From wild to wildlife: 7 ways to experience Cairns' nightlife
List
By Danielle Reckless
Whether you’re a water baby or a wildlife explorer, the tropical mecca of Cairns is teeming with experiences for all. And it doesn’t end as dusk rolls in, when Cairns nightlife springs to life.
Look beyond the lively backpacker hangouts and you’ll find stylish rooftop bars and contemporary waterfront restaurants, enchanting Indigenous experiences, and ways to connect with nature and wildlife after dark. Here’s a few of the best things to do at night in Cairns.
1. Dining for the soul at Flames of the Forest
Photo by Flames of the Forest via FB
Nestled deep within the ancient Daintree, Flames of the Forest is a soul-stirring rainforest dining experience. Enter a world hidden from daily life and filled with Dreamtime stories: Flames of the Forest sees you dining under the stars, by candlelight. Work your way through a six-course tropical tasting menu with live acoustic tunes, didgeridoo performance and storytelling by local Indigenous tribes.
2. Meet marine life by twilight at Cairns Aquarium
Things get a little wild after dark at Cairns Aquarium – the only aquarium in the world that exclusively showcases marine life from World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest. Bring your crew for a twilight tour to witness marine magic in a whole new light. You'll have exclusive after-hours access with an ecologist guide, and the opportunity to raise your glass with the fishes, or settle in for a seafood platter or three course dinner right amongst the action.
3. Kick up your heels in the city
Cairns’ nightlife is known for its backpacker-friendly bars, so if you're looking to let your hair down with revelling locals and the holiday crowd, head for the dance floor of The Woolshed or soak up live music at Gilligan's - a spot firmly planted in Cairns' hall of fame.
But there's plenty more that keeps Cairns buzzing after sunset. Sip in sweeping views at Rocco's Rooftop Bar at The Riley, sample local brews at Hemingway's, or let the bartenders at Three Wolves whip you up something really special.
4. Take a Hummer on a night tour
Strap yourselves in, because on this tour you’re going to careen through Australia’s rugged bushland in an American military H1 Hummer with International Coaches & Tours.
Get a feel for life in the Aussie Outback with kangaroo sausages cooked over the fire, flaming marshmallows for dessert and a cup of steaming billy tea. The clear night skies make for some amazing stargazing before you’ll twist and turn four-wheel-drive style to Granite Gorge, where a welcome party of adorable rock wallabies greet you. Although wild, these furry locals are easily lured with the promise of dinner and will eat from your hand and enjoy a pat.
5. Explore the Great Barrier Reef on a night dive
Avid divers know the beauty that lies on the reef systems surrounding Cairns, but book yourself a night dive and you'll discover a whole other world beneath the surface. Meet the creatures of the Great Barrier Reef that only come out after dark, like slipper lobsters and reef sharks. Dive between October and December for the best chance at witnessing an extra treat: coral spawning.
6. Feast, shop and stroll
From casual diners to upscale eats, it's easy to feast your way through the city and taste the real side of the tropics.
For cheap eats and fun shopping, head to Cairns Night Market. More than 100 stallholders offer artisan-made wares, from jewellery and handicrafts to clothing and art. Indulge in a massage after a day of exploring, and match a glass of wine to your dinner selections at the food and beverage trucks - it's here you'll find some of the city's best Asian food.
7. Join a nocturnal tour at Wildlife Habitat
Get a rare glimpse into the night-time behaviour of some of Australia’s native wildlife on a nocturnal tour at Wildlife Habitat. Guided by a wildlife keeper, you and a small group will spend two hours exploring and spotlighting the park's residents. You'll get the chance to see kangaroos and wallabies grazing at dusk, as well as gliders and striped possums venturing out to feed. You might even spot a wide-eyed sooty owl if you’re lucky!
