Pick up a copy of the free entertainment newspaper Barfly, published on Thursday, for a guide to the week's after-hours action in Cairns. Top spots recommended by the locals include Met Bar, upstairs at 15 Spence St. (tel. 07/4041 0258), which is popular with the 25-to-45 market and features a sophisticated chocolate decor and a cigar lounge. Younger people and backpackers flock to Gilligan's Bar, 57-89 Grafton St. (tel. 07/4041 6566), where the 1000-person beer hall doubles as a nightclub with dance floor, DJs, live bands, and sport and music on the giant video screens. The Hotel Sofitel 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.
