Cairns · Nightlife

Waterfront pub in The Pier complex at 1 Pierpoint Road, open every day from 11.30am until late, with the kitchen running 12–3pm and 5–9pm. DJs and bands at weekends, Sunday sessions and an open mic night; the default first stop if you are staying on the Esplanade.

Bar, pizzeria and wood-fired grill out at Marina Point, open 11.30am until late daily. The cocktail bar side works best around sunset; book if you want the Argentinian grill and the seafood rather than a stool and a drink.

Whisky and cocktail bar at 13A Spence Street, entered from Bank Lane, open daily 4pm to midnight. Small, dark and drink-led with bar food rather than dinner — the closest Cairns gets to a proper city cocktail bar.

Backpacker hotel with two nightclubs, several bars, a sports arena and a gaming lounge, holding up to 2,000 people. The Attic opens 9pm Saturdays; Sunday sessions start at the pool from midday with guest DJs and move to the back deck after sunset. Kitchen 12–9pm daily.

Craft brewery and 600-seat bar in the heritage-listed cruise terminal at 4 Wharf Street, looking across Trinity Inlet, with pool tables and digital darts. Open daily 12pm–10pm, kitchen to 9pm — an earlier night than the Grafton Street strip.