Planning a night out in Cairns and want to combine fun, convenience, and a bit of local flair? The Cairns Party Bus Pub Crawl might just be your ticket. This well-established tour, run by Ultimate Party Bus, has been a favorite among both locals and visitors for over 24 years, promising a lively, social evening that hits the highlights of Cairns’ buzzing pub scene.
What we love about this experience is its organized yet relaxed vibe, the unique double-decker party bus, and the fact that it’s specially designed for celebrations like birthdays or hens and bucks parties. Plus, with five bars and five drinks included, it offers genuine value for money. That said, one consideration is that some guests mention staff occasionally seem less approachable, which could impact the overall atmosphere. Still, if you’re after a structured, fun night out with friends in Cairns, this tour offers a solid, enjoyable option.
This pub crawl suits groups looking for a social, no-fuss way to explore Cairns’ nightlife while enjoying some drinks and great company. It’s especially ideal for special occasions or travelers new to the city who want a guided, lively experience.
Key Points
- Longstanding reputation: Over 24 years of hosting memorable pub crawls in Cairns.
- All-in-one night: Visit 5 of Cairns’ top bars and clubs in one evening.
- Double-decker party bus: Offers a fun, distinctive way to travel between venues.
- Included drinks & discounts: Five drinks included, plus venue vouchers for extra savings.
- Value for money: At approximately $44 AUD, it packs in a lot for the price.
- Suitable for celebrations: Perfect for birthdays, hens, or bucks parties.
An Overview of the Experience
The Cairns Party Bus Pub Crawl is designed to give you a lively, hassle-free way to sample Cairns’ nightlife. It runs every Friday and Saturday night, making it a reliable choice no matter when you visit. For around 5 hours, you’ll hop between five bars, capped off with a lively finale at Giligans, one of Cairns’ most well-known nightlife spots.
What makes this tour stand out is the double-decker party bus—a classic for creating a fun, party atmosphere on wheels. Unlike typical pub crawls where transport can be a mundane chore, this bus adds a playful element, giving you a chance to mingle and enjoy the views along the way.
The tour starts at The Pier Bar, located conveniently in Cairns City near public transportation options. From there, the itinerary includes visits to some of Cairns’ most popular pubs and bars, climaxing at Giligans, a favorite nightlife hub for locals and travelers alike.
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What to Expect on the Itinerary
Stop 1: The Pier Bar
Your night kicks off at The Pier Bar, a lively venue in the heart of Cairns. It’s a great place to gather and get into the party spirit. Expect an energetic environment with friendly staff and a decent selection of drinks—an ideal starting point. From here, you’ll board the double-decker bus for the first of several stops.
Visiting 5 Bars and Clubs
Throughout the evening, you’ll visit a total of five bars and pubs. While the specific venues may vary, reviewers mention some favorites, like Mexicairns, a newer bar that offers games such as table tennis, adding a touch of entertainment outside of drinks.
One reviewer pointed out that most staff are fun and engaging, though some found the staff less approachable, which can sometimes affect the atmosphere. Still, the overall vibe remains upbeat, and the opportunity to explore several venues in one night is a major plus.
End at Giligans
The night wraps up at Giligans, a mainstay of Cairns’ party scene. This spot is known for its lively environment, making it an excellent place to dance, chat, and celebrate the night’s end. The finale is designed to be high-energy, leaving guests with memorable stories and new friends.
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Transportation: The Double-Decker Party Bus
The double-decker bus is arguably the highlight of the experience. It offers a fun, open-air environment that keeps the energy high as you move from one venue to another. The bus is large enough to accommodate up to 150 travelers, ensuring a lively, social atmosphere.
The roughly one-hour journey between stops gives plenty of time to chat, take photos, and enjoy the views of Cairns at night. Having all transportation organized takes away the hassle of navigating the city’s nightlife on your own, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Cairns.
