Your Guide to Cairns at Night: From Fish Foot Spas to Kangaroo Tartare

When the sun sets in far north Queensland, Cairns comes alive. From reef dives and rainforest tours to night markets and cocktails by the marina, these are the best things to do in Cairns at night.

Cairns may be best known for sunlit reef expeditions and getting sweaty in all that lush tropical rainforest, but there’s another side to the Far North Queensland stunner that only comes out once the sun goes down. 

With nighttime temperatures rarely dipping below 20 degrees - even in winter - Cairns has quietly been building a diverse and exciting nightlife over the past decade or so. Thrilling Coral Sea encounters, buzzing night markets, dancing til dawn: Cairns’ after-dark adventures are some of the best kept secrets in Australia and we’re here to spill ‘em.

With a bright and airy Hamptons-in-the-tropics decor, Mercure Cairns sits in the heart of the city, making it the perfect homebase for after-dark adventures. True to Mercure’s mantra of “Feel local everywhere,” the hotel radiates a friendly, laid-back atmosphere that reflects the warm spirit of Far North Queensland. 

The hotel has a beautiful, lagoon style swimming pool, an on-site bar, and restaurant. The rooms are airy and modern, with a variety of options from standard rooms to family, loft suites to spa rooms. Wind down by the pool or sip a tropical-inspired cocktail at the bar, trading stories with fellow travellers returning from the reef or the rainforest.

Address: Mercure Cairns, Corner of Florence Street and Lake Street, Cairns City 4870

The best way to see Cairns at night starts, as with most adventures in the city, on the iconic Esplanade. Watch the sun dip into the sea while paddling around the 4800 square metre public infinity pool of the Cairns Lagoon (open until 9pm every night) then let the balmy evening air wrap around you as you walk along the waterfront promenade. 

The Esplanade is also your gateway to the spectacular Cairns Night Market. A neon sign beckons visitors into a vibrant labyrinth of stalls selling everything from quality, locally made souvenirs, to 15 minutes in a fish foot spa. 

Locals love: One in five people who call Cairns home were born overseas and that blend is reflected in the city’s exceptional cuisine, much of which is on display at the night markets. Don’t miss out on the fragrant Vietnamese pho, feather-light crepes, handmade pastas and chewy rolls of banh mi. 

Address: Cairns Night Market, 54-60 Abbott Street, Cairns City 4870

Another way to see the Coral Sea sunset colour parade is with a River Cruise setting off late afternoon from Cairns Trinity Inlet. Passengers lounge on deck with drinks in hand, marvelling at the way the sky shifts from brilliant blues to pink-and-orange watercolour hues. 

For something a little faster paced, 26-metre sailing catamaran, Spirit of Cairns, glides alongside panoramic views of the Esplanade and the mountains beyond as the sun sets and the city lights start to twinkle. Departing from Marlin Marina at 6:30 pm, the cruise includes a buffet-style dinner showcasing local produce and fresh seafood, a full-service bar and live music. 

If you’re looking for something really special, Deadly Dinner is a night that combines storytelling, ceremony, and top-tier dining. Run entirely by the Mandingalbay Yidinji people, the Traditional Owners of the land and sea around Cairns, this event takes place on an Indigenous Protected Area after a boat ride across the inlet from the city. 

Locals love: Guests are welcomed with a cleansing smoke ritual and stories passed down for generations, then settle beneath the melaleuca trees for a four-course dinner featuring native ingredients. Don’t pass up the paperbark smoked crocodile with riberry mayo and the mud crab and avocado tian.

Address: Cairns Tours, Shop 7 Cairns Square 8-52 Abbott Street, Cairns City

Aquariums are typically daytime affairs, but the Cairns Aquarium night tour is an entirely different beast. Guided tours illuminate marine residents that move through the water with renewed energy at night. Reptiles emerge from their hiding spots, schools of shimmering fish reflect the subtle mood lighting, and sharks hang closer than usual to the glass, inspecting their visitors.

For certified divers, Cairns night dive dials that aquatic thrill to eleven by removing the protective perspex. Plunge into waters illuminated only by torches and the occasional bioluminescent plankton. Daytime fish retreat, replaced by curious moray eels, egg cowrie, lobsters, and stealthy predators that prowl coral corridors. Operators provide thorough briefings, ensuring participants feel prepared for the darkness.

If you’re the type who prefers to stay on dry land, a guided nighttime rainforest tour reveals a world of tree frogs, curious bandicoots, and glow-in-the-dark fungi. Around 80 percent of Australian animals are either nocturnal, or more active at night, and this tour gives a rare glimpse at some of the most elusive, from platypus to gliders, bandicoots to micro-bats.

Locals love: The night walk tour at Cairns Botanic Gardens caters specifically to photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone curious about the creatures that only come out when the rest of the city is winding down. Led by a local naturalist and macro photographer, the walk reveals after-dark wildlife like the charismatic white-lipped tree frog, shimmering mirror-ball spiders and occasional python.

Address: Cairns Botanic Gardens, 78-96 Collins Avenue, Edge Hill 4870

Cairns nightlife has swiftly evolved over the past decade, to the point where it now rivals capital cities for great food and a proper night out. Salt House Cairns delivers marina views and an elevated lounge atmosphere. The menu champions fresh, local produce cooked over a custom-built Argentinian wood-fired grill, and delicious signature cocktails. It’s an excellent place to start the evening, and the courtyard has some of the best sunset views in the city.

When it comes to dinner reservations, the right place you’re bound to hear about is Prawn Star. Moored permanently at Marlin Marina, the fun concept restaurant stretches across four restored fishing trawlers decked out with colourful lights and maritime knick-knacks. Grab a cold beer or a crisp chardonnay, claim a spot on one of the trawlers, and dig into the catch of the day. 

For something a little more refined Vivo, set in a beautiful colonial-style building in Palm Cove, pairs Mediterranean with Asian influences. A small gallery inside showcases local artistic talent, while out on the verandah you can sip a Cojito - a coconut twist on the classic Mojito - and watch the Coral Sea roll by. Longstanding favourites include the crab tagliatelle, salmon sashimi, and a modern nasi goreng.

A uniquely Australian dining experience, Ochre on the boardwalk is the brainchild of award-winning chef Craig Squire, who has worked extensively using native ingredients for decades. Expect dishes like salt and pepper prawn with crocodile, grilled kangaroo drizzled with quandong chilli glaze, and a wattleseed pavlova to finish. 

When the nightcaps call, Flamingos Tiki Bar provides big-city-quality cocktail creativity in fun, retro decor. This is a place to let loose and embrace a bit of silliness. For a more refined setting, The Fox Small Bar provides an intimate space to nurse the city’s best cocktails.

Locals love: Anyone seeking a loud and rowdy crowd for dancing and live music, however, will find The Woolshed an absolute treat. It’s a local institution where nights can erupt into a full-on shindig in a matter of minutes.

Address: The Woolshed, 22-24 Shields Street, Cairns City 4870

Cairns is a relatively small city, but planning ahead still goes a long way. It’s wise to book popular night tours, like the Cairns aquarium night tour or night dives well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.