Nightlife · Cairns · Australia
Cairns nightlife
Where the evenings happen in Cairns, from early drinks to late nights.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Kerry Raymond, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Cairns has a lively backpacker bar scene around Shields Street and the Esplanade, plus waterfront bars by the marina and a casino. Port Douglas and Palm Cove are much quieter at night. The main areas are Shields Street and the Esplanade, Marlin Marina and the Pier and Macrossan Street, Port Douglas.
Key facts
- Nightlife areas
- 3
- Stay near the action
- Cairns City and Esplanade
- Local drink
- Tablelands coffee
Where to go out
Shields Street and the Esplanade
Backpacker bars and pubs with drink specials, live music and late nights.
Marlin Marina and the Pier
Waterfront bars and restaurants for sunset drinks.
Macrossan Street, Port Douglas
A few relaxed bars and pubs in the beach town to the north.
Nightlife tips
- Carry photo ID; late-night venues often scan it on entry.
- Reef boats leave early; go easy the night before a trip to avoid seasickness.
Evening sights
Market · Cairns City
Cairns Night Markets
Eat at the food court, then walk the lit-up Esplanade boardwalk afterwards.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- After dark
- Food
- Shopping
What to drink
- Tablelands coffee — Coffee is grown commercially on the Atherton Tablelands around Mareeba, one of the few coffee-growing regions in Australia.
Evenings through the year
Sunset and the overnight low decide how long the outdoor part of a night lasts. December has the warmest evenings, with lows around 23°C (73°F).
| Month | Sunset (15th) | Overnight low | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | About 18:57 | 24°C (75°F) | 13 |
| April | About 18:08 | 22°C (72°F) | 12 |
| July | About 17:59 | 17°C (63°F) | 5 |
| October | About 18:16 | 21°C (70°F) | 5 |
Getting home late
- Walking — The Esplanade, lagoon, Reef Fleet Terminal, night markets and most restaurants are within a 15-minute walk.
- Bus — Services are less frequent in the evenings and on Sundays; check the timetable before relying on them.
- Taxi — Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available in Cairns; book ahead for early-morning departures and trips to the northern beaches.
Late-night bites
- Tropical fruit — Rusty's Markets from Friday to Sunday and roadside stalls on the Atherton Tablelands.
Staying safe at night
Cairns is generally safe for visitors. The real hazards are natural: saltwater crocodiles in rivers, estuaries and some beaches, marine stingers in coastal water from about November to May, strong tropical sun and cyclones in the wet season. Obey warning signs and swim in netted, patrolled areas.
- Emergency number
- 000 (police, fire and ambulance); 112 from mobiles
Where to stay for nightlife
$$ · Best for first-timers, budget, nightlife, solo travellers and families
Cairns City and Esplanade
The city centre runs along the Esplanade, with the free Esplanade Lagoon, a 2.5-km boardwalk over the mudflats, the night markets and dozens of restaurants and bars. The Reef Fleet Terminal, where most reef boats depart, is at its southern end, and most tour pick-ups start here. It has the widest range of hotels and hostels.
- Good
- Walk to reef boats, food and nightlife; Free lagoon swimming; Widest choice of accommodation
- Watch out
- No swimming beach — the shore is mudflats; Busy backpacker scene around Shields Street at night
- Nearby
- Esplanade Lagoon, Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns Night Markets, Rusty's Markets
Questions travellers ask
+Where is the best nightlife in Cairns?
Shields Street and the Esplanade, Marlin Marina and the Pier and Macrossan Street, Port Douglas. Backpacker bars and pubs with drink specials, live music and late nights.
+Which area of Cairns is best for nightlife?
Cairns City and Esplanade: Compact tropical centre of waterfront hotels, the lagoon, night markets and reef-tour desks.