Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
25/08/2025
Donaldytong, Wikimedia Commons
Cairns offers a vibrant and diverse nightlife, catering to various tastes from energetic backpacker venues to sophisticated waterfront and rooftop bars. Visitors can experience lively party scenes, enjoy craft cocktails, or relax with drinks by the marina, all within the tropical setting of the city.
Entertainment and Music:
Cairns offers a vibrant music and entertainment scene, ranging from relaxed live performances with scenic views to energetic venues showcasing local and touring talent.
Visitors can experience live music at the Salt House, which hosts local and interstate musicians on weekends, offering a sophisticated atmosphere by the marina. For those seeking a more intimate setting, Elixir Music Bar focuses on homegrown talent across various genres, including open mic nights. Additionally, the Tanks Arts Centre, an iconic venue set within converted World War II oil tanks, regularly presents a diverse program of Australian and international musical acts.
1. Gilligan's Backpackers Bar & Club
Type: Lively Party Bar & Club
This venue is a central hub for party-goers and backpackers, offering a high-energy atmosphere with multiple bars including a main beer hall, a spacious deck bar, and 'The Attic' for those seeking crafted cocktails. It frequently hosts themed events and live entertainment, making it a place where visitors can easily socialise and enjoy a bustling night out.
Getting There: Gilligan's is located within the Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort, which is in the heart of the Cairns CBD. It is easily accessible by walking from most central Cairns accommodations.
2. Three Wolves
Type: Speakeasy Cocktail & Whiskey Bar
Tucked away down a laneway, Three Wolves provides a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere, akin to a hidden den. It is known for its exceptional cocktails, curated whiskey selection, and knowledgeable bar staff. The venue can be quite lively on weekends, attracting a diverse crowd seeking expertly mixed drinks and Spanish street food-style tapas.
Getting There: Three Wolves is situated down an alleyway in the Cairns CBD, just off Abbott Street. It is within walking distance of central Cairns accommodations.
3. Salt House
Type: Waterfront Bar & Grill
Positioned directly on the Cairns Marlin Marina, Salt House offers breathtaking views of the water, mountains, and Trinity Inlet. The design incorporates day beds, ponds, and fire features, creating a stylish and relaxed tropical oasis. It is an ideal spot to enjoy signature cocktails, wine, and a selection of tapas or wood-fired pizzas, especially during sunset. Live music or DJs often enhance the evening ambiance.
Getting There: Salt House is located on Marina Point, easily reachable with a short walk from most central Cairns accommodations.
4. Rocco by Crystalbrook
Type: Rooftop Bar
Perched on the 12th floor of Crystalbrook Riley, Rocco is Cairns' highest rooftop bar. It offers expansive 270-degree panoramic views of the city skyline and the Coral Sea. The atmosphere is upscale and refined, making it perfect for enjoying signature, 'Insta-worthy' cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired share plates. A smart dress code is recommended.
Getting There: Rocco is located on Level 12 of the Crystalbrook Riley hotel on the Esplanade, making it a comfortable walk from many central Cairns accommodations.
5. Flamingos Tiki Bar
Type: Tropical Tiki Bar
This hidden gem beneath street level offers a vibrant and playful tropical escape. The interior boasts kitsch Polynesian décor, complete with bamboo, tropical prints, and neon signs, creating a fun, laid-back atmosphere. Flamingos is celebrated for its extensive rum collection (over 150 labels) and elaborate, often flame-garnished, rum-based cocktails served in unique vessels.
Getting There: Flamingos Tiki Bar is situated in the basement of the Pacific Hotel on the Esplanade, a short walk from central Cairns accommodations.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
