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12 Best Bars in Cairns: Where to Drink in the Tropical City
12 spots · curated by our editors

12 Best Bars in Cairns: Where to Drink in the Tropical City

Cairns has a thriving bar scene spanning the city centre and nearby beach suburbs. Whether you're after craft cocktails, casual beers, or waterfront dining with a drink, these venues offer different reasons to visit. Most are concentrated in Cairns City, with a few worth the short trip to Palm Cove, Trinity Beach, and Edge Hill.

  1. nōknōk — Port Douglas, Cairns1
    Bars Cairns City

    1. nōknōk

    Visit for a contemporary bar experience in central Cairns City. The modern setup makes it a solid option for evening drinks.

    67
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    5.0(326)· Google
    View venue
  2. Three Wolves — Cairns City, Cairns2
    Bars Cairns City

    2. Three Wolves

    Head here for a bar that draws locals and visitors alike in Cairns City, offering a reliable spot for a night out.

    67
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.7(1,052)· Google$$$$
    View venue
  3. Flamingos Tiki Bar — Cairns North, Cairns3
    Bars Cairns City

    3. Flamingos Tiki Bar

    Stop by for tropical-themed bar atmosphere right in Cairns City. The tiki concept suits the region's vibe.

    66
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.8(456)· Google$$$$
    View venue
  4. The Conservatory Bar — Smithfield, Cairns4
    Bars Cairns City

    4. The Conservatory Bar

    Drop in to Cairns City for a bar with a distinctive setting that stands out from the usual pub fare.

    66
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.9(329)· Google$$$$
    View venue
  5. Ellis Beach Bar & Grill — Smithfield, Cairns5
    Restaurants Palm Cove

    5. Ellis Beach Bar & Grill

    Travel to Palm Cove for beachside drinks paired with food options. The location offers a change of scenery from the city centre.

    64
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.4(2,094)· Google$$$$
    View venue
  6. Dunwoody's Hotel — Edge Hill, Cairns6
    Bars Edge Hill

    6. Dunwoody's Hotel

    Venture to Edge Hill for a traditional hotel bar experience just outside the main tourist precinct.

    64
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.4(2,215)· Google$$$$
    View venue
  7. The Bluewater — Yorkeys Knob, Cairns7
    Restaurants Trinity Beach

    7. The Bluewater

    Head to Trinity Beach for a bar and restaurant combo with a relaxed beach suburb atmosphere and meal options.

    64
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.4(1,630)· Google$$$$
    View venue
  8. The Brass Bookie — Cairns North, Cairns8
    Bars Cairns City

    8. The Brass Bookie

    Stop into Cairns City for a bar with a sports-focused vibe and casual drinking atmosphere.

    64
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.7(376)· Google
    View venue
  9. Miss Chief Bar & Eatery — Cairns City, Cairns9
    Bars Cairns City

    9. Miss Chief Bar & Eatery

    Visit Cairns City for a venue combining bar and food service, useful if you want to eat and drink in one spot.

    64
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.7(472)· Google$$$$
    View venue
  10. Summer Bar — Cairns North, Cairns10
    Bars Cairns City

    10. Summer Bar

    Pop into Cairns City for a laid-back bar option suited to the warm tropical climate.

    63
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.9(163)· Google
    View venue
  11. Rocco by Crystalbrook — Cairns North, Cairns11
    Bars Cairns City

    11. Rocco by Crystalbrook

    Visit Cairns City for a bar with hotel credentials, likely offering polished service and upscale surroundings.

    62
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.4(1,016)· Google$$$$
    View venue
  12. The Fox Small Bar — Smithfield, Cairns12
    Bars Edge Hill

    12. The Fox Small Bar

    Head to Edge Hill for a small bar option that offers a more intimate drinking environment away from the city centre hustle.

    62
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.8(144)· Google
    View venue

At a glance

VenueSpot ScoreGooglePriceSuburbTop feature
nōknōk67/1005.0(326)—Cairns City—
Three Wolves67/1004.7(1,052)$$Cairns City—
Flamingos Tiki Bar66/1004.8(456)$$Cairns City—
The Conservatory Bar66/1004.9(329)$$Cairns City—
Ellis Beach Bar & Grill64/1004.4(2,094)$$Palm Cove—
Dunwoody's Hotel64/1004.4(2,215)$$Edge Hill—
The Bluewater64/1004.4(1,630)$$Trinity Beach—
The Brass Bookie64/1004.7(376)—Cairns City—
Miss Chief Bar & Eatery64/1004.7(472)$$Cairns City—
Summer Bar63/1004.9(163)—Cairns City—
Rocco by Crystalbrook62/1004.4(1,016)$Cairns City—
The Fox Small Bar62/1004.8(144)—Edge Hill—

Frequently asked questions

Where are most of Cairns' bars located?+

The majority of bars are in Cairns City itself. Some venues also operate in nearby suburbs like Palm Cove, Trinity Beach, and Edge Hill.

Are there bars with food service?+

Yes. Ellis Beach Bar & Grill, The Bluewater, and Miss Chief Bar & Eatery all offer food alongside drinks.

Which bars are good for a quieter drink?+

The Fox Small Bar in Edge Hill is designed as a small bar, suggesting a more intimate setting. Dunwoody's Hotel in Edge Hill also offers a quieter alternative to the central city venues.

Are there beachside bars?+

Ellis Beach Bar & Grill in Palm Cove and The Bluewater in Trinity Beach both offer beach-adjacent or beach suburb locations with water views.

Keep exploring

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