The best coffee shops in Cairns and Port Douglas
Where to get caffeinated in Queensland’s north.
By Leah Dobihal
Cairns and Port Douglas are full of outdoor adventure – so there’s no doubt you’ll need a cup of coffee to keep you fuelled. Luckily, you don’t have to look far for a great brew in these tropical cities.
Caffiend Café
Caffiend Café, Cairns, Queensland © Tourism Tropical North Queensland
Where: 72 Grafton Street, Cairns
Boasting some of the best coffee in Queensland, Caffiend is a go-to for both locals and visitors. The café’s philosophy is simple: give customers great coffee, delicious food and friendly service. Order a black, white or filter coffee, and check out the menu of dishes like chilli eggs, salmon and beetroot toast and slow-roasted pumpkin on ciabatta.
Sparrow Coffee
When to go
If you’re after a holiday with fewer crowds, visit Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef when summer ends, between April and September.
Where: 39 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
Located on the main strip of Port Douglas, Sparrow Coffee is always buzzing. There’s a reason people come back again and again – the coffee is high quality and the staff is always smiling. Grab a takeaway coffee and take a walk to the beautiful Trinity Bay Lookout.
Merchant Artisan Food & Coffee
Where: 35-41 Wharf St, Cairns
Merchant Artisan Food & Coffee is located conveniently within The Reef Hotel Casino. The café offers delicious coffee alongside house-made treats, but perhaps the biggest drawcard is the large deck with views out over the water. Grab a table outside and soak up Cairns’ warm, sunny weather.
The Little Larder
The Little Larder, Port Douglas, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland/Andrew Watson
Where: 17/53-61 Macrossan St, Port Douglas
One of the most popular cafés in Port Douglas is The Little Larder. And it’s no surprise, with a mouth-watering menu of coffee, smoothies, nourishing bowls and even breakfast tacos. The café accepts walk-ins only (no bookings), so arrive a bit early.
Annee’s Caphe Sua Da
Where: 57/89 Grafton St, Cairns
At Annee’s Caphe Sua Da, you’ll find coffee perfect for Cairns’ warm weather: Vietnamese iced coffee. Skilful brewers vigorously shake together Vietnamese coffee and ice before combining it with deliciously sweet condensed milk. It’s an intricate process that’s worth the wait. Grabbing on the go? Be sure to order a bagel to bring with you.
St Crispins Café
Where: 9 St Crispins Ave, Port Douglas
If you’re looking for coffee with a view, head to St Crispins Café. Located along the iconic Bally Hooley railway system, you’ll get to sip your morning brew overlooking the majestic Daintree Ranges and the lawns of the Mirage Country Club golf course. All-day dining means you can stop by this slice of paradise anytime.
The Chamber Room
The Chamber Room, Cairns, Queensland © Tourism Tropical North Queensland
Where: Suite 43 Village Lane, 47 Lake Street, Cairns
The team at The Chamber Room would not call their establishment a ‘café’. Rather, The Chamber is a speciality espresso and brew bar honouring the flavours of coffee, tea and chocolate. The baristas here are serious about keeping coffee true to its roots; the only sweetener offered is panela – unrefined whole sugar cane.
Sipping Duck Café
Where: 29 Johnston St, Stratford & 15/223 Hartley St, Portsmith
Sipping Duck Café is one of Cairns’ most charming coffee shops. Co-owner and barista Erik Ruelin is an artist, and if you’re lucky, you might see his art come to life within the foam of your coffee. Find Sipping Duck in two Cairns locations: one near the airport and one in the neighbourhood of Portsmith.
