Looking for memorable meals in Cairns? This tropical city serves up dining experiences that go beyond just good food. Our favorite options include dinner cruises on Trinity Inlet – perfect for watching the sunset while enjoying fresh local seafood. The Cairns Aquarium’s after-hours dining is another winner, letting you eat surrounded by marine life in an extraordinary setting. Night tours combine expert guides and fine dining as you discover the area’s nocturnal sea creatures. All venues focus on regional ingredients, especially the stellar local seafood and tropical produce. Let’s explore the best dining tours Cairns has to offer.
Key Points
- Cairns offers a variety of scenic dining experiences, including dinner cruises along Trinity Inlet and themed aquarium tours with high-quality meals.
- Many dining options emphasize local ingredients and seafood, providing a taste of the region’s culinary offerings.
- Highly rated dinner cruises, such as the Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise, feature air-conditioned vessels, complimentary drinks, and buffet-style menus.
- Guided twilight tours of the Cairns Aquarium offer an exclusive after-hours experience, with a 3-course dinner at Dundee’s Restaurant.
- Reservations are recommended for these popular dining experiences due to limited availability and high demand.
Cairns: City Sights Tour With Evening Dinner Cruise
One popular way to experience the sights of Cairns is the Cairns City Sights Tour with Evening Dinner Cruise. Priced at $149.13 per person, this 9-hour tour includes hotel pickup, a guided exploration of key landmarks, and a scenic dinner cruise on Trinity Inlet.
The tour’s highlights include visits to St. Monicas Cathedral, the Cairns Museum, and the Botanic Gardens, as well as photo stops at Campbells Lookout and the Barron Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station. Guests will also enjoy free time in the charming seaside town of Palm Cove and afternoon tea at Ozmosis Café Trattoria Bar.
The evening dinner cruise offers a 3-course buffet featuring regional produce and seafood, served aboard a 26-meter catamaran. Guests can admire the scenic views of Cairns city and the Coral Sea at night.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 from previous customers, this tour provides a well-rounded experience to discover Cairns’ highlights.
Read our full review: Cairns: City Sights Tour With Evening Dinner Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
Spirit of Cairns: Waterfront Dining Experience
For those seeking a luxurious waterfront dining experience in Cairns, the Spirit of Cairns dinner cruise offers an unparalleled opportunity. Priced from Kč 2,008 per person, this 2.5-hour cruise along Trinity Inlet promises scenic views, a sumptuous buffet, and a warm welcome aboard the air-conditioned vessel.
Guests can enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, beer, or soft drink upon arrival, followed by a delectable buffet featuring fresh seafood and local produce. The cruise also includes a safety briefing and free time to explore the outdoor decks.
Reviewers rave about the high-quality service and food, with one noting “Absolutely beautiful food, amazing service highly recommend.”
With a dress code of tropical cocktail attire and a focus on local ingredients, the Spirit of Cairns offers a luxurious dining experience that’s sure to impress. Reservations can be made online, with the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Read our full review: Spirit of Cairns: Waterfront Dining Experience Review
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Cairns: Night at the Aquarium Guided Tour & 2 Course Dinner
Visitors seeking an immersive nighttime adventure in Cairns can embark on the Night at the Aquarium Guided Tour & 2 Course Dinner.
This exclusive 2-hour guided tour allows guests to explore 10 tropical ecosystems, encountering nocturnal creatures and witnessing their captivating behaviors. Led by knowledgeable Wildlife Educators, the tour promises a face-to-face encounter with nighttime predators like sharks, rays, and groupers.
After the tour, guests can enjoy a 2-course dinner at Dundee’s Restaurant, where the aquatic-themed setting and stunning underwater backdrop enhance the dining experience.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 31 reviews, the tour is praised for its small group size, informative guides, and excellent dinner service. Christine and Michael, in particular, are highlighted for their exceptional knowledge and engagement.
This tour is wheelchair accessible and available in English.
It’s likely to sell out, so visitors are encouraged to reserve their spot and pay later to secure their place.
Read our full review: Cairns: Night at the Aquarium Guided Tour & 2 Course Dinner Review
Book now: Check availability
Cairns: Guided Twilight Tour With 3-Course Dinner
In the evenings, travelers can embark on a captivating Guided Twilight Tour with a 3-Course Dinner in Cairns. This 3-hour tour offers exclusive after-hours entry to the Cairns Aquarium, guided by an expert ecologist.
Participants will encounter an array of marine life, including sharks, rays, and groupers, as they witness the nocturnal transformation of the aquarium.
Following the tour, guests will enjoy a 3-course dinner at Dundee’s Restaurant, surrounded by the aquarium’s stunning sea life backdrop. The meal includes generous portions of high-quality cuisine, complemented by a variety of beverage options.
Travelers have consistently praised the tour’s excellent value, knowledgeable guides, and overall exceptional experience.
With a minimum of 2 adults required and a limited capacity, this tour is likely to sell out quickly. Bookings can be made with a reserve now and pay later option, and cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Cairns’ aquatic wonders.
Read our full review: Cairns: Guided Twilight Tour With 3-Course Dinner Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Cairns offers a range of exceptional dining experiences. From cruising the waterfront at sunset to exploring the aquarium after-hours, visitors can indulge in mouthwatering cuisine while taking in the city’s natural beauty. Whether it’s a multi-course dinner or a casual waterfront meal, Cairns’ dining scene provides unforgettable culinary adventures.