Choose your kind of nightlife
When the sun goes down, Tropical North Queensland comes alive in more ways than one. In the rainforest, the night creatures come out to play – join an evening wildlife-spotting tour of Daintree and you’ll see owls, gliders and maybe even a tree kangaroo. Dine out by firelight in the middle of the rainforest at the magical Flames of the Forest experience near Port Douglas, or head to the Iron Bar (also in Port Douglas) and cheer on the cane toad races.
Maybe take a sunset dinner cruise on Cairns Harbour, embrace urban culture at a laneway bar, or create a memorable night out with a romantic waterfront dinner. Cairns and Port Douglas are the nightlife capitals of TNQ and offer something for everyone, from chilled-out beers overlooking the marina and laneway whisky bars, to iconic pubs with tropical beer gardens and stylish underground bars with live music.
Party till the sun comes up, without breaking the bank, in one of the popular backpacker spots in Cairns. For those who like to dress up, The Reef Hotel Casino offers excitement, dinner shows and gaming from 9am to 5am. Every night is party night in TNQ.

The Salt House by the Cairns Marina is a great place to enjoy a drink by the water
The Salt House by the Cairns Marina is a great place to enjoy a drink by the water

The iconic Ironbar in Port Douglas
The iconic Ironbar in Port Douglas

Live music at Bar36 inside the Reef Hotel Casino
Live music at Bar36 inside the Reef Hotel Casino
Tropical nights
Night time is the right time to enjoy the best of Tropical North Queensland.

Bars & breweries to check out in Cairns CBD
A big part of travelling is finding the perfect spot to have a cold drink at the end of a day adventuring. Here’s where to quench your thirst in Cairns, whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur, beer buff, gin junkie or simply love a glass of wine with a view.

A backpacker’s guide to nightlife in Cairns
Cairns may be known as the gateway to the reef and rainforest, but don’t be fooled… the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down around here. In fact, you’re guaranteed a party every single night of the week in this vibrant small-town city. Find out exactly where to go in this handy nightlife guide.

Guide to Cairns & Port Douglas
A getaway is looming and you’re longing for a tropical escape – Cairns and Port Douglas are both popular holiday havens boasting a wealth of experiences. Read this guide to help plan your trip to these two seaside locales.

Stunning waterfront bars in Tropical North Queensland
Beaches and bars are a match made in heaven – especially in the tropics, where any excuse to down a cool beverage is welcomed. Here are some of the coolest waterfront and beach bars Tropical North Queensland has to offer.