Cairns Nightlife

Cairns has an extraordinarily lively, though in some places slightly unrefined, nightlife. Many of the venues form a 'strip' along Spence Street, and in general, entertainment on offer here is wilder than elsewhere. For more information, follow the Cairns Post (www.cairnspost.com.au) or X-Press (xpressmag.com.au), a magazine aimed at backpackers.

Bars in Cairns

Gilligan's

One of the best-known budget hostels in Cairns, centrally located Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort has a huge open-air beer hall that can fit up to 1,000 people and a pool for those who want to take a quick dip, as well as a mezzanine bar with a 24-hour licence. You’ll be sure of a lively atmosphere every day of the week.

Address:
57-89 Grafton Street, Cairns, Queensland 4870, Australia
Telephone: +61 7 4041 6566.
Salt House

Set on the waterfront at Cairns Marlin Marina, this open-sided bar and restaurant offers some the best views in Cairns. There are three separate spaces, each with a different vibe, ranging from lively and funky with live music to a chilled out cocktail lounge and a glamorous dining area.

Address:
6/2 Pierpoint Road, Marina Point, Cairns, Queensland 4870, Australia
Telephone: +61 7 4041 7733.
The Conservatory Bar

Popular with locals, this relaxed, intimate wine bar is the perfect place for a quiet drink accompanied by a selection of tapas and occasional live music performances. All the wines are available by the glass, and there’s also a cocktail menu.

Address:
12-14 Lake Street, Cairns, Queensland 4870, Australia
Telephone: +61 0467 641 977
The Pier Bar

A lively bar close to the beach, The Pier Bar is known for their wood-fired pizzas and live music. Weekend nights are bustling - upwards of 500 people come to grab drinks and experience the live bands and DJ. There’s also a function space connected to the main bar for birthday parties or other festivities.

Address:
1 Pier Point Road, Cairns, Queensland 4870, Australia
Telephone: +61 7 4031 4677.

Clubs in Cairns

The Attic Lounge Bar

One of the city’s most stylish clubs, The Attic offers exclusive VIP bottle service for those who can’t be bothered dealing with the crowd at the bar. Which leaves more time for the dance floor, with its state-of-the-art sound system and a roster of international and Australian DJs. Open Friday and Saturday nights only.

Address:
57-89 Grafton Street, Cairns, Queensland 4870, Australia
Telephone: +61 7 4040 2777.
The Cotton Club

This restaurant by day, renown for its delicious food and happy hour drinks, becomes a lively cocktail bar and dance venue in the evening. Chill on the outdoor patio and enjoy the live music, or splurge on a cocktail jug or two before making your way to the dance floor.

Address:
24 Shields Street, Cairns, Queensland 4870, Australia
Telephone: +61 07 4041 1400
The Jack Hotel and Backpackers

For those looking for a vibrant night out, this hostel offers every evening option. With three bars, a beer garden, a gaming room with slot machines, and a big dance floor for live music, this restaurant and bar will please any crowd.

Address:
Sheridan Street and Spence Street, Cairns, Queensland 4870, Australia
Telephone: +61 7 4051 2490
The Woolshed

Known for its cheap drinks and raucous atmosphere, The Woolshed is a popular backpacker haunt. A multi-level club with laid back saloon bar downstairs and club upstairs, the music is loud and mixed across all genres, and dancing on the tables is not only allowed, it’s encouraged. The food is typical pub grub which includes burgers, steaks and pizzas.

Address:
22-24 Shields Street, Cairns, Queensland 4870, Australia
Telephone: +61 7 4031 6304.

Live Music in Cairns

Cairns Convention Centre

The Cairns Convention Centre is the largest venue in town and the arena of choice for the most significant visiting bands, comedy acts and large production theatre performances.

Address:
Sheridan Street & Wharf Street, Cairns, Queensland 4870, Australia
Telephone: +61 7 4042 4200.
Munro Martin Parklands

Munro Martin Parklands is a state-of-the-art outdoor music venue offering intimate music and theatre performances. The stage itself is a lushly landscaped open-air amphitheatre draped in vines beneath star-dappled tropical skies.

Address:
123 Sheridan Street, Cairns, Queensland 4870, Australia
Telephone: +61 1300 855 835.
Tanks Arts Centre

The Tanks Arts Centre is a unique cultural venue in Edge Hill housed in a series of huge converted WWII oil tanks. It is home to the Cairns Concert Orchestra and hosts regular live music acts from both CCO and visiting Australian and international artists in a semi-outdoor setting.

Address:
46 Collins Avenue, Edge Hill, Cairns, Queensland 4870, Australia
Telephone: +61 7 4032 6600.
Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.