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.
1Pubs Smithfield1. Smithfield Tavern
Located in Smithfield, this pub offers a local neighbourhood spot away from the city centre hustle.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.4(1,030)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
2Pubs Trinity Beach2. Trinity Beach Tavern
If you're heading to Trinity Beach, this tavern gives you a beachside option to grab a drink and soak in the coastal vibe.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.3(2,025)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Restaurants Port Douglas3. The Tin Shed - Douglas Community & Sports Club Inc.
Based in Port Douglas, this venue stands out for its live music offerings, making it a good choice if you want entertainment with your drinks.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.3(2,521)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look- 4Pubs Cairns North
4. Cock & Bull
Situated in Cairns North, this pub provides a convenient local watering hole for the northern suburbs.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.3(3,518)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look 
5Pubs Cairns North5. Cairns RSL Club
Also in Cairns North, the RSL Club brings a community-focused atmosphere with club facilities alongside the bar.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.2(2,035)· Google61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Pubs Cairns City6. P.J.O'Brien's Irish Pub
Right in Cairns City, this Irish pub offers classic pub atmosphere in the heart of the central business district.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.2(2,149)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Pubs Port Douglas7. Paddy's Irish Pub & Grill
Another Port Douglas option with an Irish theme, combining bar service with a grill for food options.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.2(1,486)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Pubs Cairns City8. McGinty's Irish Bar
Located in Cairns City, McGinty's provides another Irish pub choice if you prefer that style of venue.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.7(448)· Google$$$$59Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Pubs Palm Cove9. Palm Cove Tavern
In Palm Cove, this tavern offers a relaxed setting just north of the city for travellers heading to or staying in that area.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.1(1,014)· Google$$$$58Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Pubs Port Douglas10. Central Hotel Port Douglas
A Port Douglas institution, this hotel pub is ideal if you're based in that tourist-friendly town.
Open late (after 10pm)Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.0(1,585)· Google$$$$58Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Pubs Edge Hill11. The Edge Hill Tavern
Positioned in Edge Hill, this tavern serves the hinterland community with a neighbourhood pub setting.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.1(802)· Google$$$$58Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Pubs Cairns City12. The Crown Hotel
Centrally located in Cairns City, The Crown Hotel is a straightforward pub option in the main business and entertainment area.
Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen SundaysView venue4.2(434)· Google$$$$58Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smithfield Tavern | 63/100 | 4.4(1,030) | $$ | Smithfield | Open 7 days |
| Trinity Beach Tavern | 63/100 | 4.3(2,025) | $$ | Trinity Beach | Open 7 days |
| The Tin Shed - Douglas Community & Sports Club Inc. | 63/100 | 4.3(2,521) | $$ | Port Douglas | Open 7 days |
| Cock & Bull | 63/100 | 4.3(3,518) | $$ | Cairns North | Open 7 days |
| Cairns RSL Club | 61/100 | 4.2(2,035) | — | Cairns North | Open late (after 10pm) |
| P.J.O'Brien's Irish Pub | 61/100 | 4.2(2,149) | $ | Cairns City | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Paddy's Irish Pub & Grill | 61/100 | 4.2(1,486) | $$ | Port Douglas | Open late (after 10pm) |
| McGinty's Irish Bar | 59/100 | 4.7(448) | $$ | Cairns City | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Palm Cove Tavern | 58/100 | 4.1(1,014) | $$ | Palm Cove | Open late (after 10pm) |
| Central Hotel Port Douglas | 58/100 | 4.0(1,585) | $$ | Port Douglas | Open late (after 10pm) |
| The Edge Hill Tavern | 58/100 | 4.1(802) | $$ | Edge Hill | Open 7 days |
| The Crown Hotel | 58/100 | 4.2(434) | $$ | Cairns City | Open 7 days |
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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