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

This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.

White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.

pool at The Sundays Hamilton Island — Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.

Laid-back luxury

The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.

This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.

Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.

Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.

balcony view from room at The Sundays — Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views

Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.

Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.

Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.

inside a room at The Sundays — Stylish rooms feature natural, soothing tones. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Excellent activities and amenities

Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.

Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.

Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.

Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.

aerial shot of The Sundays pool and catseye beach — Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Delectable dining

What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club .

Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.

“The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.

table spread including a lobster dish from Catseye Pool Club, The Sundays — Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.

A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.

view from catseye pool club at The Sundays hamilton island — Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Exploring the island

While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.

Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin .

Looking for more tasty treats? Visit one of the island’s restaurants – there are more than 20 to choose from.

Hikers on passage peak hike on hamilton island — Take on the beautiful hikes of Hamilton Island. (Image: Nick Leary)

Book your stay at The Sundays through hamiltonisland.com.au.