Cairns venues

Create a memorable outdoor event surrounded by the reef and lush rainforest that Cairns is famous for.

Head into the city centre and you will find a range of great venues for larger groups, including a convention centre that was named the world’s best.

From out to sea, to the mainland

For a truly Australian event venue, consider the Sunlover Reef Cruises Arlington Reef Pontoon - the first dedicated event space on the Great Barrier Reef and just a 90-minute high-speed cruise ride from Cairns’ city centre. The pontoon has capacity for 300 people for a cocktail function, and offers flexibility to curate a special experience with a DJ or band as well as activities available for guests to enjoy. 

Back on dry land, Hemingway’s Brewery Cairns Wharf provides an option for those looking for a space near the water. Hemingway’s private function space and courtyard has capacity for 300 guests cocktail style. Alternatively, for larger scale events the whole venue can be booked, catering to 800 guests or 1,000 with an outdoor extension permit. 

If you’re looking to incorporate Australian wildlife into your event, The Wildlife Habitat features secluded venue space for small groups. Located in the nearby Port Douglas, the native Australian animal sanctuary can host a private dinner for 40 guests with animal interaction options available.

Or just one hour’s drive north of Cairns, host a dinner for up to 850 people under hand-strung crystal chandeliers at Flames of the Forest. The award-winning venue is hidden in one of the oldest rainforests on earth and showcases a tropic inspired menu.  

Meet at the world’s best

Located in the heart of Cairns, the Cairns Convention Centre is an award-winning venue for conferences and large scale business events.

With 35 separate event spaces across three levels, there is a space suitable for every event. The Centre can accommodate up to 5,000 people for a theatre-style event, 1,300 for a gala dinner or 1,800 people cocktail-style. 

In 2023 the Centre completed an A$176 million expansion and refurbishment, including a large undercover forecourt, additional lecture space, meeting rooms and multi-functional spaces, and external decks with spectacular views over Trinity Inlet.