Best Bars in Cairns (2026)
Looking for the best bars in Cairns? We've rounded up 42 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.
From rooftop and laneway bars to intimate cocktail dens, Cairns rewards a bit of wandering after dark. The picks below cover the spectrum — wine bars, craft cocktails and buzzy late-night spots alike.
42 spots
Three Wolves
$$Sophisticated bar offering tapas & build-your-own charcuterie boards, plus a robust beverage menu.
nōknōk
nōknōk is a bar in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 5.0-star Google rating from 326 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 67/100.
The Conservatory Bar
$$The Conservatory Bar is a bar in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.9-star Google rating from 329 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 66/100.
Flamingos Tiki Bar
$$Flamingos Tiki Bar is a bar in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.8-star Google rating from 456 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 66/100.
Dunwoody's Hotel
$$Large, easygoing hangout with a bistro menu, plus live sports, outdoor tables & a kids' play area.
The Bluewater
$$The Bluewater is a restaurant in Trinity Beach, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 1630 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 64/100.
Miss Chief Bar & Eatery
$$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.
Ellis Beach Bar & Grill
$$Ellis Beach Bar & Grill is a restaurant in Palm Cove, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 2094 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 64/100.
Summer Bar
Summer Bar is a bar in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.9-star Google rating from 163 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 63/100.
Third on the Left Palm Cove
Third on the Left Palm Cove is a bar in Palm Cove, Cairns. It holds a 4.8-star Google rating from 149 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 62/100.
Rocco by Crystalbrook
$Rocco by Crystalbrook is a bar in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 1016 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 62/100.
The Fox Small Bar
The Fox Small Bar is a bar in Edge Hill, Cairns. It holds a 4.8-star Google rating from 144 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 62/100.
Narrow Tracks Distilling
Narrow Tracks Distilling is a bar in Holloways Beach, Cairns. It holds a 4.9-star Google rating from 96 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 61/100.
Calypso Club
Calypso Club is a bar in Cairns North, Cairns. It holds a 4.6-star Google rating from 228 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 61/100.
Cabana Bar
Cabana Bar is a bar in Palm Cove, Cairns. It holds a 4.8-star Google rating from 109 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 61/100.
The Pier Bar
$$Pub meals, wood-fired pizza and cocktails in a vast, modern space with a terrace and a relaxed vibe.
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.
Bars by suburb
Zoom in on the best bars in Cairns's most popular neighbourhoods.
Bars guides for Cairns
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Read guide →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 42 bars across Cairns and surrounding suburbs, and we add and re-check venues regularly.