Cairns Nightlife and Nightclubs - Cairns Attractions
So you're coming to the capital of the gorgeous tropical north: Cairns! Great! You have probably also had a look through the variety of accommodation and sought expert advice from us, the Cairns Holiday Specialists. I'm sure you've also found sooooo many day activities and trips (from visiting here) that you just can't wait to get here and experience these once in a lifetime opportunities!
But what about when the sun goes down? What does Cairns nightlife have to offer? Entertainment? Stylish bars? Clubs? Culture splash? Theatre? Live music? Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes and YES! Cairns is peppered with some awesome entertainment venues and we'd like to give you a broad perspective of what's available in certain locations which will allow you to have a bit of fun when you get here! And these are only half of them!
Cairns nightlife district is only small and most places are all within a 4 square block radius. So rest assured ladies who venture out for the evening in heels, your feet won't be killing you by the time you get to your destination. This means more time where it matters… on the dance floor busting your moves!
Where should we start
Let's go Cairns Pubs and drinking holes that turn into the night hot spots, also what I like to call the Backpacker Circuit. Along Spence St from Sheridan we have an Irish Pub with pool tables, great restaurant attached and a blue lit palm tree lined beer garden! Live music is also a draw card as well as the 2 huge outdoor screens for all you sporting enthusiasts.
Following Spence to Lake St you'll find a couple of real funky venues. Some are little more sophisticated than the others, which offer some great entertainment in the way of theme nights. Sit on the balcony or outdoors here with your mates, drinks in hand, nibbles on the table and enjoy the tunes pumping from the speakers. Jump up onto the dance floor if you've got your disco shoes on, real fun place for bumping and grooving!
From here, head up Lake St to the Mall section for a couple of pints in this Irish Pub (aahhh us Auzzies have a sporting competition drive to rival European football fans and players, a humour and easy going nature which only the Canadians seem to come close to, and…. A "drink you under the table" culture that can only be compared to the Irish!) The tabled outdoor area is great to kick back at and observe the passers by. Oh, bar dancing competitions are a favourite here too, Coyote Ugly style- don't worry ladies, you won't be disappointed: fellas are included!
And in the opposite corner for the night we have one of the backpacker's party central. With theme and event nights that will hit you with a range of emotions from a grooving good time to totally excitable to possibly even making some of you blush.
About a block south west from here (nearly completing the circle) and you will be at the second party central for backpackers and locals. Quite a huge venue, so if you're travelling with a few in your group then this place has a scene to suit you all- as long as you like it loud!
If you are a true creature of the night or just feeling like a party animal for 1 night only, then rather than turning into a pumpkin once the hands of the clock get past that midnight strike, these last mentioned locations are where your needs will be satisfied!
A couple of 'Please notes' about this Backpacker Circuit:
- The big red double decker party bus does frequent this area, providing patrons with extra entertainment for the night! If you do start to feel outnumbered by the "I'm here for a good time, not a long time" crowd, you know what they say: "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!"
- Keep in mind while all these venues definitely cater to all ages in the afternoons and early evenings, it seems that as the time gets later, the patrons seem to get younger
So what about the 30+ who want to hit the town? Well we know just the places, this time we'll start at the northern end of The Esplanade, corner of Aplin St for a bit of Salsa on Saturday nights to get your spirit moving. Beginners are most welcome and really do have a ball! If you are a little shy though, you can always just sit back with a glass of wine and enjoy those sexy South American moves done by the circle of intermediate local learners and professionals who teach in the area. Good times definitely to be had by all!
If you're a bit of a rocker and love your live bands venture along Shields St almost to Sheridan to find a tiny venue loved by the locals, supporting local acts. There is something different going on here every night, including offering those who'd like to give it a shot at showing off their talents on Open Mic Nights. It is dark and narrow, definitely portraying a bluesy bar atmosphere to a tee, however perspective opens up with these mirror lined walls. Here you will be singing along, tapping your feet and bopping your head to the classics and latest tunes for sure. Lucky last in this category is the good old Casino. Vertigo's put on some fantastic shows like Eagles Cover Bands, stunning costumed Kylie productions and other popular performances that leave you with a 'wow' for the evening!
For those who like a little more sophistication, you MUST meander on down to the waterfront bars, beautifully placed by the mighty yacht and cruiser lined Marlin Marina. Usually home to the 25+ with that chic edge and taste for fine (but very reasonably priced) dining. Dress goes from funky, smart casual for that luncheon or sunset drinks to trendy elegant flair through the evening with a drinks menu to match! The few places around here have been created as fun and relaxing retreats to unwind and appreciate the gorgeous sparkling harbourside with a cocktail or 2. The most recent addition to this territory has provided Cairns with a refreshing enhancement of class and style, couple this with an enviable location, you will be able to sit and allow that elating sense of freedom absorb you.
Yes, it sounds like I'm wrapping up however I haven't forgot those who can't go without their culture fix for too long- Theatre performances! Cairns has some extremely talented artists, performers, producers and choreographers who come together to deliver musicals, dramas and comedies. They liberate themselves in the popular, arty Jute Theatre.
Our little country town Civic Theatre is even home to some of the great show toppers such as the legendary Joe Cocker and the totally contrasted, brilliant and graceful Royal Ballet performances.
Now your aware that Cairns not only has amazing and abundant natural resources to show off to the world but also has the eclectic offerings to compliment any mood and fulfil your evening desires to top off that unforgettable day! Once the whisper of Cairns entertainment is in your ear, you'll find live music to make your toes tap, DJ's slapping down tracks for you to show us 'what you got', sultry sounds in bars that make your body groove and sway, and venues with all the ambience that will have you savouring life as it should be. However like in any tropical destination, please do be careful don't have too much fun, or you just may never leave!