Queensland Nightlife

Cairns’s nightclubs, the last stop in a backpacker’s day, cater to a young, rowdy crowd. Adrenaline-fueled days make for explosive nightlife. Hostels usually give out club vouchers to help draw the crowds. For the trendiest spots, editorials, and listings, pick up a free copy of Barfly, found all around town.

  Ultimate Party is the wildest, best time you’ll have in Cairns. This bi-weekly pub crawl guides two double-decker buses of generally young, backpacker partygoers through five clubs and at least as many debaucherous couples competitions, leaving a trail of hazy memories and walks-of-shame in its wake. The ultimate party is held every Saturday and most Tuesday nights (high season). Pay $25 for entry into five bars and clubs, one all-you-can-eat meal and one pizza meal, entertainment, transportation, and a group photo that will likely be embarrassing in the morning. At the end of the night, pick up a book of vouchers for adventure trips, accommodations, food, and of course, more alcohol. Sign up at the Tropical Arcade on the corner of Shields and Lake St., online at www.ultimatepartycairns.com, or call ☎07 4041 0332.

• The Woolshed, 24 Shields St. (☎07 4031 6304 for free shuttle bus until 9:30pm), is a rowdy all-night party and backpacker favorite. Travelers come here to dance on the tables, drink beer, and race goldfish (4 nights a week) or enter the M night Mr. and Ms. Backpacker contest. Practically every hostel in town offers free meal vouchers (upgrade to T-bone steak or other full meal $5-7) for this place. Show up early—because of these vouchers, there are lines out the door every night by 6pm. Escape the ruckus of the nightclub and relax downstairs with a drink in one of The Lounge’s comfortable leather sofas. Cover M-Th and Su $5, F-Sa $7, free before 10pm every day. Open nightly 6-9:30pm for meals; club open until 5am, but no entry after 3am.
• P.J. O’Brien’s (☎07 4031 5333), in City Place, at the corner of Shields and Lake St., always finds a reason to celebrate. Tables are made from beer barrels and the pub is decorated with Irish memorabilia; this place looks like an Emerald Isle museum. Pints of Guinness ($7) and tasty food (meals $12-18) make this bar a hot spot. Try a pint of the famous Snake Bite ($6). Live bands some F. 4 themed nights per week with specials.
• Shenannigan’s (☎07 4051 2490), on the corner of Sheridan and Spence St. Boasts the best beer garden in Cairns. Watch the latest sports matches with locals and other backpackers on the 2 large TV screens, or listen to live music 4 nights per week. They also serve huge meals. Open daily 10am-2am.
• Gilligan’s, 57-89 Grafton St. (☎07 4041 6566; www.gilligansbackpackers.com.au). A 2000+ capacity nightspot attached to the hostel. Open-air beer hall, a nightclub, and a smaller dance club. Although this massive club can be desolate, there’s no hotter spot when it fills up. Guest DJs. Open M-Th and Su 10am-2am, F-Sa 10am-3am.
• Rhino Bar (☎07 4031 5305; www.cairnsrhinobar.com), upstairs on the corner of Lake and Spence St. A restaurant until 9pm, then transforms into a hot-spot nightclub. Boasts theme nights and a nightly happy hour 8:30-9:30pm. Open daily 6am-3am.