Hungry travelers in Cairns have several excellent dinner tour options that combine good food with memorable experiences. My favorite picks blend scenery with sustenance: The Harbour Dinner Cruise delivers outstanding value with its 2.5-hour catamaran voyage and generous seafood buffet. For something special, the Aquarium Twilight Tour lets you watch fascinating marine life while enjoying dinner in a unique setting.
The Small-Group Afternoon City Tour with dinner cruise is smart planning – you’ll get oriented to Cairns before settling in for a relaxing harbor meal. And for a truly memorable evening, I love the Night at the Aquarium Tour‘s intimate after-hours access paired with a quality two-course dinner.
Let’s look at the top dinner tours worth booking in Cairns…
Key Points
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The Cairns Aquarium by Twilight Tour offers an immersive evening experience with a three-course dinner and educational insights from a guide.
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The Cairns Luxury Catamaran Harbor and Dinner Cruise provides a scenic 2.5-hour voyage with a hot and cold buffet featuring locally-sourced seafood.
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The Small-Group Afternoon Cairns City Tour with Harbour Dinner Cruise includes a local guide, air-conditioned transport, and a buffet dinner with a complimentary drink.
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The Night at the Aquarium Tour & 2 Course Dinner offers a perfect 5.0 rated experience with a 1.5-hour guided night tour and a 2-course dinner at Dundees.
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Cairns offers a variety of dinner tours that emphasize unique settings, local seafood and produce, personalized service, and educational value for travelers.
Cairns Aquarium by Twilight Tour and 3-Course Dinner
Offering special after-hours access, the Cairns Aquarium by Twilight Tour provides an immersive experience for families, couples, nature enthusiasts, and aspiring marine scientists.
With a 4.9 rating from 202 reviews, this tour is recommended by 98% of travelers. Guests can enjoy views of sharks, rays, and tropical fish in the aquarium’s glass viewing tunnel, accompanied by a knowledgeable personal guide.
The tour includes a three-course dinner at Dundee’s Waterfront, though feedback on the dining experience has been mixed. While some found the portions large and unappealing, others praised the dessert and wine selection. The staff’s attentiveness also received varied feedback.
Reviewers highlighted the unique evening experience, which allows for exploration without crowds, and the educational value of the aquarium.
However, some noted concerns about noise from other groups during the tours. The Cairns Aquarium by Twilight Tour offers a memorable and informative encounter with the region’s marine life.
Read our full review: Cairns Aquarium by Twilight Tour and 3-Course Dinner Review
Book now: Check availability
Cairns Luxury Catamaran Harbor and Dinner Cruise
The Cairns Luxury Catamaran Harbor and Dinner Cruise whisks guests away for a scenic 2.5-hour voyage along the picturesque Cairns waterfront. Rated 4.4 from 458 reviews, this luxurious evening experience provides stunning views of the city from the water.
Guests enjoy a complimentary welcome drink upon boarding and can watch the sunset while dining on a freshly prepared hot and cold buffet, featuring locally-sourced seafood and produce. Vegetarian and other dietary options are available with advance notice.
The spacious, air-conditioned vessel can accommodate up to 75 travelers, with strollers required to be collapsible due to boarding and restroom access.
While many guests praise the attentive staff and beautiful scenery, some note noise levels near the bar area and desire more commentary about Cairns during the cruise.
Priced from $85.55 per person with free cancellation, the Cairns Luxury Catamaran Dinner Cruise offers a memorable evening of dining and sightseeing on the Tropical North’s waterfront.
Read our full review: Cairns Luxury Catamaran Harbor and Dinner Cruise Review
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Small-Group Afternoon Cairns City Tour With Harbour Dinner Cruise
This small-group afternoon tour combines a comprehensive Cairns city sightseeing experience with a delightful dinner cruise along the picturesque harbor. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars from 25 reviews, it’s recommended by 96% of travelers and has earned a Badge of Excellence.
The tour includes a local guide, air-conditioned transportation, and a buffet dinner featuring fresh seafood and local produce. Guests will also enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, beer, or soft drink, as well as Devonshire afternoon tea with scones.
The tour highlights the key sights of Cairns, providing interesting historical insights. While some travelers have reported cold food, the overall experience is praised for the great food, friendly staff, and enjoyable atmosphere.
Guests are advised to dress in smart casual attire and bring suitable footwear. With a maximum of 20 travelers, this small-group tour offers a more personalized experience. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and motor scooters and wheelie walkers aren’t permitted.
Flexible payment options and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience add to the convenience.
Read our full review: Small-Group Afternoon Cairns City Tour With Harbour Dinner Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
Night at the Aquarium Tour & 2 Course Dinner
Enjoy the captivating world of marine life with the Night at the Aquarium Tour & 2 Course Dinner. This exclusive after-hours experience in Cairns and the Tropical North, Australia, offers a 1.5-hour guided night tour led by a wildlife educator, followed by a delectable 2-course dinner at the aquatic-themed Dundees restaurant.
With a total of 14 reviews and a perfect 5.0 overall rating, this tour is highly recommended by 100% of travelers. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, allows service animals, and is conveniently located near public transportation, making it accessible for all.
Infant seats are also available, ensuring a comfortable experience for families.
The tour includes exclusive after-hours access to the aquarium, allowing you to explore the fascinating underwater world without the crowds.
The 2-course dinner at Dundees features an entree and main course, providing a delightful culinary experience to complement your aquatic adventure.
Read our full review: Night at the Aquarium Tour & 2 Course Dinner Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
Cairns and the Tropical North offer a variety of dinner tours that allow visitors to experience the region’s natural beauty and cuisine. From aquarium tours with three-course meals to luxury catamaran cruises and city tours with harbor dinners, there’s something to suit every taste. These tours provide a unique and immersive way to enjoy the local flavors and scenery of this stunning part of Australia.