EXPERIENCE Cairns’ ONLY Floating Restaurant
Set sail with Spirit of Cairns. Enjoy local flavours, stunning waterfront views, and a dining experience like no other in Cairns, onboard our serene floating restaurant.
Good food and fabulous views with Spirit of Cairns
Forget the ordinary, Cairns! Embark on a culinary odyssey with Spirit of Cairns, a restaurant experience unlike any other. We’re not just about delicious food; we’re about transforming your meal into a waterfront adventure. Unlike traditional restaurants in Cairns, our floating venue offers a one-of-a-kind dinner cruise experience that combines the best of Cairns’ restaurants with breathtaking views of the city’s stunning coastline.
Step aboard our luxury catamaran and prepare for a dining experience like no other. As we set sail on the tranquil waters of Trinity Inlet, you’ll enjoy an evening surrounded by spectacular views, warm tropical breezes, and a sumptuous buffet meal that celebrates the finest flavours of North Queensland.
Our onboard chefs bring the vibrant flavours of North Queensland to life with a carefully curated menu that celebrates local ingredients. As you relax and take in the views, indulge in:
- Delicious buffet dinner with delightful selection of hot and cold dishes featuring seasonal, regional produce.
- Fresh locally sourced seafood, including succulent prawns and oysters.
- Tempting desserts that provide the perfect sweet finish to your meal.
Every dish is expertly prepared to highlight the vibrant, local ingredients that make Cairns a true food lover’s paradise.
Beyond a Restaurant, Spirit of Cairns offers:
Waterfront Dining at Its Best
As a floating Cairns waterfront restaurant, we redefine waterfront dining. Glide past the mangroves, watch the city transition from day to night, and dine under a blanket of stars – the perfect setting for a truly magical night.
Fresh, Locally-Inspired Menu
Our chef-designed buffet menu features the best local produce Cairns has to offer. From freshly caught seafood to premium cuts of meat and delicious vegetarian and vegan options, our seasonal menu caters to a variety of tastes.
A Relaxed and Luxurious Atmosphere
Whether it’s a romantic date, a family celebration, or a corporate gathering, Spirit of Cairns creates the ideal blend of elegance and comfort, making it a standout among fine dining options in Cairns.
Unmatched Views of Cairns
With panoramic views of the Cairns city lights, tropical mangroves, and mountains in the distance, this isn’t just dinner – it’s an experience to remember.
Buffet Dinner Menu
COLD SELECTION
Freshly Baked Dinner Rolls
served with butter
Chef’s selection of fresh salads:
- Potato Salad (GF, V, DF)
- Roasted Pumpkin Salad (GF, V, DF)
- Rocket and Pear Salad (GF, V)
Charcuterie Board (GF, DF, NF)
Selection of local cured and roasted meats
Fresh Local Prawns (GF, DF)
served chilled with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges
Fresh Australian Oysters (GF, DF)
served with a red onion vinaigrette
Australian Smoked Salmon Platter (GF, DF)
served with slices of red onion and cucumber
HOT SELECTION
Salt and Pepper Squid (GF, DF)
served with green goddess sauce and lemon wedges
Spring Rolls
filled with either vegetables, prawns or crocodile meat
Eggplant Parmigiana (VG, GF, DF)
served with vegan cheese and fresh herbs
Garlic Parmesan Potatoes (GF)
Tablelands Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork (GF, DF)
Atherton Chicken Mediterranean (GF, DF)
Lemon Caper Butter Barramundi Fish (GF, DF)
Seafood Marinara Pasta
Tumeric Rice (GF)
DESSERT SELECTION
Lamington Sandwich
Mini Tim Tam Cheesecakes
Freshly-baked Anzac Biscuits
Assorted Mini Tarts
Pannacotta of the week (GF)
Fresh tropical fruits (VG, GF, NF)
Gourmet Gallo cheese board and crackers
Please note all menu items are subject to change without notice. Please contact us when booking with any special dietary requirements. More options for vegans available upon request.
Drinks Menu
Chambord Spritz
Chambord, Craigmoor Cuvée Rosé, freshened with soda water and a dash of raspberry.
