Best Bars in Cairns (2026)
Looking for the best bars in Cairns? We've rounded up 26 of the city's standout spots — from neighbourhood favourites to buzzy new openings. Every venue is ranked by our Spot Score, which weighs reputation, popularity and freshness, so you can book with confidence. Filter by suburb, price or what's open now to find your next go-to.
26 spots
nōknōk
nōknōk is a bar in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 5.0-star Google rating from 326 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 67/100.
Three Wolves
$$Sophisticated bar offering tapas & build-your-own charcuterie boards, plus a robust beverage menu.
Flamingos Tiki Bar
$$Flamingos Tiki Bar is a bar in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.8-star Google rating from 456 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 66/100.
Miss Chief Bar & Eatery
$$Miss Chief Bar & Eatery is a bar in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.7-star Google rating from 472 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 64/100.
The Brass Bookie
The Brass Bookie is a bar in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.7-star Google rating from 376 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 64/100.
Dunwoody's Hotel
$$Large, easygoing hangout with a bistro menu, plus live sports, outdoor tables & a kids' play area.
Summer Bar
Summer Bar is a bar in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.9-star Google rating from 163 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 63/100.
Rocco by Crystalbrook
$Rocco by Crystalbrook is a bar in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 1016 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 62/100.
Coral Sea Brewing Company
Coral Sea Brewing Company is a bar in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.7-star Google rating from 182 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 61/100.
Narrow Tracks Distilling
Narrow Tracks Distilling is a bar in Holloways Beach, Cairns. It holds a 4.9-star Google rating from 96 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 61/100.
Calypso Club
Calypso Club is a bar in Cairns North, Cairns. It holds a 4.6-star Google rating from 228 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 61/100.
Rattle n Hum Port Douglas
$$Rattle n Hum Port Douglas is a restaurant in Port Douglas, Cairns. It holds a 4.1-star Google rating from 1915 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 60/100.
Rattle n Hum Cairns
$$Steaks, burgers and pizza in an easygoing, wood-lined pub with long tables and big-screen sports.
Trinity Beach Sports Club
Trinity Beach Sports Club is a cafe in Trinity Beach, Cairns. It holds a 4.3-star Google rating from 497 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 59/100.
Sneaky Mick's Cocktail & Supper Lounge
Sneaky Mick's Cocktail & Supper Lounge is a bar in Palm Cove, Cairns. It holds a 4.8-star Google rating from 70 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 59/100.
Cosmos Lounge Port Douglas
Cosmos Lounge Port Douglas is a bar in Port Douglas, Cairns. It holds a 4.8-star Google rating from 62 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 58/100.
Grand Hotel Cairns
$$Plain rooms with shared bathrooms in a laid-back hotel featuring a quirky restaurant & free parking.
Mexicairns
Mexicairns is a bar in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.2-star Google rating from 315 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 57/100.
Bars in Cairns — FAQs
What are the best bars in Cairns?+
Our top-rated bars in Cairns are ranked by our Spot Score, which combines Google ratings, review volume, category fit and how recently we verified the details. The highest scorers appear at the top of this page.
How is the Cairns bars ranking decided?+
We blend independent signals — Google star ratings and review counts, popularity, the quality of available information and freshness — into a single Spot Score out of 100. It's an editorial score, not a paid placement.
Can I filter bars by suburb or price?+
Yes. Use the filters to narrow by suburb, minimum rating, price level, whether a place is open now, and features like dog-friendly or outdoor seating.
How many bars are listed in Cairns?+
We currently feature 26 bars across Cairns and surrounding suburbs, and we add and re-check venues regularly.