Cairns nightlife guide: where to let your hair down

While the brochures shine spotlight on pristine islands, Great Barrier Reef beauty, and rainforest that holds thousands-of-year-old stories, the Cairns experience doesn’t stop once the sun sets and tour boats return to the mainland. In fact, the ‘gateway to adventure’ is just warming up.

Whether you’re visiting Queensland’s tropical north for the first-time, partying along the backpacker circuit, or just looking to let loose on holiday, Cairns nightlife is here to show you a good time.

From the best bars in Cairns to lively nightclubs that always bring the party, this guide to Cairns nightlife will tempt you to see sunrise, too.

Cairns cocktail bars for a classy drink

Whether you prefer to sip expertly crafted cocktails all night long, or would rather kick off with a little sophistication then see where the night takes you, this list of best bars in Cairns will guide you in the right direction.

Honourable mentions must go to genteel cocktail joint Three Wolves, Prohibition-era hidden bar House of Commons, tiki-haven Flamingos, and rooftop bar Rocco, where sky-high sips will start your evening in style.

Get all the details here.

Ready to dial up the vibe? Let’s continue on.

Cairns nightclubs to dance the night away

Gilligan's

If you’ve come to Cairns to party, there’s every chance you’ll end up at backpacker haven, Gilligan’s. This hotspot is one of the biggest party destinations in the city, boasting three bars, nightly events, live music and the famous Wet Club, a pool party that kicks from noon each Friday, Saturday and Sunday: expect cocktails, cabanas, and plenty of good times.

Down Under Bar

While perhaps more of a lively pub than a nightclub, you’ll be among the many travellers that come here nightly and kick on til the early hours. With loud music, pool tables and a menu full of cheap eats that are available until midnight, Down Under Bar has you covered.

The Woolshed

The Woolshed has been a mainstay on Cairns’ nightlife scene for 25 years, and you’ll find it pumping with a fun crowd whenever the doors are open (Wednesday – Sunday). Located upstairs from popular bar The Cotton Club, expect theme nights, DJs, live music and killer Sunday Sessions. If your night ends with you dancing on the tables, don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Bar 94

This Cairns joint mixes the unlikely but beloved combo of bar, pizzeria, beer garden and self-proclaimed ‘unexpected events’. Regular DJ headliners, Latin nights, and techno sessions are just some of the fun to uncover here.

Republic RnB

Prefer hip-hop? Republic RnB on Lake St is the place to go. Locals and travellers swarm here for DJ and live artist sets, with doors swinging open from 10pm every Friday and Saturday.

Live music venues in Cairns

Elixir Music Bar Cairns 

If you’re seeking Cairns nightlife but appreciate live music over DJs, Elixir Music Bar should be your new ‘local’ while in town. A huge supporter of original, home-grown musical talent, head in for a drink at this funky spot and you might just catch a set from up-and-coming Aussie musicians. Elixir also hosts comedy nights, slam poetry and more.

Rattle n Hum

While you’ll always find a great atmosphere at this friendly Aussie pub, there’s live music every Friday and Saturday, and great happy hour specials to boot.

P.J. O’Brien’s

There’s never a dull night at P.J. O’Brien’s Irish Bar, but join the party on Friday and Saturday nights for a dance when live bands take the stage.  

Pumping Cairns waterside bars

The Pier Bar Cairns

It would be criminal to holiday here without enjoying Cairns nightlife by the water. Luckily, you have The Pier Bar, a local institution that’s also known for its big party events. It’s a great place to kick off your night on the town, with tables on the terrace to appreciate those Coral Sea views. Be careful though – the food and drinks here are so good that if you stick around too long, you’ll get caught up in the live music and end up on the dancefloor yourself.

Mark your calendars: funk nights are held the last Wednesday of every month, Latin night is each Thursday night from 8pm, and live music pumps Friday, Saturday and Sundays. 

Hemingway’s Brewery

Sip back in the sunshine with local beers on tap and pub-grub to pair with it. Hemingway’s Cairns outpost sits right on the wharf, so you can take in Trinity Inlet views seven days until 10pm.

Salt House

A more refined space, Salt House boasts an award-winning restaurant plus a waterfront alfresco bar area that slings signature cocktails and tapas-style bites. It’s a great spot for a sunset cocktail any night of the week, but if you’re looking for a party night be sure to come on Mondays when DJs spin the decks from 8pm.

Your ticket to party

If you’re really after a big night out and want an expert introduction to Cairns nightlife, grab a ticket to one of Cairns’ organised bar crawls.

Spend the night with likeminded revellers on board the Ultimate Party Bus - a double-decker that will transport you on a wild pub crawl to the best bars and Cairns nightclubs. Tours are available every Friday and Saturday night, and can be hired out for special events too.

Party In Cairns hosts pub crawls on weekends and select weeknights, where your party hosts will show you a good time at five Cairns bars on one of the most memorable walking tours of your travels. Your ticket lets you skip the lines with free VIP entry, drink specials, fun and games throughout – be sure to bring your A-game for a night like this.

Heading out on an adventure after a big night on the town? Refuel at these great coffee spots on the way.