Margarita
Espolon Tequila, Cointreau, Triple Sec, fresh, lime juice and sugar syrup (shaken)
Mojito
White Bacardi Rum, fresh lime, mint, soda water, and sugar
Passionfruit Caprioska
Vodka, Passoa Passionfruit Liquor, fresh lime, sugar syrup, passionfruit pulp, and soda water
Pornstar Martini
Vodka, Passoa Passionfruit Liquor, fresh lime, sugar syrup, pineapple juice, and passionfruit pulp
Piña Colada
White Bacardi Rum, Malibu, pineapple juice, coconut cream, sugar syrup, and fresh pineapple
Long Island Iced Tea
Vodka, Tequila, Rum, Gin, Triple Sec, fresh lemon, and a splash of Cola
Espresso Martini
Vodka, Kahlua, Boston Black cold-brew coffee, and sugar syrup
Toblerone
White Creme De Cacao, Baileys, Kahlua, Frangelico, chocolate sauce, and milk
Tropical Bay Breeze
Malibu, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and Grenadine
SPARKLING WINE
Craigmoor Cuvée Rosé
Mudgee, NSW.
Strawberry and red fruit flavours. Creamy texture and refreshing acidity.
Craigmoor Cuvee Brut
Mudgee, NSW
Dry and citrus complemented
Aurelia Prosecco
South East Australia
Dry, fruity with honey notes and a touch of lemon acidity
Piper-Heidsieck Brut NV
Reims, France
Dry, fresh, flowery and fruity.
Moët & Chandon Imperial
Epernay, France
Dry, delicate lime and rose petal notes
WHITE WINE
Wild Oats Sauvignon Blanc
Western Australia
Sweet, fresh, juicy tropical flavour
Wild Oats Chardonnay
Mudgee, NSW
Dry, full-bodied, citrus and melon notes
Giesen Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough, NZ
Tropical fruit aromas with citrus notes
Hentley Farm Riesling
Eden Valley, SA.
Lovely aromas of lemongrass and lime zest complemented by subtle peach notes.
Joseph Chromy Pinot Gris
Tasmania, Australia
Rich texture, with fresh, zesty stone fruit and pear flavours with hints of ginger
Moscato & Rosé
Fiore Pink Moscato
Riverland, SA
Sweet, spritzy, floral and grape flavours.
Ara Single Estate Rosé
Marlborough, NZ
Dry, bright and vibrant fruit tones
RED WINE
Wild Oats Cabernet Merlot
Mudgee, NSW
Dry, tropical fruit tones, ripe, rich acidity
Wild Oats Shiraz
Mudgee, NSW
Plummy tones with notes of fruit and a touch of spice
Pikes ‘The Assemblage’ Shiraz
Clare Valley, SA
Cool aromas of red and blue fruits – a triple threat blend of Shiraz, Mourvèdre and Grenache
Quilty & Gransden Merlot
Orange, NSW.
Elegant and robust. Richly flavoured with violets and cherries.
Bremerton ‘Tamblyn’
Langhorne Creek, SA
Full-bodied blend of Cabernet, Shiraz, Merlot and Malbec.
Ad Hoc ‘Cruel Mistress’ Pinot Noir
Great Southern, WA
Softly textured, fresh and vibrant.
Great Northern Super Crisp
Lager / ABV 2.4% / QLD
Great Northern Original
Lager / ABV 3.5% / QLD
Barrier Reef Brewing
Hazy Lager / ABV 4.2% / CNS
Corona
Lager / ABV 4.5% / Mexico
James Squire One Fifty Lashes
Pale Ale / ABV 5.2% / NSW
Stone & Wood
Pacific Ales / ABV 4.4% / NSW
Strongbow Cider
ABV 4.5%
Vodka
Absolut
Grey Goose
Gin
Tanqueray
Bombay Sapphire
Scotch
Johnny Walker Red
Glenfiddich 12 Yr
Whiskey
Jack Daniels
Canadian Club
Jameson Irish
Tequila
Espolon
1800 Anejo
White Rum
Bacardi
Malibu
Dark Rum
Bundaberg
Mount Gay
Captain Morgan
The Kraken Spiced
Bourbon
Jim Beam
Wild Turkey American Honey
Liqueurs
Baileys
Frangelico
Kahlua
Ouzo
Midori
Sheep Dog
Cointreau
Chambord
Sambuca
MOCKTAILS
Strawberry Nojito Mint
Fresh Strawberries, Fresh Lime, Sugar Syrup, Fresh Mint, Soda Water
Virgin Piña Colada
Fresh Pineapple, Coconut Milk, Sugar Syrup, Pineapple Juice
Virgin Passionfruit Caprioska
Fresh Lime, Passionfruit Pulp, topped with Lemonade
SOFT DRINKS & JUICES
Soft Drinks
Coke, Coke No Sugar, Lemonade, Solo, Ginger Ale
Fruit Juice
Apple, Orange, Pineapple, Cranberry
San Pellegrino Sparkling Mineral Water 750 ml
HOT DRINKS
Coffee
Espresso, Long Black, Cappuccino, Flat White
Tea
Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Peppermint
More Than Just a Meal
Our dinner cruise is not just about the food – it’s a complete sensory experience. Enjoy calm water views, premium cocktails, and attentive service as you create unforgettable memories on the water.
