The Pier Shopping Centre, built in 1989 is a cornerstone shopping plaza and hotel resort for travellers travelling to Cairns! With an abundance of restaurants, bars, marketplace and home to some of the best trips out on the water! The Pier Shopping Centre also offers 2 hours of free parking each day!
In this article we will show you the highlights of the facilities and local businesses operating inside the shopping centre.
Which hotels are located at the Pier Shopping Centre?
There is one hotel operating at the Pier Shopping Centre, and is the one of the only 5 star hotels in Cairns! With a perfect location, with deluxe rooms overlooking the Cairns Marina, so you can enjoy your morning coffee whilst watching the Great Barrier Reef boats setting off on an adventure of a lifetime!
Why stay at the Shangri-La?
If you are looking for excellent service, beautiful rooms, great local facilities and an even better location, then the Shangri-La is for you! With it being a 1 minute walk to everything you could possibly need, being attached to the Pier Shopping Centre, abundance of food options and easy access to the Cairns Marlin Marina.
Bars & Restaurants at the Shangri-La
The Backyard
The Backyard, located inside the Pier Shopping centre and also attached to the Shangri La is perfect for those looking for modern Australian food with a touch of class! The Backyard is a stand out restaurant, especially those looking for a few day time cocktails! The Backyard also is a great place for day or night time functions, so get in touch with them if looking to book your next function!
Vitalias
Vitalia’s Italian food is one of Travel Hub’s personal favourites, opened by local business owner Antonio, whose mission is to serve the best Italian food in Cairns, and he has succeeded. Please check this out for yourself, his creative pasta dishes are superb! With a gorgeous location, overlooking the marina, Vitalia’s a perfect spot for lunch and dinner. Why not try out their fantastic freshly made Paninis for lunch, build your own Panini or ask them for a recommendation! Every time it’s fantastic!
THA Fish
THA Fish, opened in 2004, is one of the highest rated seafood restaurants in Cairns! An airy venue, with locally caught seafood and stunning marina views, THA Fish is a must do for you fish lovers! Open from 11::00am till 9:00pm, THA fish has it all, we recommend booking in advance as this restaurant is super popular with locals and tourists!
Pier Bar
Looking for some day drinks with friends? Looking for a pub feed with a great atmosphere? Pier bar has it all, very popular spot to catch a drink whilst watching the helicopters take off from the Marina! Did you know they are also open till 3:00am? Day or Night, you need to visit the Pier Bar!!
Waterbar Steak and Grill
Waterbar Steak and Grill serve the finest cut meats in Cairns, with the speciality of course being there delicious Australian Beef! If you want premium steaks, excellent service and an unbelievable view of the marina, then Waterbar Steak and Grill is for you! Open from 5:30pm to 9:00pm, so you are best to book in advance, as this place is super popular!
Howlin Jays
Fancy some finger lickin chicken? Howlin Jays are definitely the go-to chicken dine in restaurant at the Pier Shopping Centre. HUGE portions, awesome selection of spice levels and why not try there 1 litre stein pints? Great atmosphere, with cool outdoor design tables, and did you know they have a secret menu?? Dine in and find out!!
Marinades
Looking for some Indian cuisine? Founded by the Marathi couple, Marinades has now become Cairns best rated Indian! There veteran chefs prepare a delicious halal or vegan meal every single time! Looking to save some money? Spend $15 and bring your own alcohol to Marinades to dine in and enjoy wonderful views overlooking the Cairns Marlin Marina!
Piato
Love Mediterranean food? Piato is the best Mediterranean restaurant in the whole of Cairns! This could be up for debate, however Piato is not only the highest rated, but the views overlooking the Marina make it no doubt in our mind that this is the best! From Swordfish to Mediterranean Butchers Banquets, from Lunch to Dinner. Don’t miss your opportunity to have a delicious experience!
The Pier Cafe
Looking for a quick bite to eat? Quick coffee before your Great Barrier Reef trip? The Pier Cafe is an excellent and convenient spot to grab something yummy and fast! Located in the middle of the Pier Shopping Centre, and open from 6:00am every morning, this is definitely a great facility that the Pier Shopping Centre has to offer!
Tours & Activities at the Pier Shopping Centre
Reef Adventures
If want a small group tour on the Great Barrier Reef, then Reef Adventures are the market leaders in this industry! With a small group of 27 guests, and includes a snorkel guide for the entire day! They have a variety packages such as half and full day tours, try out their fly and raft package, or even book them for a private charter experience.
Cairns Reef Fishing
North Queensland’s leading fishing company, one of the few companies that will actually take you out on the reef to go fishing. One of our personal favorites for a fun day out, perfect for beginners! They help you from start to finish, you can also keep whatever fish you catch and give them to local restaurants like The Backyard to cook it after!
