9 of the Best Coffee Spots in Cairns

Fall under the spell of the charming Sipping Duck Cafe. Not only do they import high-altitude beans from Latin America and roast them on-site daily, but it’s also fronted by barista and co-owner, Erik Ruelin, a half-French, half-Australian artist, who, if you’re lucky, will use his creative skill to create artwork on your coffee crema.

Sipping Duck cafe has two locations in Cairns, with the original of the two in Stratford, conveniently just outside the airport drive. Bump elbows with the locals in this relaxed cafe space as you sit in (there’s a simple but tasty food menu to enjoy too), or take your brew to go and make the most of your time in Cairns.

Take me there: 29 Johnston St, Stratford & 15/223 Hartley St, Portsmith.
Open: 6:30am–3:00pm Monday to Friday, Saturday 7am to 1pm, closed Sunday

Bang & Grind

An industrial cafe space serving an excellent espresso, Bang & Grind is one of the best spots in Cairns for coffee. In fact, the casual, welcoming atmosphere is so inviting you might just stay for a second cup. The light breakfast and lunch menu is a firm favourite with locals, and an opening time of 6am means you can visit before an early morning snorkel.

Take me there: 8/14 Spence Street, Cairns.
Open: 6am–2:30pm Monday to Friday, 6:30am–2:30pm Saturday, closed Sunday

Blackbird Laneway & Blackbird Warehouse

Home to some of the best coffee in Cairns, the team at Blackbird take their roast very seriously, and their legions of local fans are testament to their passion. With two locations in Cairns, Blackbird Laneway in the City and Blackbird Warehouse in Bungalow, a great cup is never far off.

Try their new blend, the Garana, is named for the local Gimuy Walubara Yidinji word for the Black Cockatoo or sample a vegan, fairtrade organic cold brew. There’s also a selection of sweet treats, and a selection of dairy alternatives including almond and coconut milk.

Take me there:
Blackbird Laneway: Oceana Walk Arcade, 13/62 Grafton St, Cairns City
Open: 7am–4pm Monday to Friday, 7:30am–3pm Saturday, Sunday 8:30am–12:30pm.
Blackbird Warehouse: 1/205 Newell St, Bungalow QLD 4870
Open: 6:30am–1pm Monday to Friday, Saturday 7am–12pm, Sunday closed.

The Chamber Room

Open from 7am Monday through Saturday, specialty brew bar The Chamber Room is one of the best coffee spots in Cairns. Located in Village Lane in the Cairns’ CBD, the owners are happy to talk you through the many blends and pours on offer. They also stock cult Aussie cookie sandwiches, Butterbing cookies.

Take me there: Suite 43 Village Lane, 47 Lake Street, Cairns.
Open: 7am–2pm Monday to Friday, 7am–1pm Saturday, closed Sunday.

Caffiend

There’s a reason why first-timers to Caffiend always find their way back. The coffee here is some of the best in Queensland.

Roasted under the venue’s own Tattooed Sailor brand, a cup of jo here comes to life in an inviting artisan space, with black, white and filter coffee blends available, and single origin roasts on the menu.

The food menu at Caffiend embraces the tropics, with locally sourced produce and a focus on tropical ingredients, like the moreish tropical fruit French toast.

Take me there: 72 Grafton Street, Cairns.
Open: Monday 7am–3pm, closed Tuesday and Wednesday, Thursday to Sunday 7am–3pm, and Sunday 8am–2pm.

La Few Cafe and Kombucha Bar

Quirky Cairns cafe La Few serves up organic coffee and chai, as well as kombucha, teas, and herbal tonics. It’s also home to a clean, plant-based food menu with plenty of raw, vegan, gluten free and vegetarian options, all made with locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Take me there: 33 Sheridan Street, Cairns
Open: Tuesday to Thursday 10am–3:30pm, and Friday to Sunday 9am–3:30pm

Coffee Works

Coffee Works may be a way out of town, but it is worth the trip if you’re serious about your blend and take your coffee with a side of adventure. The self proclaimed Disneyland of coffee, Coffee Works is much more than just a cafe. It’s a roastery, chocolate shop and museum, and home to a huge coffee and tea collection, with some artifacts dating back to 1700.

Soak up the lush tropical surrounds and sample one of their blends (there are over 40 to choose from), and be sure to try their Queensland Blue Beans.

Take me there: 136 Mason Street, Mareeba
Open: 9am–4pm 7 days

Petals and Pinecones

A welcoming smile and a great cup of coffee is just the start of the fun at Petals & Pinecones, a cafe that has become a destination in itself on the Atherton Tablelands thanks to the mother-daughter duo, Rylee and Anita.

What they’ve created is so much more than just a coffee shop – the menu is bursting with a kaleidoscope of flavours and colours from out-of-this-world sweet treats to healthy favourites like smoothie bowls and salads.

Take me there: 6-8 Herberton Road, Atherton Tablelands.
Open: 9am-4:30pm Tuesday to Friday, 9am-4:00pm Saturday and Sunday

Skybury Cafe & Roastery

For coffee with a view, Skybury plantation and coffee roastery should be on any coffee lover’s list. Drink up the sweeping vistas while looking over a plantation that sustainably harvests low-altitude beans as you enjoy a cup of great coffee.

The family-owned business has been growing coffee for over 30 years on their 375-acre property (as well as tropical fruits), so rest assured they know a thing or two when it comes to the liquid gold. Keep the magic going when you buy Skybury products on site.

Skybury is 10 minutes west of Mareeba, an hour out of Cairns.

Take me there: 136 Ivicevic Road, Mareeba.
Open: 9am–4pm Monday to Friday

Ready for your next meal? This guide to Cairns best restaurants and cafes has you covered.