Coffee lover visiting Cairns? Currently living in Cairns and wondering where you can go to get work done? Well you’ve come to the right place. I spent a couple months in Cairns and know all the ins and outs of the best coffee in town as well as places with outlets and strong wifi. Read on for the best cafes in Cairns.
So if you know me, or have been following me for some time, you know I am OBSESSED with coffee in Australia. The Australians have a real passion and flare for the art of coffee and it shows. Walking the streets of Sydney or Melbourne, you will be overwhelmed with stylish coffee shops, serving up impeccable espresso options. Cairns is undeniably less stylish, but don’t let that fool you, there are some amazing coffee shops to be discovered, and I’ve outlined the best cafes in Cairns for you here.
The Best Cafes In Cairns for Coffee Lovers
Blackbird Espresso
Blackbird is my absolute favorite coffee shop in Cairns. If you’re looking for the best espresso in town, this is the place. Trained in the Melbourne tradition, the baristas at Blackbird know what they’re doing. The milk is always steamed to frothy, creamy perfection and the flavor is outstanding. Not to mention, the baristas are real artists of sorts, making beautiful art on each cup.
This is a great place for a morning coffee, to sit and relax, and to get work done. (I spent way too much time here). They even have a couple outlets at the table in the back! If you’ve ever tried to do some work outside of your house in Cairns, you know these can be hard to come by in this town.
Oceana Walk Arcade, 13/62 Grafton St, Cairns City QLD 4870
Mon- Fri 7am-4pm, Sat 7:30am-3pm, Sun 8:30am-12:30pm
Looking for other things to do around Cairns City? Check out my guide to what to eat, drink and do, here.
Annee’s Caphe
This one is special, they need one of these in every city. Annee’s specializes in iced Vietnamese coffee, YUM. If you have never had Vietnamese coffee, you’re really missing out. Traditionally, it will be brought to your table while still brewing, with a side of condensed milk to mix in when it’s ready. It is decadent and to DIE for. The combination of the strong coffee with the sweetness of the milk- it’s everything.
At Annee’s, definitely one of the best cafes in Cairns, they took the traditional idea and turned it into a modern, convenient iced version. Perfect for on the go. Are you dairy free? No worries, Annee’s offers a coconut condensed milk option that is equally as delicious. (Plus other non-condensed milks of course.) Not to mention, plenty of other creative drinks, including caffeine-free alternatives for the kids or non-coffee drinkers of the group.
Annee’s is located “inside” Rusty’s Markets and gets very busy on the weekends. There is seating but no wifi or outlets so don’t plan to come here to work done, but DO come for the coffee- it’s one of a kind.
57-89 Grafton St, Cairns City QLD 4870
Wed- Thu 6:30am-2pm, Fri 6:30am- 3pm, Sat- Sun 7am-3pm, Mon- Tue CLOSED
MiPiace
Down on Sheridan Street, right across from Munro Martin Parklands, you might stumble in to this chic spot. If not, I recommend you seek it out. Mi Piace in Italian means “I like it” and I have to say- I like it. The design is charming and the staff are SO friendly. You instantly feel welcome at this Cairns cafe.
I also recommend saving room for breakfast or a pastry here. The brekkie is on point. Made from fresh, local produce with a creative, Italian flare, the food is delicious and doesn’t weigh you down. They also offer traditional Aussie scones with with jam and cream- if you have not tried this in Australia yet, I HIGHLY recommend it. (If you’re American like me, FYI, scones in Australia are like sweet biscuits. And they are insane.)
This is also a nice place to get work done as they have Wifi and the corner table inside has outlets nearby. Plus the staff is friendly about you sticking around for a little to get some things done. 😉
119 Sheridan Street Cairns, QLD 4870
Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat 7am-1pm, Sun CLOSED
If you’re sticking around the area, consider taking a day trip to Kuranda or create your own DIY waterfall tour through the stunning nearby Tablelands!
And Co. Coffee
I have to add this one on here for the experience and atmosphere alone. You can get a great cup of jo as well 😉 And Co. can be found in a renovated space right outside of town, shared with the adorable Succuliving plant shop.
This is one of those spots you would likely not find while just visiting. It keeps a low profile and although it is very close (walkable from town) it is on the other side of Cairns Central on an otherwise solely residential street. Let’s say it takes a little insider knowledge 😉
If you love charming little spots with welcoming and friendly owners, this is your spot. Every time we went here, we ended up sticking around talking to Phil, the owner, and other people who frequent the shop. Its a great place to hang and have interesting conversation. Oh, and buy some plants if you’re in the market 😉
Update: Photos above are from the original space, they have since moved to a slightly larger space – although still within walking distance and appears equally as charming – at 189 Bunda St, Paramatta Park, QLD 4870
Mon, Tue, Thur, Sun 7am-3pm, Wed & Fri 7am-11am, Sat CLOSED
Wharf One Cafe
Location, location, location. Situated right on the marina, Wharf One is one of a kind. It is more than just a coffee shop, serving up coffee, breakfast, lunch, and drinks! The open air design and breathtaking views make for a lovely place to start your day or stop for something to eat. Plus if you’re ready to get the afternoon started, you can pop right next door to Hemingway’s Brewery for a tasty beer or two.
Northern end of Trinity Wharf, Wharf Street Cairns, QLD 4870
Mon-Sun 7am-5pm
Woodward Street Bakery
Alright so this one is a little out of town, but still one of the best cafes in Cairns, located in the stunning neighborhood of Edge Hill. Easiest to access by car, you can also take the bus to get out to this part of town. If you make it over here, you MUST stop here for a coffee or pastry. Not to mention, the whole area is so charming with beautiful palm-lined streets and unique houses.
216 Woodward St, Whitfield, QLD 4870
Mon CLOSED, Tue-Fri 6:30am-2pm, Sat-Sun 7am-1:30pm
Another fun fact for you coffee lovers, this region is where most Australian coffee is grown. About an hour outside of Cairns, you will find the Atherton Tablelands, home to Australia’s largest coffee farms. I highly suggest you check out this region- there’s an amazing food tour that takes you through the Tablelands and lets you try the local food, wine and coffee. It’s a MUST.
There you have it, the best cafes in Cairns. It can be hard to find when you only have a couple days, so now you know the BEST places to go. Enjoy! If you check them out, let me know what you think- drop a message below or shoot me an email at hannah@badtourist.co 🙂
Love ya,
Hannah
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