Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter — Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter — Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.

19 of the best pubs and bars in Cairns