It’s ok, you don’t have to hide it. You’re on a tropical getaway and you want a cocktail gosh darn it. Preferably out of a coconut or pineapple, but most definitely with some proper tropical views and a good hint of stylin’. I see you, I encourage you. Go forth and test out each and every one of these beachside bars in Cairns. Just maybe grab a bite to eat while you’re there, yeah?
1. Salthouse Restaurant & Bar
This place has one of the biggest reps in Cairns, for good reason. First of all, location location. They’re wedged between the Esplanade and Marlin Marina, so pahhhlenty of water views for you. You’ll be sipping your cocktails on daybeds, alfresco style, with a buzzing atmosphere and live tunes. They also have a tapas menu and a fine dining restaurant
2. Mondo on the Waterfront
If you’re after more a sit-down situation, this is the place for you. It’s part of the Hilton Hotel, so you know the quality is high, but it also keeps the atmosphere relaxed and more low-key. It’s also located right on the waterfront with outdoor tables so you can enjoy the weather and views.
3. Foxy’s Bar on Fitzroy Island
Becasue it’s just a 45-minute boat ride from the mainland, Cairn’s Fitzroy Island can be perfect for a day trip featuring a lunchtime bevvie or two. Or you can book accommodation and stay a little longer. Either way, it’s everything you want from a small tropical island. Foxy’s Bar is right on the beachfront with plenty of outdoor seating, a rocking dance floor and pool tables, whatever your heart desires with it’s tropical drinks.
4. Yorkeys Knob Boating Club
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Yeah, I definitely giggled at the name too. But this boating club is right on the water’s edge of the cove of Half Moon Bay, so you know the views are everything you want from a northern vacay. Head to the Lounge Bar for a drink and some light tapas or make your way into their restaurant.
5. Strait on the Beach
Strait on the Beach at Holloway’s Beach takes ‘beachfront’ to all new levels. Yup, you can literally have your drink and sip it with your toes in the sand too. They have different themed nights running at certain times so you can time for live music and ukeleles. They’re open for brekkie, lunch and dinner so you can head there for non-alcoholic drinks and delish meals too.
6. Apres Beach Bar and Grill
This is exactly the kind of cute, friendly beach bar that I personally froth on my holidays. Look out onto Palm Cove as you listen to live music – or go on karaoke night and make everyone else listing to you making music – and watch he sun go down. It’s a vibrant interior with old motorbikes, cars, and even a biplane hanging around the place. Even Lonely Planet describes it as “The most happening place in Palm Cove“.
