With two great natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef and the oldest rainforest on earth just a stone’s throw from the city, Cairns puts the “jungle” in “urban jungle”. Here you can bar-hop, rock-hop or island-hop on the same day; scale great heights from mountains to rooftop bars; or dive into the deep blue then finish your day with a golden brew.
Welcome to Cairns. Welcome to the real urban jungle.
They say that nothing goes down better than a cold beer on a hot day and what better to sip on in the tropics than a tropical ale? Hemingway’s Brewery’s 7th Heaven Tropical Ale isn’t any brew, this literal liquid gold contributes half of its profits to the Great Barrier Reef Legacy for the future sustainability of the city’s most iconic attraction.
We take your concrete jungle rooftop bars and raise you Cairns’ urban jungle rooftops. Up here, watch the sunset over the mountains and lap up views of the coral sea with a cocktail in hand at sophisticated Rocco; peak through the palm trees of the lively Cairns Esplanade at one of Cairns’ newest establishments, Whisky & Wine; or soak in the tropical vibes overlooking the iconic Cairns Esplanade Lagoon at Oak & Vine.
Here’s proof laneway bars aren’t just a thing of the big smoke, but if smokey’s your vibe, follow the woody scent to Three Wolves hidden down Wolf Lane in the CBD. ‘Smoke on the Water’ is this whisky bar’s twist on an Old Fashioned, infusing bourbon, bitters and cinnamon syrup with smoked Western Red Cedar wood.
Gin lovers need only to prowl a few steps to Three Wolves’ sister venue, Wolf Lane Distillery whose locally-made gins are on the world stage featuring locally-sourced ingredients.
Seaside bars don’t get any closer then Prawn Star, Cairns’ iconic floating seafood restaurant. Of course, while you’re here for the fresh no-nonsense seafood, drinks come cheap with $7 happy hour all day, every day. Afterwards, set your sights on Salt House, another noted venue of this seaside city, famous for its laidback vibes, tropical cocktails and great views.
With such a vibrant foodie culture, finding the best cafes in Cairns can be overwhelming. Fuel your caffeine addiction with these local favourites for a guaranteed quality cup of coffee.
Sip poolside at MOKU Beach Club Cairns CBD’s only swim-up bar
See the city from new heights at Crystalbrook Riley’s rooftop bar and Middle Eastern restaurant, Rocco
Boogie to live music at and party the night away with this guide to nightlife in Cairns
Why settle for visiting one brewery when you can make a day out of it with Cairns Brewery Tours
Pub crawl your way through the tropics with these awesome spots.
A big part of travelling is finding the perfect spot to have a cold drink at the end of a day adventuring. Here’s where to quench your thirst in Cairns, whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur, beer buff, gin junkie or simply love a glass of wine with a view.
Cairns may be known as the gateway to the reef and rainforest, but don’t be fooled… the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down around here. In fact, you’re guaranteed a party every single night of the week in this vibrant small-town city. Find out exactly where to go in this handy nightlife guide.
Beaches and bars are a match made in heaven – especially in the tropics, where any excuse to down a cool beverage is welcomed. Here are some of the coolest waterfront and beach bars Tropical North Queensland has to offer.
From cooking classes, to backstreet breweries, food writer Fiona Donnelly shares the culinary and mixology diversities of Tropical North Queensland
From earthy bush tucker and exotic fruits to ocean-caught seafood and a biodynamic dairy farm, Tropical North Queensland offers up a menu with a unique ingredients list.
The iconic Cairns Esplanade has had a major makeover. Enjoy a new and improved esplanade dining experience by visiting the Cairns Esplanade Dining Precinct.
Your tyres are dirty, your senses are buzzing, your muscles are aching and your parched palate is craving something more than water. Beer, maybe?
Book your holiday to Tropical North Queensland and save up to 20% off on hotels, tours and more!
