Altho it is right on the Esplanade &looks pretty casual, the Raw Prawn in Cairns does serve some lovely meals. Go early to enjoy early-dining hours & prices! My son loves the menton bay bugs, some kind of crawdad thing.

If you'll have transport (or even take a cab), go a few miles north of Cairns to Palm Cove. The Paperbark restaurant at the Novotel is quite fine, with an incredible wine cellar. Be sure to make reservations, as it's very busy!

I'm a vegan, so I don't indulge in the carno-fest that some do, but both places do serve the Aussie specialties with croc, 'roo, emu &all. Ugh.

Gail