Departing nightly at 6:30 PM from the Cairns Marlin Marina, our dinner cruise offers the perfect way to unwind and reflect on your day in paradise.
Your Waterfront Dining Adventure Awaits
Elevate your dining experience, set sail for an unforgettable adventure, and discover a new level of culinary delight with Cairns’ only floating restaurant. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Spirit of Cairns offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to savour the best of this tropical destination.
Reserve your table today and discover why we’re the go-to choice for those seeking unforgettable waterfront dining in Cairns.
FAQs
Unlike traditional restaurants, Spirit of Cairns offers a unique dining experience on a luxury catamaran, combining exquisite local cuisine with scenic views of Cairns’ stunning coastline. It’s a dining adventure set on the water, with the opportunity to enjoy the city’s breathtaking scenery as you dine.
Our Dinner Cruises operate seven nights a week.
Check-in: 6pm
Departs: 6.30pm
Returns: 9pm
The dinner cruise departs nightly at 6:30 PM from the Cairns Marlin Marina and returns approximately 2.5 hours later.
The buffet menu includes a selection of hot and cold dishes made with seasonal, regional produce. It features fresh seafood, such as prawns and oysters, premium meats, vegetarian options, and a variety of delectable desserts.
The price includes a 2.5-hour cruise, a welcome drink upon boarding, a three-course buffet dinner, live entertainment (on selected nights), and breathtaking views of Cairns’ waterfront.
Yes, the Spirit of Cairns offers vegetarian and vegan options and can cater to specific dietary requirements. Please inform the team at the time of booking so they can accommodate your needs.
Starting at Marlin Marina, Spirit of Cairns takes you on a journey deep into the interior of Trinity Inlet and its winding tributaries. The cruise passes along Cairns’ waterfront and Esplanade precinct, delivering panoramic views of this tropical port city.
Depending on the time of year, our dinner cruises offer stunning views of the sun setting over the rainforest-clad mountains, and the twinkling lights of the city as dusk deepens into night.
Absolutely! The Spirit of Cairns is perfect for romantic dates, family celebrations, corporate events, or group gatherings. Contact the team to arrange bookings for larger parties or special occasions.
Yes, Spirit of Cairns offers exclusive private charters for events such as weddings, corporate functions, and special celebrations. With flexible packages and bespoke service, it’s a fantastic choice for hosting a memorable occasion in Cairns.
Yourself and your smile, for a great evening ahead. We suggest tropical cocktail attire, with a light jacket for the winter months. Footwear is mandatory, with suitable shoes for boating recommended. While this is a calm water cruise, you will find it more comfortable moving around the boat in flat rubber-soled shoes.
Don’t forget to bring cash, or an EFTPOS/credit card for your bar purchases onboard.
Cairns locals receive a 20% discount. Simply call us at 4047 9170 to book. ID required.
Bookings of 20 or more people are considered a group and qualify for a group bookings discount. Contact us for more info about group bookings.
Reservations can be made directly through the Spirit of Cairns website or by contacting their booking team. Early booking is recommended to secure your preferred date.
Reviews
Spent my and my son’s birthday dinner on the Spirit of Cairns with family and friends and can’t think of a better place to enjoy it. Wonderful, friendly service, delicious food and glorious scenery. Thank you for a great time.
