When it comes to travel recommendations, no-one knows a town better than the people who live there. If you have a holiday to Tropical North Queensland coming up, you’re in luck! On a recent trip to the region, I spoke to some locals to get their tips for the best places to eat, drink, stay, and play in Cairns and Port Douglas. You’re welcome.
Where to stay
Mantra PortSea
I’ve stayed at Port Douglas’s Mantra PortSea myself and can vouch for its great value and handy location. According to Michelle Spinks, Mantra PortSea’s General Manager, the resort is particularly popular with families, especially over the school holidays, so it’s a good idea to book ahead if you want to stay during those times.
Michelle says, “Dual-key units are fantastic for families and groups, as they can be opened up to make one two-bedroom unit or closed off to make a one-bedroom unit and a studio. This allows for both communal space and privacy – always important, even while on holiday.
“Mantra PortSea’s best features, though, have to be our multiple pools, one of which has a waterslide, and the fact that it’s only a 10-15-minute walk from Macrossan Street, the main Port Douglas drag,”
Where to eat, drink, and play
Drew Hamilton (Down Under Tours Sales Manager), Daniel Cox (Down Under Tours Tour Guide), and Justin Whyte (Sun Palm Transport Operations Manager) gave me their local Cairns and Port Douglas tips.
Best Coffee
Origin Espresso
21-23 Warner St, Port Douglas
“Beanhunter says Origin has the best coffee in Port Douglas, which is a pretty big call. They also have excellent thick shakes – perfect for kids and non-coffee-drinkers.” – Daniel.
Cafe Ziva
20 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
“Cafe Ziva do great brekkies, gourmet burgers, and fantastic coffee, all in the heart of Port Douglas. It’s the perfect pit stop during a day of retail therapy.” – Drew.
Sipping Duck Coffee
29 Johnston St, Stratford (Cairns)
“A specialty roaster, wholesaler, and café, the Sipping Duck not only has coffee, but organic teas, raw honey, and sparkling cold-brew coffee.” – Drew.
Bang and Grind
8/14 Spence St, Cairns City
“Great coffee, sandwiches, and all-day breakfast in the heart of Cairns city. They also do a mean toastie.” – Justin.
Best restaurant for families
Siam Orchid Spicy
21 Kamerunga Rd, Stratford (Cairns)
“Delicious, authentic Thai cuisine, just a 10-minute drive from Cairns City. Siam is famous for its friendly service and fantastic value.” – Justin.
The Mexican
4/43 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
“The Mexican offers a unique TNQ twist on classic Mexican dishes and has a dedicated kids’ menu, which includes DIY tacos. It’s very popular, so make sure you book ahead!” – Daniel.
Villa Romana Trattoria
99 Esplanade, Cairns City
“You can’t go wrong some classic Italian, especially when it comes with ocean views. The kids’ will love the pizza and spag bol, while mum and dad will love the seafood platter for two.” – Drew.
Mondo on the Waterfront
34 Esplanade, Cairns City
“Mondo is located in the Hilton Cairns and offers Mexican, South-East Asian, and seafood classics, all served al fresco by the Trinity Inlet. The kids can run around on the grass while you enjoy a cocktail.” – Daniel.
Rattle N Hum
38 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
“A family-friendly pub in the heart of Port Douglas and another local favourite. It’s got a reliaxed vibe, huge meals, and the food is delicious. Make sure you leave room for a slice of their signature cheesecake!” – Justin.
Best restaurants for a romantic night out
Salsa Bar & Grill
26 Wharf St, Port Douglas
“What’s more romantic than gourmet food in a nice old beach house? Salsa Bar & Grill has been around for over 20 years. It’s an institution!” – Justin.
2 Fish Restaurant
Coconut Grove Complex, 11/56-64 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
“2 Fish is an innovative and multi-award-winning seafood restaurant that’s just a five-minute walk from Four Mile Beach. It’s a beautiful restaurant with even more beautiful dishes – perfect for special occasions.” – Drew.
Iyara by Sakare
91 Esplanade, Cairns City
“Delicious Thai cuisine served with flair. Ask for a table on the balcony to enjoy beautiful ocean views, and make sure you try the oysters!” – Daniel.
Waterbar & Grill
1 Pier Point Rd, Cairns City
“Waterbar & Grill is Cairns’ ultimate steakhouse. It’s famous for meat, but they also do a mean vegie burger. Make sure you try the pork ribs, marinated in Waterbar’s special Lekker sauce.” – Justin.
Best bars
The Central Hotel
9 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
“Built in 1878, the Central Hotel is Port Douglas’s oldest pub and a big local favourite. It has three bars, live music, and its own cinema with free movies every Tuesday.” – Justin.
Hemingway’s Brewery
Reef Marina, 44 Wharf St, Port Douglas
“Hemingway’s is a waterfront microbrewery with their own craft beer and great gastropub food. It also has a dedicated function space, perfect for weddings, birthday parties, and events.”– Drew.
The Conservatory Bar
12/14 Lake St, Cairns City
“The Conservatory is an elegant café/bar with creative cocktails, tasty grazing boards, and live music every Saturday. It’s a bit more sophisticated than some of the usual Cairns party clubs.” – Daniel.
Three Wolves
32 Abbott St, Cairns City
“Three Wolves is a local secret. Hidden down a laneway, it specialises in wine, cocktails, and dark spirits– especially whiskey. Get the Mad Hatter’s Teapot – it’s very cool.” – Drew.
More TNQ tips from me
- If you’re not a fan of heat and humidity, visit during the winter months of June to August, when the weather is at its mildest – generally around the mid-20s. It’s also NOT stinger season (bonus!), making it safer to swim
- If you’re visiting during school holiday periods, book both your accommodation and your tours as early as possible, as they tend to fill up quickly
- Avoid swimming in secluded beaches near river mouths, as crocodiles use them to move from river to river
- Despite the school holidays, the best deals are available in November to February – the height of summer. The heat (yes, it’s HOT!) turns many visitors off, which means resorts have more availability and cheaper rates
- Tropical North Queensland is rich in Indigenous culture. The Mossman Gorge Centre is a fantastic gateway to both the Daintree Rainforest and TNQ’s unique Indigenous heritage, while Tjapukai Cultural Park combines song, dance, and multimedia theater to create a truly immersive cultural experience
