Dine and shop the Cairns way

March 24, 2015 - 3 min read

Is there a better day out that a shopping spree and a big lunch? We didn’t think so. here are our favourite spots across Cairns to grab a bite and do some retail therapy.

Palm Cove Shopping Village

Palm Cove is a lavish shopping area with something for everyone! If you need to pick up a birthday gift or are wanting to buy some cool beach attire before boating out to the Great Barrier reef, Palm Cove is bound to satisfy all of your shopping sense. There is a unique selection of ladies and menswear boutiques scattered along this picturesque esplanade in Palm Cove. Shopping in Palm Cove is like a little island adventure, with an atmosphere that will make you feel like drinking a Piña Colada. Also, while you’re swinging your shopping bags down William’s Esplanade, check out the local art gallery as well as the Tropical Gem Shop filled with some precious gifts for a special someone.
Where: 115-117 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, QLD, 4879

Bella Baci

So it has just hit lunch time in Palm Cove, lug your shopping bags over to Bella Baci a mouthwatering Italian restaurant renowned for their beautifully fresh seafood. Indulge in some of Bella Baci’s amazing garlic prawns or wild barramundi. Located right on William’s Esplanade this is the perfect seaside location to enjoy some fine dining and to polish off your shopping adventures with a white chocolate and strawberry Brulée.
Where: Beach Club, 123 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, QLD, 4879


Cairns Central 

Jam-packed with over 180 speciality stores and retailers, Cairns central in the largest shopping centre in Far North Queensland. So if you’re no quite sure what you’re looking for, Cairns Central is the place for you! You can find all of the major chain stores here, which have everything from homewares to the latest technological products. At Cairns central you will find brands from all over the world. You can even pick up groceries on your way out with all of the major supermarkets there open until 9pm every night of the week.
Where: Corner of Mcleod and Spence Street, Cairns, QLD, 4870

Tosca Trattoria Bar & Pizzaria 

The rustic decor and amazing pizza aromas at Tosca Trattoria Bar and Pizzaria will make your appetite skyrocket. Take a break from the 180 stores in Cairns Central and perk up with some carbs at Tosca Trattoria Bar and Pizzaria. This Italian food is the real deal, with recipes straight from the Italian countryside. This local favourite is conveniently located upstairs in the centre and it’s licensed too, so have a glass of wine and recuperate from all that retail therapy for a little while. They have an adorable children’s menu as well, and they accept bookings if you want to celebrate with a large group of friends for a special occasion.
Where: 127-145 Cairns Central McLeod Street, Cairns, QLD, 4870


The Pier

This shopping destination is in the prime location, overlooking Trinity Bay and Marlin Marina and just a teeny walk from the international Reef Fleet Terminal. Unlike other shopping precincts in Cairns, The Pier has an abundance of clothing and jewellery from local fashion labels. This is an extremely happening hub flourishing with beauty salons, speciality shoe stores and even adjoins a major event centre. The Pier is also a bustling business precinct enclosed with a number of professional offices and fine dining establishments.
Where: Pier Point Road, Cairns, QLD, 4870

Linga Longa International Restaurant & Tapas Bar 

If you want to experience some cuisine with inroads from nearly every continent in the world, Linga Longa International Restaurant and Tapas Bar has a refreshing menu that has been specifically designed to reflect the abundant heritage of owner Ellie. The menu’s authenticity and combination of flavours make it the perfect restaurant to visit before or after a major shopping expedition at The Pier.  It compiles a tasteful combination of Australian, Greek, South African and European/American dishes. If you want to maximise on taste, visit Linga Longa as they source only the freshest local ingredients to produce gourmet artwork on their plates. If you’re wanting to feast your eyes while you fill you belly, Linga Longa International Restaurant and Tapas Bar is a modern designer restaurant with outdoor and indoor dining options.
Where: 120 Collins Avenue, Cairns, QLD 4870