Nightlife

Younger people and backpackers flock to Gilligan's, 57-89 Grafton St. (tel. 07/4041 6566), where there are three bars to choose from. The Beer Deck has live entertainment Thursday to Sundays, and you can watch all the big sporting events on the biggest outdoor screen in Cairns. The 1,000-person Beer Hall doubles as a nightclub with a dance floor, DJs, and live bands; and Pure Bar (open Fri-Sun from 10pm) has the latest dance hits. For something quieter and more sophisticated, try Ba8, at the Shangri-La hotel on the marina. The Reef Casino, 35-41 Wharf St. (tel. 07/4030 8888), has two levels of blackjack, baccarat, reef routine, roulette, sic-bo, money wheel, paradise pontoon, keno, and slot machines. It's open Sunday through Thursday 10am to 3am, and from 10am Friday and Saturday until 5am the next day. It's closed Good Friday, April 25 (Anzac Day), and December 25. No entry for children under 18.