12 Pubs in Cairns Worth Visiting
Whether you're after a quiet drink with mates, live music, or a proper Irish atmosphere, the Cairns region has a solid mix of local pubs and taverns spread across the city and surrounding suburbs. Here are the venues that stand out.
1
Pubs Smithfield1. Smithfield Tavern
Located in Smithfield, this pub offers a local neighbourhood spot away from the city centre hustle.
View venue4.4(1,030)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look2
Pubs Trinity Beach2. Trinity Beach Tavern
If you're heading to Trinity Beach, this tavern gives you a beachside option to grab a drink and soak in the coastal vibe.
View venue4.3(2,025)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look3
Restaurants Port Douglas3. The Tin Shed - Douglas Community & Sports Club Inc.
Based in Port Douglas, this venue stands out for its live music offerings, making it a good choice if you want entertainment with your drinks.
View venue4.3(2,521)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look4
Pubs Cairns North4. Cock & Bull
Situated in Cairns North, this pub provides a convenient local watering hole for the northern suburbs.
View venue4.3(3,518)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look5
Pubs Cairns North5. Cairns RSL Club
Also in Cairns North, the RSL Club brings a community-focused atmosphere with club facilities alongside the bar.
View venue4.2(2,035)· Google61Spot ScoreWorth a Look6
Pubs Cairns City6. P.J.O'Brien's Irish Pub
Right in Cairns City, this Irish pub offers classic pub atmosphere in the heart of the central business district.
View venue4.2(2,149)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look7
Pubs Port Douglas7. Paddy's Irish Pub & Grill
Another Port Douglas option with an Irish theme, combining bar service with a grill for food options.
View venue4.2(1,486)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look8
Pubs Cairns City8. McGinty's Irish Bar
Located in Cairns City, McGinty's provides another Irish pub choice if you prefer that style of venue.
View venue4.7(448)· Google$$$$59Spot ScoreWorth a Look9
Pubs Palm Cove9. Palm Cove Tavern
In Palm Cove, this tavern offers a relaxed setting just north of the city for travellers heading to or staying in that area.
View venue4.1(1,014)· Google$$$$58Spot ScoreWorth a Look10
Pubs Port Douglas10. Central Hotel Port Douglas
A Port Douglas institution, this hotel pub is ideal if you're based in that tourist-friendly town.
View venue4.0(1,585)· Google$$$$58Spot ScoreWorth a Look11
Pubs Edge Hill11. The Edge Hill Tavern
Positioned in Edge Hill, this tavern serves the hinterland community with a neighbourhood pub setting.
View venue4.1(802)· Google$$$$58Spot ScoreWorth a Look12
Pubs Cairns City12. The Crown Hotel
Centrally located in Cairns City, The Crown Hotel is a straightforward pub option in the main business and entertainment area.
View venue4.2(434)· Google$$$$58Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smithfield Tavern | 63/100 | 4.4(1,030) | $$ | Smithfield | — |
| Trinity Beach Tavern | 63/100 | 4.3(2,025) | $$ | Trinity Beach | — |
| The Tin Shed - Douglas Community & Sports Club Inc. | 63/100 | 4.3(2,521) | $$ | Port Douglas | — |
| Cock & Bull | 63/100 | 4.3(3,518) | $$ | Cairns North | — |
| Cairns RSL Club | 61/100 | 4.2(2,035) | — | Cairns North | — |
| P.J.O'Brien's Irish Pub | 61/100 | 4.2(2,149) | $ | Cairns City | — |
| Paddy's Irish Pub & Grill | 61/100 | 4.2(1,486) | $$ | Port Douglas | — |
| McGinty's Irish Bar | 59/100 | 4.7(448) | $$ | Cairns City | — |
| Palm Cove Tavern | 58/100 | 4.1(1,014) | $$ | Palm Cove | — |
| Central Hotel Port Douglas | 58/100 | 4.0(1,585) | $$ | Port Douglas | — |
| The Edge Hill Tavern | 58/100 | 4.1(802) | $$ | Edge Hill | — |
| The Crown Hotel | 58/100 | 4.2(434) | $$ | Cairns City | — |
Frequently asked questions
Which pubs are closest to Cairns City centre?+
P.J.O'Brien's Irish Pub, McGinty's Irish Bar, and The Crown Hotel are all located in Cairns City, making them the most central options.
Are there pubs in the beach suburbs?+
Yes. Trinity Beach Tavern is in Trinity Beach, and Palm Cove Tavern is in Palm Cove, both offering beach-area alternatives to city pubs.
Which venue has live music?+
The Tin Shed - Douglas Community & Sports Club Inc. in Port Douglas is specifically noted for live music offerings.
What's the difference between an Irish pub and a regular pub in this list?+
P.J.O'Brien's, McGinty's, and Paddy's market themselves as Irish pubs, so they likely emphasise Irish décor and atmosphere. Most others are standard local pubs without a specific theme.
Are there pub options outside the main city?+
Yes. Port Douglas has three venues (The Tin Shed, Paddy's Irish Pub & Grill, and Central Hotel Port Douglas), plus options in Smithfield, Trinity Beach, Palm Cove, Cairns North, and Edge Hill.
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