Drinks, Vouchers, and Value
For $43.85 per person, this tour offers excellent value for a night that includes five drinks, with the possibility of more at the venues thanks to discount vouchers. The inclusion of these vouchers can significantly cut down your spending, especially if you plan to indulge a bit.
Guests have noted that the overall experience is “great value for money”, especially considering the length of the tour and the number of venues visited. With most guests booked about 22 days in advance, there’s a good indication of its popularity and perceived worth among travelers.
Authentic Feedback and Insights
While reviews are generally positive, some points are worth noting. One guest appreciated the “great group of people” on their night, which can heavily influence the experience. Conversely, another review mentioned that staff, excluding the photographer, were not always approachable, which might impact your social interactions.
A particular highlight was how the staff went out of their way to make a birthday celebration special, with one reviewer expressing gratitude for the “amazing 18th birthday” their daughter had, thanks to the efforts of Dylan and Scarlet, the staff members. This shows that the tour can be tailored for special occasions when staff are in good spirits.
Practical Details
- Duration: Approximately 5 hours, providing enough time to enjoy multiple venues without feeling rushed.
- Meeting Point: The Pier Bar, located conveniently in Cairns City.
- End Location: Gilligan’s, a well-known nightlife hotspot.
- Booking: Most travelers book about three weeks in advance, indicating it’s a popular choice.
- Age & Group Size: Suitable for most travelers and capable of handling up to 150 guests, which keeps the atmosphere lively but not overcrowded.
- Weather Considerations: The experience is weather-dependent; if canceled due to rain, a full refund or alternative date is offered.
- Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it flexible for travelers’ plans.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
The Cairns Party Bus Pub Crawl is best suited for groups of friends or celebrations wanting a fun, social night out with minimal planning. It’s ideal for those keen to explore multiple venues without the hassle of organizing transport or paying multiple entry fees.
Travelers celebrating special occasions like birthdays, hens, or bucks parties will find it particularly convenient and memorable. Its lively atmosphere and included drinks make it a good choice for party-goers wanting to maximize their night.
However, if you’re seeking a more intimate or sophisticated evening, this tour might feel too energetic or casual. The focus is on fun, social interaction, and a lively party vibe — perfect for those who want to let loose.
Final Thoughts
The Cairns Party Bus Pub Crawl offers a cost-effective, lively way to experience Cairns’ nightlife, especially if you’re in a group looking to socialize, celebrate, or simply enjoy a hassle-free night out. The double-decker bus adds a fun twist, making the journey between bars part of the adventure rather than a chore.
The included drinks, venue discounts, and the chance to visit five popular spots make this tour a good value, especially for those who prioritize a social atmosphere over a quiet evening. The experience’s longevity and positive reviews suggest it’s a trusted choice for many travelers seeking a memorable night in Cairns.
If you’re after an energetic, well-organized, and social night out, this pub crawl could be just what you need. It’s suitable for most travelers, particularly groups celebrating something special or those new to Cairns’ nightlife scene.
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for all ages? Yes, most travelers can participate, but it’s primarily geared toward adults enjoying a night of social drinking.
What’s included in the price? The tour includes five drinks and discount vouchers for venues around Cairns. Additional drinks and entertainment at venues are up to you.
How far in advance should I book? Most travelers book about 22 days in advance, as the tour is quite popular.
Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience.
What’s the start and end point? It begins at The Pier Bar and finishes at Gilligan’s Bar, both centrally located in Cairns.
What’s the duration of the tour? Around 5 hours, including travel time, bar visits, and the finale.
Is the transportation comfortable? The double-decker bus is designed for fun and socializing, with capacity for up to 150 guests.
Are staff members friendly? Feedback varies; most guests found staff to be fun, though some noted staff could be less approachable at times.
Can I customize the experience? The tour is organized as a group experience, but staff are accommodating, especially for special occasions like birthdays.
Overall, the Cairns Party Bus Pub Crawl is a lively, well-established way to enjoy Cairns’ nightlife without the fuss. Its combination of good value, fun transportation, and multiple venue visits makes it a solid choice for a memorable night out.
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