Cairns has an extraordinarily lively, though in some places slightly unrefined, nightlife. Many of the venues form a ‘strip' along Spence Street, and in general, entertainment on offer here will be wilder than elsewhere. For more information, check out www.canz.com.au

Bars: The Metbar, 15 Spence Street, is a stylish bar with quality drinks. The Mad Cow Tavern, 25-27 Spence St, is a great place for a funky night out and the swanky Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort, between Sheridan and Grafton Streets, has a huge open air beer hall, as well as a mezzanine bar with a 24 hour licence. The Woolshed, 24 Shields Street, is popular with backpackers and local youths. So is the Met Bar, 15 Spence Street.

Clubs: Tropos, corner of Lake and Spence Streets (website: www.troposnightclub.com) has a troupe of dancers and a unique daiquiri bar on the balcony. Soho Nightclub, level two, 59 Shields Street (website: www.sohonightclub.com) showcases massive international acts and DJs, while Velvet Underground at the Reef Hotel Casino, 38-41 Wharf Street (website: www.thevelvetrope.com.au), is the home of dance in Cairns, playing anything from funky house, to tough electro and rough breaks.

Live Music: The legendary Johno's Blues Bar, corner of Abbott and Aplin Streets, (website: www.cairns.net.au/~pedro/johnos) has live music from blues and rock performers every night. The Brothers Leagues Club, 99-105 Anderson St, Manunda (website: www.brotherscairns.com.au) has regular music from breakthrough bands and top tribute acts. The Edge Hill Tavern, 145-147 Pease Street (website: www.edgehilltavern.com.au) has live music from local bands.