Best Pubs in Cairns (2026)
Looking for the best pubs in Cairns? We've rounded up 21 of the city's standout spots — from neighbourhood favourites to buzzy new openings. Every venue is ranked by our Spot Score, which weighs reputation, popularity and freshness, so you can book with confidence. Filter by suburb, price or what's open now to find your next go-to.
The Australian pub is a social institution — somewhere to catch the footy, settle in for a counter meal or while away a sunny afternoon in the beer garden. These are Cairns's most-loved locals and historic watering holes.
21 spots
Trinity Beach Tavern
$$Family-friendly bistro and bar for burgers, seafood and pizza, in a beach hotel with ocean views.
Cock & Bull
$$Cosy, wood-panelled pub with giant fish sculptures and pool tables, for hearty, traditional meals.
Smithfield Tavern
$$Smithfield Tavern is a pub in Smithfield, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 1030 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 63/100.
The Tin Shed - Douglas Community & Sports Club Inc.
$$Long-running social club offering a range of tap beers & bar bites in a scenic waterfront locale.
Paddy's Irish Pub & Grill
$$This Irish pub with warm decor & a big verandah offers classic meals, live music & sports on TV.
P.J.O'Brien's Irish Pub
$Old-fashioned watering hole with Guinness on tap, classic grub & regular Irish music gigs.
Cairns RSL Club
Pub grub dishes offered in an expansive all-day dining locale with a breezy terrace & a sports bar.
Trinity Beach Sports Club
Trinity Beach Sports Club is a cafe in Trinity Beach, Cairns. It holds a 4.3-star Google rating from 497 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 59/100.
McGinty's Irish Bar
$$McGinty's Irish Bar is a pub in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.7-star Google rating from 448 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 59/100.
Central Hotel Port Douglas
$$Central Hotel Port Douglas is a pub in Port Douglas, Cairns. It holds a 4.0-star Google rating from 1585 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 58/100.
The Crown Hotel
$$Classic pub food and live sports on TV, in a casual venue with shaded wraparound verandah.
The Jack Hotel & Backpackers
$Vibrant hostel offering 3 bars, a beer garden and live music, plus free evening meals.
The Edge Hill Tavern
$$Steak, burgers and mains served in a sprawling bar complex with a kids' playground and outdoor area.
Palm Cove Tavern
$$Classic pub grub with a twist served in a laid-back bar with gaming & outdoor seating.
Edge Hill Cairns Bowls Club
Edge Hill Cairns Bowls Club is a pub in Edge Hill, Cairns. It holds a 4.3-star Google rating from 206 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 57/100.
The Court House Hotel
$$Bistro food, live music and TAB facilities, plus a rooftop bar with a verandah and outdoor tables.
Raintrees Tavern
$$Raintrees Tavern is a pub in Cairns North, Cairns. It holds a 3.9-star Google rating from 206 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 52/100.
Barrier Reef Tavern
$Barrier Reef Tavern is a pub in Port Douglas, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 189 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 52/100.
Pubs by suburb
Zoom in on the best pubs in Cairns's most popular neighbourhoods.
Pubs guides for Cairns
roundupCairns Nightlife: The Best Bars & Live Music
Cairns may be best known as the gateway to the reef and rainforest, but once the sun drops the city centre comes alive with a compact, walkable cluster of bars, breweries and live
Read guide →roundupFree Things to Do in Cairns
From the Esplanade Lagoon and Botanic Gardens to Palm Cove and rainforest escapes, these are Cairns’ best free outings — plus what costs extra.
Read guide →roundupCairns With Kids: Family-Friendly Things to Do
From the free Esplanade Lagoon to the Daintree, here are Cairns family activities worth planning around, with practical ideas for wet and sunny days.
Read guide →Pubs in Cairns — FAQs
What are the best pubs in Cairns?+
Our top-rated pubs in Cairns are ranked by our Spot Score, which combines Google ratings, review volume, category fit and how recently we verified the details. The highest scorers appear at the top of this page.
How is the Cairns pubs ranking decided?+
We blend independent signals — Google star ratings and review counts, popularity, the quality of available information and freshness — into a single Spot Score out of 100. It's an editorial score, not a paid placement.
Can I filter pubs by suburb or price?+
Yes. Use the filters to narrow by suburb, minimum rating, price level, whether a place is open now, and features like dog-friendly or outdoor seating.
How many pubs are listed in Cairns?+
We currently feature 21 pubs across Cairns and surrounding suburbs, and we add and re-check venues regularly.