The best bars and pubs in Cairns

The climate calls for a coldie or three. And whether you tend towards suds or sazeracs, this FNQ town has it all 

Ready, set, sip.

Salt House

Already well known as a dinner destination, the cosy bar also welcomes guests keen for a cocktail or glass or vino beneath the frangipanis and the stars. Try the Plum & Hibiscus Sour or the Salt House Spice Margarita.

Three Wolves

With its laneway access and under-lit four tier bar, Three Wolves has a distinctly Melbourne aesthetic. But the vibe is totally FNQ - in fact the F could stand for fun. The whiskey selection is especially strong and cocktails are divided into fruity/sweet, refreshing, sour, boozy, classics, high roller and sharing sections. Our pick is the On The Wagon with Davidson plum gin, rose vermouth, grapefruit aperitif, and grapefruit bitters.

Flamingos Tiki Bar

Fun, fun and camper than Christmas, this is a modern interpretation of a Polynesian bar. Leave your pretensions outdoors and submit to a world of neon, palms and tropical prints. The pina coladas and mai tais are obvs on point but we were smitten by the Calypso: Bacardi Carta Blanca, coconut rum, lime, passionfruit, mango and lemonade. They also offer cocktail masterclasses if you can wrangle 10 pals together.

The Fox Small Bar

Tucked away in Stratford, this neighbourhood boozer is a bijoux treat. From the waistcoats on the bartenders to the selection of produce and spirits used in the cocktails, every detail is just so. Live a little with the Pacino Godfather, which blends Macallan 12 year Sherry Cask Single Malt, Disaronno amaretto, Black Walnut & Range Bitters and a simple syrup.

Wolf Lane Distillery

If you’re a gin purist, this place isn’t probably your jam. If, however, you don’t mind taking a risk and have a sense of adventure about your libations, by all means go. The Davidson Plum Gin with a splash of tonic is a marvellous refresher in the tropical climate. Ditto the Grapefruit Aperitif. They also do a Breakfast Martini with Wolf Lane Tropical Gin, Cointreau, lemon and Wolf Lane Orange & Wattleseed Marmalade.

Hemingway’s Brewery

Whose shout is it?

Sometimes you just need a beer in the sunshine. This is the spot. Perched on the Cairns Wharf, Hemingway’s has a core range of nine beers - our fave is the Coral Cay IPA - plus a roster of playful limited releases, such as Blood Orange IPA. If you’re into the science, check out one of the brewery tours.

The Calypso Club

Of course one of Crystalbrook’s properties was going to get a look in - they practically own Cairns. This one in the Riley gets our nod for its emphasis on the wonderful world of rum - a spirit that has more of an affinity with Queensland than most. The food here is also top notch, there are ocean views to gorge on and a curated music program - don’t be surprised if dancing breaks out.

The Conservatory Bar

The emphasis at this bar, which was established in 1994, is on wine. The list is as eclectic as the decor with over 800 bottles on hand. In 2022, the bar won a coveted 2 glass rating in the Australian Wine List of The Year awards and the menu is divided into regions so it’s not too intimidating.

Originally published as The best bars and pubs in Cairns