The Best Coffee in Cairns

Cairns might be best known as the gateway to the reef and the rainforest, but its coffee scene holds its own in tropical Far North Queensland. From the laneway spots tucked into the city centre to relaxed cafes out in the northern beaches, there's a good cup to be found whether you're fuelling up before a day trip or settling in for a slow morning. This guide rounds up cafes across Cairns City and the surrounding suburbs so you can find a brew close to wherever you're based.

Why Cairns delivers

The cafes in this guide are spread across central Cairns and out towards the beaches, so you can usually find something nearby no matter your plans. Cairns City is the densest pocket, with several specialty-focused spots within walking distance of each other, while the coastal suburbs offer more laid-back options. It's an easy place to build a coffee crawl or simply grab a reliable flat white before heading off to explore.

Highlights

• City-centre coffee runs: Caffiend, Bang & Grind Café on Spence St, Blackbird Laneway and Goose Specialty Coffee are all in Cairns City
• A brew bar focus: The Chamber Room Espresso & Brew Bar and Goose Specialty Coffee for those chasing specialty coffee in the centre
• Northern beaches stops: Espresso & Co Cafe in Palm Cove and Memories Cafe at Yorkeys Knob for coffee near the coast
• Port Douglas day trips: Origin Espresso Port Douglas Coffee if you're heading further north
• Suburban local pick: Rayyan Cafe out in leafy Edge Hill

Our top picks

Hand-picked from our highest-scoring listings:

• Origin Espresso Port Douglas Coffee — Port Douglas
• Mi Piace Espresso Bar — Cairns City
• Bang & Grind Café Spence St. — Cairns City
• Guyala Cafe — Cairns City
• Blackbird Laneway — Cairns City
• Memories Cafe @ Yorkeys Knob — Yorkeys Knob
• Rayyan Cafe — Edge Hill
• Caffiend — Cairns City
• Espresso & Co Cafe Palm Cove — Palm Cove
• The Chambers — Cairns City

Explore more

Browse all cafes, coffee in Cairns.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find coffee in central Cairns?

Cairns City has the highest concentration of cafes in this guide, including Caffiend, Bang & Grind Café on Spence St, Blackbird Laneway, Goose Specialty Coffee, The Chamber Room Espresso & Brew Bar, Mi Piace Espresso Bar, Guyala Cafe, The Chambers, Jamdrop Cafe, Muddy's Cafe and Pete & Paulz Breakfast Bar.

Are there good cafes near the northern beaches?

Yes. Espresso & Co Cafe is in Palm Cove and Memories Cafe is at Yorkeys Knob, both north of central Cairns. Rayyan Cafe is in the inner suburb of Edge Hill.

Is there a cafe if I'm heading to Port Douglas?

Origin Espresso Port Douglas Coffee is located in Port Douglas, north of Cairns, which makes it a handy stop if you're travelling that way.

What are the opening hours of these cafes?

We don't have confirmed opening hours for these venues, so it's best to check directly with each cafe before you visit.