
11 Cairns Restaurants That Actually Work With Kids in Tow
Finding a restaurant where your kids are genuinely welcome—not just tolerated—takes the stress out of eating out. We've rounded up 11 venues across Cairns and the surrounding areas where families actually fit in. These spots range from casual beachside clubs to breweries with proper space and patience for children.
1Restaurants Port Douglas1. IronBar
Family friendlyopen lateopen mondayopen sunday+1 moreView venue4.2(1,746)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
2Restaurants Cairns City2. Rattle n Hum Cairns
Outdoor seatingFamily friendlyTakeawayLive music+4 moreView venue4.1(2,982)· Google$$$$60Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Restaurants Palm Cove3. Surf Club Palm Cove
Family friendlyLive musicopen lateopen monday+2 moreView venue4.2(916)· Google$$$$60Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Restaurants Port Douglas4. Hemingway's Brewery FNQ
Family friendlyscenic viewopen mondayopen sunday+1 moreView venue4.1(1,040)· Google$$$$59Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Cafes Trinity Beach5. Trinity Beach Sports Club
Outdoor seatingFamily friendlyscenic viewopen late+3 moreView venue4.3(497)· Google59Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Restaurants Palm Cove6. Rattle n Hum Palm Cove
Family friendlyLive musicopen lateopen monday+2 moreView venue4.0(1,067)· Google$$$$57Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Restaurants Cairns City7. Sails
Family friendlyGood for groupsscenic viewopen sundayView venue4.3(92)· Google54Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Restaurants Trinity Beach8. Hemingway's Brewery Tap House
Family friendlyscenic viewopen lateopen sundayView venue4.3(76)· Google54Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Restaurants Edge Hill9. THIRSTY FLAMINGO Poolside Bar & Dining
Family friendlyearly openingopen mondayopen sunday+1 moreView venue4.1(63)· Google51Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Restaurants Smithfield10. Burrito Bar Smithfield (Cairns)
Family friendlyTakeawayopen mondayopen sunday+1 moreView venue3.5(413)· Google$$$$49Spot ScoreLimited Info
11Restaurants Edge Hill11. Nude Amigos Cairns
Family friendlyGood for groupsscenic viewopen late+3 moreView venue4.2(6)· Google45Spot ScoreLimited Info
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IronBar | 61/100 | 4.2(1,746) | $$ | Port Douglas | Family friendly |
| Rattle n Hum Cairns | 60/100 | 4.1(2,982) | $$ | Cairns City | Outdoor seating |
| Surf Club Palm Cove | 60/100 | 4.2(916) | $$ | Palm Cove | Family friendly |
| Hemingway's Brewery FNQ | 59/100 | 4.1(1,040) | $$ | Port Douglas | Family friendly |
| Trinity Beach Sports Club | 59/100 | 4.3(497) | — | Trinity Beach | Outdoor seating |
| Rattle n Hum Palm Cove | 57/100 | 4.0(1,067) | $$ | Palm Cove | Family friendly |
| Sails | 54/100 | 4.3(92) | — | Cairns City | Family friendly |
| Hemingway's Brewery Tap House | 54/100 | 4.3(76) | — | Trinity Beach | Family friendly |
| THIRSTY FLAMINGO Poolside Bar & Dining | 51/100 | 4.1(63) | — | Edge Hill | Family friendly |
| Burrito Bar Smithfield (Cairns) | 49/100 | 3.5(413) | $$ | Smithfield | Family friendly |
| Nude Amigos Cairns | 45/100 | 4.2(6) | — | Edge Hill | Family friendly |
Frequently asked questions
Do these restaurants have high chairs or kids' menus?+
We haven't been able to confirm specific high-chair availability or dedicated kids' menu details for all venues. It's best to ring ahead—most casual restaurants in this list will do their best to accommodate, but a quick call saves disappointment.
Which of these are best for very young children?+
Beachside and club venues like Surf Club Palm Cove and Rattle n Hum Palm Cove tend to offer more space and outdoor areas, which can help contain active toddlers. Breweries like Hemingway's also typically have relaxed layouts.
Are there outdoor seating options?+
Several venues—particularly those in Palm Cove, Trinity Beach, and the poolside THIRSTY FLAMINGO—are likely to have outdoor areas. Confirm this directly when you book or call ahead.
What's the best age range for these venues?+
Most work well for kids aged 2 and up. Breweries and clubs with relaxed atmospheres are generally forgiving of noise and movement, but younger babies in prams are usually welcome too.
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