4 Best Dinner Experiences In Cairns

Fresh seafood and local flavors take center stage during dinner experiences in Cairns. Four standout tours offer excellent value: The Cairns City Sights Tour packs good bang-for-your-buck with a 2.5-hour dinner cruise featuring regional seafood. We love the Spirit of Cairns experience for its waterfront buffet and relaxed pace. For something special, the Night at the Aquarium Tour combines marine education with a 2-course dinner – it’s a smart way to learn while you eat. Nature enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Guided Twilight Tour, where an expert ecologist leads you through local habitats before a 3-course meal. Let’s explore these top food experiences in detail.

Key Points

• The Spirit of Cairns Dining Experience offers a 2.5-hour waterfront dining cruise with a buffet dinner featuring fresh seafood and local produce.
• The Night at the Aquarium Tour includes a 2-course dinner at Dundee’s Restaurant following a 2-hour guided tour through the Cairns Aquarium.
• The Guided Twilight Tour provides a 3-hour experience with a 3-course dinner at Dundee’s Restaurant, along with an exclusive after-hours entry to the Cairns Aquarium.
• The Cairns City Sights Tour includes a 2.5-hour dinner cruise with a 3-course buffet featuring local seafood as part of the 9-hour guided tour.
• Positive customer reviews highlight the emphasis on local food, educational components, and overall quality of the dining experiences in Cairns.

Cairns: City Sights Tour With Evening Dinner Cruise

The Cairns: City Sights Tour with Evening Dinner Cruise offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s highlights, culminating in a relaxing dinner cruise on the tranquil waters of Trinity Inlet.

The 9-hour tour begins with a guided tour of Cairns’ must-see attractions, including the St. Monicas Cathedral, Cairns Museum, and Cairns Botanic Gardens. Scenic drives to Campbells Lookout and Barron Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station provide breathtaking vistas, while a stop at Palm Cove allows for some free time.

The main event is the 2.5-hour dinner cruise, where guests can enjoy a delectable 3-course buffet featuring local seafood and produce. Complemented by welcome refreshments, the cruise offers a serene and picturesque setting to unwind.

With a live tour guide providing insights into the region’s culture and heritage, this comprehensive tour is an excellent way to experience the best of Cairns. Attracting positive reviews for its organization, food quality, and guide expertise, this tour is a must-do for those seeking a well-rounded Cairns experience.

Read our full review: Cairns: City Sights Tour With Evening Dinner Cruise Review
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Spirit of Cairns: Waterfront Dining Experience

For those seeking a more intimate Cairns dining experience, the Spirit of Cairns: Waterfront Dining Experience offers a delightful evening on the city’s picturesque waterfront. Priced at $84.01 per person, this 2.5-hour cruise departs from the Cairns Marlin Marina, allowing guests to board between 6:00-6:15 pm and set sail at 6:30 pm.

Onboard, guests can enjoy welcome refreshments before embarking on a scenic sailing along Trinity Inlet. The luxurious air-conditioned vessel features outdoor decks, a buffet dinner with fresh seafood and local produce, and a licensed bar offering additional beverages and cocktails.

With an overall rating of 4.5/5 from 218 reviews, the Spirit of Cairns cruise is praised for its excellent service, food quality, and overall organization.

However, it’s important to note that the experience isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues. Proper attire and footwear are also required.

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

Setting out on a captivating evening, the Cairns: Night at the Aquarium Guided Tour & 2 Course Dinner promises an immersive experience for visitors seeking to explore the city’s renowned aquatic wonders.

This 2-hour tour offers a chance to embark on an exclusive guided journey through 10 tropical ecosystems, including rivers, reefs, rainforests, mangroves, and the Coral Sea. Accompanied by a knowledgeable Wildlife Educator, guests can observe a variety of nocturnal creatures, from rare rainforest animals to large nighttime predators like sharks and rays.

Following the tour, participants can savor a delectable 2-course dinner at Dundee’s Restaurant, surrounded by an aquatic-themed backdrop.

With a 4.7/5 rating based on 31 reviews, this experience is praised for its small group size, informative guides, and educational presentations.

Wheelchair accessible and offering free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is an excellent option for those looking to enjoy Cairns’ marine life and culinary delights.

Read our full review: Cairns: Night at the Aquarium Guided Tour & 2 Course Dinner Review
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Cairns: Guided Twilight Tour With 3-Course Dinner

Visitors seeking an immersive evening in Cairns can embark on the Guided Twilight Tour with 3-Course Dinner. This 3-hour experience offers exclusive after-hours entry to the Cairns Aquarium, where an ecologist-led tour showcases the captivating nocturnal creatures.

Guests can expect to encounter sharks, rays, groupers, and other aquatic life as the sun sets over Tropical North Queensland. Following the guided tour, you will enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner at Dundee’s Restaurant, with a scenic sea life backdrop.

The meal includes dessert, and the drink menu offers a variety of options. Feedback from previous travelers indicates positive experiences with the timing, portion sizes, and overall quality of the dinner.

With an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 89 reviews, this tour is a must-try for those seeking an immersive and memorable dining experience in Cairns. Travelers have praised the knowledge and engagement of the guides, as well as the excellent value for money.

Read our full review: Cairns: Guided Twilight Tour With 3-Course Dinner Review
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The Sum Up

Cairns offers an array of exceptional dinner experiences that allow visitors to enjoy the city’s stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture. From scenic cruises to aquarium tours, these dining options provide memorable experiences that cater to a range of preferences and budgets. Whether seeking a romantic evening or a family-friendly outing, Cairns has the perfect dinner experience to suit any occasion.