Cairns Jet Skis
Cairns Jet Ski’s is an Australian owned Jet Ski company based out of Cairns Marina! An awesome guided experience that you won’t forget. Cairns Jet skis make it easy for beginners and fun for those more advanced. With heaps of packages to choose from, you will not regret choosing Jet Ski Cairns!
Cairns Koalas and Creatures
Cairns Koalas and Creatures is leading the way for attractions in Cairns! The only way to see a live Koala in the city of Cairns! Located inside the Pier Shopping Centre, and its short duration, making this a no brainer for anyone visiting Cairns!
Shopping & Retail at the Pier Shopping Centre
Col’s Miniature Village
Col Walter has spent the last 12 years handcrafting a miniature city of Cairns! The only place to see Col’s Miniature Village is at the Pier Shopping Centre. Some truly incredible talent and an incredible story to go with it!
Splish Splash Swimwear
Splish Splash Swimwear is a very convenient store inside the Pier Shopping centre, with a variety of swimwear, sunscreens, hats, sunglasses. Everything you could possibly need for your next adventure out on the Great Barrier Reef!
Every Moment Photography
Looking to create memories for life? Head to the Pier Shopping Centre and find Every Moment Photography. Founded and operated by Nathalie Raben, she will ensure that special occasions will be remembered for years to come!
Elizabeth Shepherd's Fashion
Elizabeth Shepard’s Fashion specialises in mature-age fashion and clothes for women, her shop is only accessible inside the Pier Shopping centre. A variety of beautiful imported fabrics from Germany, which she keeps fresh and up to date with local fashion trends.
Henley Collections
Henley Collections specialises in affordable beachwear and luxury-style resort fashion, including relaxed coastal clothing, high-end kaftans, elegant day and evening wear, and a carefully selected range of accessories.
Himalayan Dreams
Himalayan Dreams is an extremely unique store inside the Pier Shopping centre. Each piece of clothing is hand made in Nepal, and is daily traded meaning the designers will be getting a fair price for their beautiful clothing and accessories.
Maine Australia
Maine Australia is located inside the Pier Shopping centre, and specialised in unique aboriginal art and designs. There are ethical clothes and accessories for sale, supporting local aboriginal designs.
Man Overboard
Man Overboard has a stylish store inside the Pier Shopping centre, creating tropical designed clothing for men. The shirts here are very cool and summery, definitely a great purchase for your time in Cairns!
Priceless Gems
Priceless Gems, located at the Pier Shopping Centre Level 1, specializing in Opals and Amber, is one not too missed. Fairly priced, beautiful designs and will make an awesome personal or gift for a partner accessory. Check them out!
Wild Sugar
Wild Sugar, a beautiful and unique Cairns-based fashion label for the adventurous and free-spirited located at the Pier Shopping Centre! Wild Sugar dresses make the ideal present for a loved one with a sense of Wild-Style!!
Waru Collections
Waru Collectives delivers fresh weekly collectibles, from trading cards and sealed boxes to toys, NBA, AFL, NRL, Pokémon, tennis, and music merchandise. Should check his shop out in the Pier Shopping Centre, or on his website!
Zook Island
Zook Island (sometimes called Zouk) can mean a couple of things. Down in Cairns at The Pier, it’s a boutique store rocking African wax print fashions. Up in Thailand on Koh Phangan, it’s also the name of a month-long Zouk dance festival, with workshops, beach parties, and a buzzing community vibe.
Health and Beauty - Pier Shopping Centre
B Athletic Gym
B-Athletic is a Cairns-based fitness hub offering coached group sessions in boxing, strength, cardio, mobility, and running, suitable for beginners to elite athletes. Boost your recovery in our Dual Zone Recovery Centre with saunas, ice baths, compression therapy, and percussion guns. Plus, our fully supervised creche makes it easy to train while the kids are cared for. This fitness-hub has it all!
Bu Lash Cairns
Come and visit Bu Lash at the Cairns Pier Shopping Centre, a wonderful salon with a variety of lash, brows and nail treatments. Opened by Danica Ziviani, a proud mother of 3 that truly wants every guest to have the best experience possible!
Cuts by Carella
Cuts by Carella, a wonderful hair salon with even better stylists! With a variety of options, with stylists with over a combined 50+ years experience. A convenient shop that opens at 9:00am till 6:00pm inside the Pier Shopping Centre!
Oiled Massage Cairns
Need to loosen off? Oiled Massage Cairns is one of the best massage shops in Cairns! Offering a range of hot stones, deep tissue, or relaxation massages. Before entering they will let you pick whichever oil you would like to use such as Lavender, Sandalwood, Hinoki, the choices are endless!
Pier Shopping Centre Sunday Markets
The Pier Shopping Centre hosts Sunday Markets, the 3rd Sunday every month! Here is the time table below, come and enjoy an enjoyable browse of some really interesting and unique stalls! Here’s the Pier Shopping Centre Sunday Markets timetable:
