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.
1Bars Cairns City1. nōknōk
Visit for a contemporary bar experience in central Cairns City. The modern setup makes it a solid option for evening drinks.
View venue5.0(326)· Google67Spot ScoreWorth a Look
2Bars Cairns City2. Three Wolves
Head here for a bar that draws locals and visitors alike in Cairns City, offering a reliable spot for a night out.
View venue4.7(1,052)· Google$$$$67Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Bars Cairns City3. Flamingos Tiki Bar
Stop by for tropical-themed bar atmosphere right in Cairns City. The tiki concept suits the region's vibe.
View venue4.8(456)· Google$$$$66Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Bars Cairns City4. The Conservatory Bar
Drop in to Cairns City for a bar with a distinctive setting that stands out from the usual pub fare.
View venue4.9(329)· Google$$$$66Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Restaurants Palm Cove5. Ellis Beach Bar & Grill
Travel to Palm Cove for beachside drinks paired with food options. The location offers a change of scenery from the city centre.
View venue4.4(2,094)· Google$$$$64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Bars Edge Hill6. Dunwoody's Hotel
Venture to Edge Hill for a traditional hotel bar experience just outside the main tourist precinct.
View venue4.4(2,215)· Google$$$$64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Restaurants Trinity Beach7. The Bluewater
Head to Trinity Beach for a bar and restaurant combo with a relaxed beach suburb atmosphere and meal options.
View venue4.4(1,630)· Google$$$$64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Bars Cairns City8. The Brass Bookie
Stop into Cairns City for a bar with a sports-focused vibe and casual drinking atmosphere.
View venue4.7(376)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Bars Cairns City9. Miss Chief Bar & Eatery
Visit Cairns City for a venue combining bar and food service, useful if you want to eat and drink in one spot.
View venue4.7(472)· Google$$$$64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Bars Cairns City10. Summer Bar
Pop into Cairns City for a laid-back bar option suited to the warm tropical climate.
View venue4.9(163)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Bars Cairns City11. Rocco by Crystalbrook
Visit Cairns City for a bar with hotel credentials, likely offering polished service and upscale surroundings.
View venue4.4(1,016)· Google$$$$62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Bars Edge Hill12. The Fox Small Bar
Head to Edge Hill for a small bar option that offers a more intimate drinking environment away from the city centre hustle.
View venue4.8(144)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| nōknōk | 67/100 | 5.0(326) | — | Cairns City | — |
| Three Wolves | 67/100 | 4.7(1,052) | $$ | Cairns City | — |
| Flamingos Tiki Bar | 66/100 | 4.8(456) | $$ | Cairns City | — |
| The Conservatory Bar | 66/100 | 4.9(329) | $$ | Cairns City | — |
| Ellis Beach Bar & Grill | 64/100 | 4.4(2,094) | $$ | Palm Cove | — |
| Dunwoody's Hotel | 64/100 | 4.4(2,215) | $$ | Edge Hill | — |
| The Bluewater | 64/100 | 4.4(1,630) | $$ | Trinity Beach | — |
| The Brass Bookie | 64/100 | 4.7(376) | — | Cairns City | — |
| Miss Chief Bar & Eatery | 64/100 | 4.7(472) | $$ | Cairns City | — |
| Summer Bar | 63/100 | 4.9(163) | — | Cairns City | — |
| Rocco by Crystalbrook | 62/100 | 4.4(1,016) | $ | Cairns City | — |
| The Fox Small Bar | 62/100 | 4.8(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.
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