9 of the best bars and pubs in Port Douglas

Want a frosty schooner or a tangy cocktail? Enjoy the tropical sunshine and long, warm afternoons at these top Port Douglas pubs and bars.

When average daily temperatures hover around the mid-20s and the ocean constantly laps lovingly at the shore, it’s only logical that you make the most of your days with good food, great drinks and stunning views.

Whether you’re after a frosty schooner or a tangy cocktail, you can enjoy the tropical sunshine and long, warm afternoons at these top Port Douglas pubs and bars.

1. Bam Pow

wontons at Bam Pow, Port Douglas bars and pubs — The standout wontons at Bam Pow. (Image: Supplied)

This funky plant-based eatery is only open from 4–9 pm, but the first two hours of service are dedicated to the happy hour specials: refreshing $12 margaritas (watermelon, spicy and classic), $7 beers and a banh-mi-and-beer combo for $24. Neon lights, board games and a fully vegan menu of chilli-topped dumplings, fresh ramen and crispy banh xeo make this eatery a must-hit hot spot in paradise.

2. Barbados

a spread of food at Barbados Restaurant and Bar, Port Douglas pubs — Pair your rum with seafood plates at Barbados. (Image: Krista Eppelstun)

Watch the sky turn from fairy-floss pink to bright orange from a generous lounger at the beachy Barbados bar, a coconut chilli margarita in hand. Once the sun sets, chase it with a plate of crispy Peking duck spring rolls, delivered while you’re comfortably supine in paradise. (Barbados is also home to over 80 different rums from around the world, best experienced in a “signature tiki" cocktail that comes out in the glass shaped like, you guessed it, a tiki.)

3. Jimmy Rums

a bartender adding toppings on a drink at Jimmy Rums, Port Douglas bars and pubs — Jimmy Rums serves up punchy tipples.

Tropical North Queensland is home to hectares and hectares of sugarcane farms, and the rum history is deeply interwoven here, too. Late-night cocktail haunt Jimmy Rums operates until 1 am, serving up fiery and flavourful drinks in an assortment of zany goblets (looking at you, skull glasses crowned with flames) and libations topped with dried rounds of banana. Go the “Where’s Wattle", which pairs rum with a nutty wattleseed reduction and chocolate bitters, for a different taste of the region. 

4. Jungle Fowl

the dining interior of Jungle Fowl, Port Douglas bars and pubs — The leafy restaurant is filled with colourful murals. (Image: Chrissie Cosgrove)

The fun starts on the walls of this Thai fusion restaurant , where colourful murals reflect the buoyant buzz of beach life. Outdoor seating on Wharf Street looks out over the water and leafy trees, while indoor seats get just about the same when the accordion doors are stacked open. Happy hour runs from 5–6 pm and includes $12 cocktails such as the makrut lime-spiked mojito or zesty Thai-twisted margaritas alongside $10 ginger-topped beef-brisket bao. “Thrifty Thursdays", though, are where things get really interesting: $20 curry and rice, plus $12 margs and $10 wines all night long. 

5. Port Douglas Yacht Club

the Port Douglas Yacht Club — Sip on arvo tipples by the water at Port Douglas Yacht Club. (Image: Supplied)

On Wednesdays, this yacht club offers a “WAGS" (Wednesday Afternoon Go Sailing) event, where visitors and locals are invited to join boat-owning members of the club for an afternoon sail. Whether or not you snag a spot (rock up at 3:30 pm for a shot), everyone is invited to take part in arvo tipples by the water, with festoon lights above and grass beneath your toes. Plus, if you become a club member, you’ll gain access to cheaper prices in the bar and restaurant. 

6. The Tin Shed

the boat ramp at sunset, The Tin Shed, Port Douglas pubs — Relax with a drink at sundown. (Image: The Tin Shed)

Technically a not-for-profit community organisation, this eatery and bar enjoys exceptional ocean views from its perch on Dickson Inlet. On the second level is the “Bacardi Bar", from where waving to passing yachts is almost compulsory. Happy hour runs from 4–5 pm Monday through Saturday, and 3–4 pm on Sundays, where you’ll enjoy 20 per cent off drinks that can be paired with a $30 bucket of local tiger prawns.

7. Hemingway’s Brewpub

the Hemingway’s Brewpub at the marina, Port Douglas bars and pubs — Hemingway’s Brewpub’s marina location is an idyllic spot for diners.

This two-storey establishment overlooking the mega-yachts at the marina buzzes with visitors, young and old, many of the latter who flock for the cheerful ambience and schooners of locally made draft beer as they do the coconut prawns, mushroom pizza and Thursday night trivia. Extra-long picnic tables out on the boardwalk make boat-spotting and balmy Port Douglas evenings extra enjoyable. 

8. Daintree Bar, Sheraton Mirage

cocktail drinks at Daintree Bar, Sheraton Mirage, Port Douglas pubs — Don’t miss out on Daintree Bar’s Happy Hour specials. (Image: Sheraton Mirage Resort)

Located within the expansive grounds of the luxurious Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort , this rum-friendly bar is known for its tasting flights and cocktails. Three shelves of spirits are stacked behind the bar, and happy hour runs from 5–6 pm (and again from 8:30–10 pm for a “nightcap") with $15 cocktails and $10 wines for Marriott Bonvoy members. (If you’re not already one, you can sign up for free from your perch at the bar.) Whether you’re a guest at the resort or a visitor for the afternoon, you can munch on barramundi fish fingers while sipping espresso martinis or Aperol spritzes – plural. 

9. The Court House Hotel

the sports bar at The Court House Hotel, Port Douglas pubs — The Court House Hotel transforms into a sports bar after 10 pm. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

This family-friendly establishment – the oldest pub in Port Douglas , to be exact – serves up fish tacos, chicken schnitzels and rump steaks for lunch and dinner, then turns into a sports bar after 10 pm. Bring the whole crew and enjoy the live music in the beer garden five nights a week, plus Sunday strumming sessions until 9 pm.

Discover the best places to stay in Port Dogulas

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.