The 9 Best Beer Gardens in Cairns, Australia

Gilligan’s is more than just a backpacker resort, as it’s home to multiple entertainment venues. There’s Gilligan’s Nightclub, the luxe Attic Lounge Bar and Gilligan’s Bar. The latter has a big back deck and beer garden, next to the large lagoon-style tropical swimming pool. It has nightly food specials, live music and entertainment, including trivia and beer pong events. Gilligan’s Bar is a great place to meet people from all over the world.

Located in Cairns’ northern suburb, Ellis Beach Bar & Grill is known for its relaxed atmosphere and ocean views. Ellis Beach itself is six kilometres (3.7 miles) of golden sand beach. Enjoy the ocean view from Ellis Beach Bar & Grill’s beer garden. The menu includes a selection of burgers, salads and tacos. The drinks menu features many Australian standard and craft beers, as well as refreshing cocktails like the blueberry and jalapeño margarita.

Found in the northern beaches, The Bluewater’s beer garden is complemented with stunning marina views. There are different seating options in the beer garden and large deck area, including lounges for a more relaxed experience. The Bluewater is also home to pokies, daily meal specials and 10 different beers on tap. Dine on the deck and sample dishes like a variety of tapas, prawn and bug linguine, and twice-cooked pork belly.

Foxy’s Bar is located on picturesque Fitzroy Island at Fitzroy Island Resort, which is a 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns. It’s modelled after a Pacific Islands Bar from the 1970s, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, a dance floor and pool tables. The beer garden stretches to the turquoise waters surrounding Fitzroy Island. Take in the breathtaking view with a cocktail in hand. The extensive cocktail list includes unique creations, jugs, and a selection of margaritas and martinis.

Salt House is frequently described as a “designer’s dream” due to its multiple indoor and outdoor seating areas. It’s home to both a restaurant and bar, which have dreamy ocean, mountain and marina views. In the beer garden, there’s plenty of seating on colourful stools and relaxing daybeds, which are peacefully surrounded by flowing ponds and fire features. There’s a tapas bar menu, 2-for-1 bar food from Monday to Wednesday, and contemporary cocktails. The Summer Fling includes Grey Goose vodka, passionfruit pulp and apple juice.

Cock & Bull is an award-winning, locally owned and operated bar and restaurant in Cairns. It’s been open since 1988 and is known for its interesting decor and large portion sizes. Cock & Bull has two bars, two kitchens, a tropical beer garden, indoor and outdoor dining, 45 pokies, multiple television screens for sporting events, and even a piano. It’s no wonder Cock & Bull is a local favourite in Cairns.

P.J. O’Brien’s has Irish pubs located across Australia. Its Cairns location fortunately includes a beer garden. Sit on the large outdoor terrace and indulge in one of the $15 meal deals, which include a drink. The regular menu features traditional Irish dishes like Irish stew, steak and Guinness pie, and pork sausages. P.J. O’Brien’s in Cairns is also known for its craic. Every night there’s an event such as quiz nights, karaoke, live bands and more. Start your evening on the terrace and then head inside for the party.

As the name suggests, Lilo is home to a restaurant, a bar and a pool deck. The rooftop pool deck offers 270° views of Cairns, the water and the surrounding mountain range. It has deckchairs, poolside cabanas, a poolside menu and an outdoor terrace. After taking a dip in the luxury swimming pool, relax on the terrace with one of the signature or classic cocktails available at all of Lilo’s venues.

The Jack is a flashpacker accommodation option in Cairns, with a family-friendly restaurant next door. Housed in a heritage Queenslander building, it has both an air conditioned indoor dining area, as well as an outdoor shaded beer garden. The latter is equipped with four large television screens, so you never miss a sporting match even when travelling. The menu features contemporary Australian fare made with fresh local produce. There are vegetarian and gluten-free options as well, and nightly events.