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Dundees on the Waterfront

About

"Dundees on the Waterfront" is one of the most famous and picturesque restaurants in the city of Cairns. Located on the boardwalk of Trinity Inlet, this establishment offers guests the perfect blend of fine dining and a relaxed tropical atmosphere.

Dundees on the Waterfront. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
It is a place where the sounds of the ocean and the view of moored yachts create a unique backdrop for your meal.

The restaurant specializes in modern Australian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood, juicy steaks, and exotic local delicacies. For tourists visiting the continent of Australia, this is an excellent opportunity to try unique dishes in a safe and comfortable setting. The interior is open and spacious, allowing you to enjoy the sea breeze even on hot days.

Dundees is suitable for both a romantic candlelight dinner and large gatherings of friends or family lunches. Thanks to its location next to the Reef Fleet Terminal, the restaurant often becomes the final stop for travelers returning from excursions to the Great Barrier Reef.

Contacts

To book a table or check menu details at Dundees on the Waterfront, you can use the following contact information. It is recommended to book seats in advance, especially if you plan to have dinner at sunset.

Phone +61 7 4051 0399
Website dundees.com.au/waterfront/
Address 1 Marlin Parade, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia

What to Do

The main thing to do at Dundees on the Waterfront is to embark on a gastronomic journey through the tastes of Australia. Be sure to order their famous Australian Sampler Plate, which often includes kangaroo, crocodile, and emu meat, as well as local seafood such as Moreton Bay bugs or barramundi. This is a unique chance to try "wild" cuisine in an exquisite execution.

Beyond the food, it is worth enjoying the atmosphere. Book a table on the outdoor terrace towards the evening to watch the breathtaking sunset over the mountains and the harbor. You will be able to see tourist catamarans returning from the reef and the lights turning on along the waterfront. The restaurant is also famous for its extensive wine list and signature cocktails, the tasting of which will be a great addition to dinner.

If you are visiting with family, pay attention to the huge aquarium with marine life located inside the restaurant—it invariably attracts the attention of children and adults alike, creating a feeling of the underwater world right at the dining table.

Getting There

Dundees on the Waterfront restaurant is located in the very heart of the tourist zone, so getting there is very easy. The establishment is located at 1 Marlin Parade, right by the water, next to the Reef Fleet Terminal. If you are staying in the city center, the walk to the restaurant will take just a few minutes and will be a pleasant start to the evening.

For those arriving from more remote areas, it is most convenient to use a taxi or ridesharing services (e.g., Uber). Drivers know this place perfectly well. If you are driving a rental car, there are paid parking lots nearby, including the underground parking under the Shangri-La Hotel or open parking lots along the Esplanade.

History & Facts

Dundees on the Waterfront is not just a restaurant, but an establishment with a long history of success in the region's culinary world. For many years, it has maintained a reputation as one of the best places to get acquainted with modern Australian cuisine. One of the interesting features is their commitment to using local products: from the freshest seafood caught in local waters to meat from the farms of the Atherton Tablelands.

The establishment is also known for its unique approach to the "Bush Tucker" menu (bushman food), adapted for haute cuisine. Here, tourists can try dishes that are exotic for Europeans, such as kangaroo steaks or crocodile meat, prepared according to signature recipes. This gastronomic experience allows guests to dive deeper into the continent's culture through taste.

Thanks to its location next to the wharf, the restaurant has become an unspoken meeting place for travelers returning from the Great Barrier Reef. Historically, this is where many tourists celebrate their first dives or sea adventures, enjoying dinner with a view of the very ships on which they spent the day.

Time Needed

For a full visit to Dundees on the Waterfront, it is recommended to set aside 1.5 to 2 hours. This time will be enough to leisurely enjoy appetizers, a main course, and dessert, as well as appreciate the restaurant's wine list.

If you are planning just a light lunch or a cocktail at sunset, one hour might be enough. However, given the relaxing atmosphere and beautiful views of the harbor, many guests prefer to linger here longer, watching the movement of yachts and the changing colors of the sky.

Working Hours

Dundees on the Waterfront restaurant is open to visitors daily, seven days a week, making it a convenient place to visit on any day of your vacation. The establishment operates in an "all day" mode, offering menus for lunch, afternoon snacks, and dinner.

Opening hours:

  • Monday — Sunday: 10:00 – 21:30

The kitchen works continuously, so you can drop by even at off-hours to have a snack or drink coffee with dessert.

Nearby

Visiting the restaurant can be perfectly combined with a walk through the picturesque surroundings. The waterfront area is full of interesting places that will allow you to get to know the city better and enjoy its tropical atmosphere before or after your meal.

Very close by is the famous Esplanade, where you can take a leisurely stroll along the ocean, as well as several iconic historical monuments and modern entertainment centers. Here is a list of the nearest attractions worth paying attention to:

Name Category Distance
Cairns Esplanade (management office) Water Park / Waterfront 0.4 km
Cairns Waterfalls Water Park 0.5 km
Historical Chinatown Historical Site 0.6 km
Cairns Esplanade Olympic Torch Monument Historical Site 0.6 km
CITIUS ALTIUS FORTIUS Historical Site 0.6 km
Cairns Aquarium Tourist Attraction 0.9 km
Old Woree Drive-In Site Historical Site 5.8 km

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