The best places to eat with kids in Cairns and Port Douglas
LIST
By Kim Barnard
Published 14 hours ago
Tropical adventures work up an appetite, and Cairns and Port Douglas are packed with family-friendly restaurants and cafes that make mealtimes both easy and fun. Whether you’re chasing spacious dining with play areas, menus the kids will actually eat, or a relaxed vibe for parents to sip a coffee in peace, these handpicked spots have it all.
From hearty breakfasts to casual lunches and everything in between, these Cairns kid-friendly restaurants and cafes are guaranteed to keep the whole family happy, fed, and ready for your next adventure.
Muddy’s Cafe, Cairns
Muddy's Cafe, Cairns, Tropical North Queensland
Right in the heart of Cairns’ biggest playground and waterpark, Muddy’s Cafe is a go-to for relaxed family dining. The kids’ menu is stacked with favourites - pancakes, cheese toasties, eggs on toast, burgers, nuggets, fish and chips, even a dagwood dog - plus fresh juices and smoothies. Celebrating? There’s a party menu too.
Local tip: Pair your visit with a dip at nearby swimming spots and waterfalls.
Location: 174 Esplanade, Cairns City
Waffle On Cairns
If your kids have a sweet tooth (trick question, right?), Waffle On is guaranteed to win them over. This family-friendly Cairns cafe is famous for its golden, fluffy-yet-crunchy waffles piled high with chocolate, fruit, and ice cream. There are savoury options too, plus plenty of outdoor seating for when you want to soak up the tropical vibes.
Local tip: Grab your waffles to go and enjoy them as a sweet picnic in nearby Fogarty Park.
Location: 64 Shields St, Cairns City
Wharf One Cafe, Cairns
With stunning water views and a menu designed for all ages, Wharf One Cafe is a standout family-friendly restaurant in Cairns. The little people’s menu is packed with options - rostis, fruit bowls, fish and chips - plus babyccinos topped with chocolate, sprinkles, marshmallows and a cookie. Grown-ups can dig into fresh, sustainable dishes made with local, ethical produce (they’re proud members of Plastic Free Cairns).
Local tip: After your meal, let the kids burn off energy at the Fig Tree playground, just a minute’s walk away.
Location: Wharf Street, Northern end of Trinity Wharf, Cairns
Prawn Star, Cairns
Prawn Star, Cairns, Tropical North Queensland
For the freshest seafood with unbeatable views, head to Prawn Star, a floating restaurant moored at Marlin Marina. This unique family-friendly spot dishes up prawns, mud crabs, bugs, oysters and sashimi straight off the trawler. Grab a seat at the share tables, enjoy the salty breeze, and let the kids pretend they’re sailing the high seas while you feast on local seafood.
Local tip: Parents can score a $7 beer to pair with the day’s catch.
Location: Marlin Marina, E Finger, Berth 31, Pier Point Road, Cairns
Dundee’s Restaurant on the Waterfront
With front-row seats to the marina, Dundee’s has been welcoming families since 1986 — and for good reason. Kids can watch the trawlers and boats come and go while parents relax with a glass of wine and a menu brimming with bush tucker flavours and fresh local seafood. Just a heads up: the desserts here are legendary, so chances are the kids (and you) won’t leave without one.
Local tip: Time your meal for sunset and watch the boats return while the sky turns golden.
Location: 1 Marlin Parade, Cairns City
Apex Milk Bar
Serving up old-school charm since the 1960s, this family-friendly Cairns cafe is a go-to when the kids are craving burgers and shakes. Think towering burgers, crispy fish and chips, and thick, drool-worthy milkshakes that hit the spot every time. With relaxed garden seating, it’s the perfect place to soak up the balmy Cairns weather while the whole family tucks in.
Local tip: Don’t skip the loaded fries - they’re a game changer.
Location: 26 Hoare St, Manunda
Ellis Bar and Grill, Ellis Beach
Right across from one of the most beautiful beaches between Cairns and Port Douglas, Ellis Beach Bar and Grill is a relaxed family restaurant serving hearty breakfasts and lunches. The kids’ menu covers classics like waffles, eggs on toast, and fish and chips, while adults can enjoy daily specials and sunset sessions from 3–5pm. With its reclaimed décor and sustainable dining ethos, it’s a feel-good spot all round.
Local tip: Kids eat free pancakes every Saturday morning.
Location: Lot 13 Captain Cook Highway, Ellis Beach
Port Douglas Surf Club
Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas, Tropical North Queensland
With its unbeatable location right on Four Mile Beach, the Port Douglas Surf Club is a favourite for families. The menu blends classics with fresh tropical twists like coral trout tacos, taro chips, steamed pork buns and tempura prawn sushi. Book a table on the deck for sea views, then let the kids burn off energy at the huge enclosed playground right next door.
Local tip: After your meal, stroll Four Mile Beach for family photos under the iconic palm trees.
Location: Corner of Mowbray and the Esplanade, Port Douglas
Curlew Café, Port Douglas
Wildlife Habitat, Port Douglas, Tropical North Queensland
If you want to score serious brownie points with the kids, treat them to Breakfast with the Lorikeets at Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas. Tuck into a hearty buffet breakfast at the Curlew Cafe surrounded by colourful lorikeets, cockatoos and curlews before exploring the sanctuary’s interactive rainforest, wetland and grassland habitats.
Local tip: Bring your camera, the lorikeets aren’t shy and love a family selfie.
Location: Port Douglas Rd, Port Douglas
Want more kid-friendly food options in around Cairns? Here’s a few to keep up your sleeve:
- Gelocchio. 9/93 The Esplanade, Cairns | Come here for the creamy goodness of authentic Italian gelato.
- Rusty’s Market. 57-89 Grafton Street, Cairns | Well-known for their fresh fruit and vegetables, and good value market cafe.
- Mondo’s on the Waterfront. 34 The Esplanade, Cairns | Enjoy casual al fresco dining with waterfront views.
- Palm Cove Surf Club. 135 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove | Half-priced kids meals are on offer Tuesday to Friday from 5pm to 6pm.
- Court House Hotel. Wharf St & Macrossan St, Port Douglas | Classic Queensland pub with bistro serving $10 kids meals.
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