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Where Can I Get The Best Breakfast In Cairns?

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Roma Doonga
Updated Sat 20 Apr 2024

Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet pastry or fancy going large and having a full and hearty breakfast, you will be spoilt for choice in Cairns with flavours that will awaken your taste buds. Or try some incredible coffee in Cairns if that caffeine hit is essential to your morning. There’s something for everyone big and small, for the healthy and the sweet, for family and friends. Here’s our selection of the best breakfasts you can find in Cairns City. Let’s dig in!

waitress holding two breakfast meals at Blu Marlin Bistro


Top Three Overall Best Places To Get Breakfast In Cairns

There are so many factors that make up a good breakfast. We have chosen the top three places to eat breakfast in Cairns based on, location, views, variety of menu options, experience and customer service. It was hard to narrow it down, but our local team of foodies have eaten their way down to the top 3 breakfast spots in Cairns

breakfast flat lay with eggs, hash browns, avo toast


The Lillipad Cafe

We just had to include our favourite, The Lillipad Cafe, in our top three best places to get a good breakfast in Cairns. Located just outside Rusty’s market, this cafe will have you mingling with the locals and enjoying delicious plates. It’s our favourite for its friendly charm and food inspired from around the world. The menu is extensive, you have plenty of choices for your kids, and it caters to any dietary requirements. This breakfast in Cairns is also available for takeaway on Uber Eats. Let the breakfast come to you and enjoy the incredible tastes your way!

The Chambers

The most insta-worthy cafe in Cairns, The Chambers, has an inside-outside aesthetic and is located on the corner of Spence and Lake Street. It is a former 1920’s bank with enormous arching windows, allowing for plenty of natural light if you do decide to sit indoors. For a Sunday brunch, The Chambers is the best place for brunch in Cairns and even offers a bottomless brunch. The menu is plentiful and presented beautifully. So, why not, treat yourself to a fresh juice made from local produce or a coffee made to your taste, alongside a wonderful breakfast?

Rusty’s Market

Immerse yourself in the amazing and tropical local produce of Rusty’s market. The freshest breakfast in our top three, Rusty’s market has an array of colourful fruits and veg, where you can pick up something to eat whilst browsing the 180 stalls. We usually start our morning by picking up a coffee from Billys, and an acai bowl from The Cold Bowl, followed by a coconut meal served in a shell from The Grateful Coconut as a final dessert. Head to Rusty’s Market for a memorable, fresh and delicious way to start your day. And, if you’re wise with your budget, breakfast at Rusty’s market is the perfect good and cheap breakfast in Cairns.

Two girls infront of fruit at Rusty's Market


Best Places For Breakfast On The Cairns Esplanade

Bang & Grind

Located just a step from the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon on Shields Street, Bang & Grind offers a delicious blend of finely roasted coffee and incredible all day breakfast options catering to all tastes with a large vegetarian and gluten free menu range. Known for its friendly service and relaxed atmosphere, this cafe is a popular choice for locals and tourists alike. The Mango Magic Smoothie is fan favourite, along with the Smashed Avo served with Poached Eggs! Whether you're craving a hearty breakfast or a reviving brew of coffee while soaking in the tropical atmosphere, Bang & Grind Cafe is a cracka choice for breakfast in Cairns. 

Bang & Grind Cafe


Guyala

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Cairns City centre is a trendy cafe and breakfast spot, North of Cairns Esplanade. Guyala (pronounced ‘goo-ya-la”) has views of the ocean, and a menu inspired by local and indigenous ingredients. For a more thoughtful dining experience, Guyala is inspiring, inclusive and healthy and that is why we have placed it as the best breakfast on the Cairns esplanade. This restaurant also has incredible coffee, locally roasted by Tattooed Sailor’s brew.

latte art swan


Best Breakfast For Families In Cairns City


Muddy’s Cafe

Along the Esplanade you’ll find another local favourite: Muddy’s cafe. This family-friendly spot is a great location boasting ocean views and a perfect spot for parents to eat breakfast and relax, whilst their kids play in the playgrounds out front. It’s a delight to lay under the palm trees and sip on a cold drink, so grab one of the 16 juices and smoothies available at Muddy’s Cafe and chill out!

close up eggs benedict with hash browns


Best Breakfast On The Cairns Waterfront


Blu Marlin Bistro

Directly outside The Reef Fleet Terminal, you’ll find Blu Marlin Bistro! The best breakfast on the Cairns waterfront looking over the Trinity inlet, Blu Marlin is the perfect stop pre-tour breaky stop before a dazzling day on the reef! The food is plentiful and the coffee is strong and always served with a smile. It’s wheelchair accessible and dog-friendly too! Blu Marlin Bistro also serves all day breakfast, so even if you’ve had a late start to the day, you don’t need to skip the most important meal.

Family outside restaurant on the waterfront


Continue your foodie holiday with our local food & drink guide!

For more information on what to do in Cairns after a delicious breakfast, check out our fun and affordable day trips to the Great Barrier Reef!

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly local experts if you need any extra tips for your stay in Cairns.

Jayme
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