If you’re heading to Cairns and want to experience its nightlife without the hassle of planning each stop, the Cairns Pub & Club Tour might be just what you’re after. Promising a night full of drinks, dancing, and new friends, this tour has earned glowing reviews and a perfect rating from past participants. We’ve taken a close look at what it offers, so you can decide if it’s a good fit for your trip.
What stands out most about this experience are the well-organized itinerary that covers a mix of pubs and dance clubs, and the value-packed perks like free drinks and cover charges included. Plus, the tour’s energetic guides handle the logistics, giving you more time to enjoy the night. One thing to keep in mind is that it runs mostly on Friday and Saturday nights, so plan accordingly if that’s your preferred night out.
This tour is especially suited for those who want a lively, social vibe—whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or even looking to meet a few people along the way. It’s not strictly a family affair, but for anyone comfortable with a night of drinking and dancing, it offers a fun, hassle-free way to explore Cairns’ nightlife scene.
- Key Points
- Starting at The Jack Hotel & Backpackers
- Moving to The Woolshed: Games and Dancing
- P.J. O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Live Music
- The Grand Finale at Gilligan’s Bar
- Practicalities and Meeting Details
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Key Points

- All-in-one night out: Cover charges, drink discounts, and free drinks make it straightforward and budget-friendly.
- Variety of venues: From pubs to dance clubs, you’re getting a taste of Cairns’ nightlife diversity.
- Fun hosts and lively atmosphere: Guides are high-energy, keeping the night flowing smoothly.
- Inclusive for solo travelers: Many reviews mention making new friends, making it great for those traveling alone.
- Limited dinner options: You can find discounted dinners at the first venue but should plan for additional expenses if you want a full meal.
- Duration flexibility: The tour lasts roughly 3 to 7 hours, so it can be a short or longer night depending on your vibe.
Starting at The Jack Hotel & Backpackers

The night kicks off at The Jack Hotel, a friendly place where travelers gather, and everyone gets introduced to the evening’s plan. The tour begins around 7:30 pm, perfect for those who want to ease into the night. Here, you’ll meet other participants and can take advantage of some discounted dinner options if you’re hungry. The initial vibe is relaxed but buzzing, setting the scene for a fun night ahead.
Past guests have appreciated the ease of starting here, noting that it’s a good way to connect with fellow travelers. One reviewer mentioned, “Great discounted dinner options also available here,” which hints that this place is also a solid spot for a meal before hitting the bars.
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Moving to The Woolshed: Games and Dancing

Next up is The Woolshed, a lively venue known for its fun atmosphere. Here, you’re encouraged to join in games or just dance your heart out. The included admission covers the cover charge, so there’s no hassle or surprise costs. The venue’s vibe is energetic, and many guests have enjoyed the chance to blow off steam.
According to reviews, the hosts keep everyone entertained with games and music, making it an ideal place to loosen up and socialize. One guest said, “Join in the fun & games or just get your dancing grooves on,” capturing the spirit of this spot.
P.J. O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Live Music
The third stop is P.J. O’Brien’s Irish Pub, a favorite among past participants for its live music nights. On Fridays and Saturdays, Cairns’ top bands perform here, giving you a lively musical backdrop for your evening. On Wednesdays, they host Cairns’ only karaoke night, starting at 10 pm, which could be a fun surprise if you’re into singing.
The pub offers cover charges included in the tour, and you’re treated to a free drink upon arrival—an appreciated perk that adds value. One reviewer noted, “You get really good discounts and free drinks at every bar,” highlighting how well the tour manages to keep costs down while maximizing fun.
The Grand Finale at Gilligan’s Bar

The tour culminates at Gilligan’s Bar, the biggest and most energetic venue on the itinerary. With three different dancing areas, this is where the night truly heats up. Many reviews rave about the lively atmosphere and the guide’s knack for moving the group seamlessly from one spot to another.
Guests mention that this final venue is a perfect place to dance the night away and finish the evening on a high note. One reviewer called it “the best pub crawl I’ve done,” emphasizing the memorable experience and the friendly vibe.
The tour’s pricing at $35.86 per person offers strong value, especially considering what’s included:
- One free drink at each venue (valued at around $60 overall)
- Discount drinks all night (roughly $35 savings based on two drinks per bar)
- All cover charges paid for (worth about $40)
- Fun games and live entertainment
- High-energy hosts who keep the night organized and lively
For the extra expenses, you’ll need to cover additional drinks beyond the free ones and any food beyond the initial discounted options. The tour does not include dinner, but there are affordable options starting from just $10.
Cairns Pub & Club Tour
“Was such a great night out spent making new friends and dancing the night away, would definitely recommend this when visiting Cairns”
Practicalities and Meeting Details

You’ll meet at The Jack Hotel & Backpackers on Sheridan St at 7:30 pm, and the tour ends at Gilligan’s Bar. This makes it convenient if you’re staying nearby or using public transportation. The tour is capped at 100 travelers, ensuring a lively but manageable group.
The reviews paint a pretty clear picture of what to expect. Many loved the organized vibe, the great value, and, most of all, the fun guides who keep things moving and make everyone feel included. One guest described it as “a great night out spent making new friends and dancing the night away,” which pretty much sums up the experience.
Not everyone had perfect experiences, though. One reviewer mentioned a situation where a fellow participant was knocked unconscious and expressed concerns about the guide’s response. While this was an isolated incident, it’s a reminder to stay aware and look out for your group and friends.
The tour seems well-loved for its social atmosphere, value for money, and smooth organization.
If you’re someone who enjoys lively nights out, meeting new people, and wants to experience Cairns’ nightlife without the hassle of planning, this tour hits the mark. It’s particularly suitable for solo travelers or groups eager to make friends while enjoying drinks and music.
It’s not a formal or sedate experience—think dancing, games, and fun—but not necessarily tailored for those looking for a quiet or family-friendly evening. It’s best for 18+ travelers comfortable with drinking and dancing into the early hours.
The Cairns Pub & Club Tour offers a straightforward, enjoyable way to experience the city’s nightlife scene. For a reasonable price, you get a curated night out with free drinks, cover charges, and a guide who knows how to keep the energy high. Past guests consistently praise the smooth organization, the lively atmosphere, and the chance to socialize with like-minded travelers.
If you’re in Cairns and want a hassle-free night packed with fun, this tour is worth considering. It’s especially perfect if you love music, dancing, and making new friends on your travels. Just remember, it’s an energetic night out—so come prepared to enjoy yourself and stay safe.
Is this tour suitable for solo travelers? Yes, many reviews mention making friends and enjoying the company of fellow solo travelers, making it a great way to socialize.
What’s the starting point and time? You meet at The Jack Hotel & Backpackers on Sheridan St at 7:30 pm, and the tour ends at Gilligan’s Bar.
How long does the tour last? The duration varies from about 3 to 7 hours, depending on how long you want to stay and party.
Are drinks included? Yes, you get one free drink at each venue, plus discounts on additional drinks all night.
Are cover charges included? Absolutely, all venue entry fees are covered, so no surprise expenses there.
Can I join if I’m not a big drinker? While drinks are part of the experience, there’s still plenty of fun with games and dancing, so it’s suitable for those who prefer lighter drinking.
Is dinner included? No, dinner isn’t included, but there are affordable options available at the first stop.
What’s the maximum group size? Up to 100 travelers can join, which keeps things lively but manageable.
What if I need to cancel? You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour starts for a full refund.
All in all, this Cairns pub and club tour offers a lively, well-organized night out that many travelers rave about. Whether you’re traveling alone or with friends, if you’re after a fun, social evening with good value, it’s definitely worth considering.
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