Dundee’s on the Waterfront in Cairns offers a stunning setting with views over Trinity Inlet. The menu blends seafood with modern Australian cuisine, and the atmosphere is relaxed yet polished. It’s a great spot for a sunset meal or a laid-back drink with tropical vibes.
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I’m vacationing in Cairns with my cousin Catherine, who’s visiting from Canada. As you may know, Cairns feels like my second home, and I absolutely love this restaurant as I have reviewed it before. I discover they offer a $29 lunch menu and immediately know I have to take Catherine. I make a reservation and invite my friends Ron and Matt to come along and join us..
Even though it’s July, Cairns is warm year round thanks to its tropical climate. While we would have loved a table overlooking Trinity Inlet, we chose to sit indoors where the fans offered a much needed reprieve from the midday heat.
Ron and Matt are struggling to find a parking spot, but Cath and I are too hungry to wait, so we start with some oysters. We’re not told where they’re from, but given their smaller size, I’m guessing they’re Sydney Rock Oysters, alas I find out later they are and from the Hawkesbury Region of New South Wales. They come with a soy, ginger, and lime dipping sauce that adds a fresh, zesty kick. We both agree we should have ordered another four or six…
Cath chooses the beer battered prawns—a standout dish showcasing golden, crispy prawns in a sweet honey sesame glaze. They’re served atop sweet potato fries, with marinated wakame seaweed and a zingy wasabi mayo. I sneak a prawn for myself, and it’s absolutely delightful!
I opt for the Thai Penang curry with fish, a slightly sweet and salty red coconut broth served with steamed rice. The dish comes with crispy pappadums and a refreshing mango salsa, adding a tropical twist to the rich, aromatic curry. I’m not usually a curry aficionado, but this is delightful!
Matt chooses the steak burger, packed with fresh grated beetroot, Roma tomato, balsamic onion, Swiss cheese, lettuce, and tomato & fennel relish, all inside a toasted brioche roll. It’s served with golden fries, crispy onion rings, and smoky BBQ sauce—and he devours every bite with enthusiasm.
My good friend Ron orders the half rack of pork ribs, hickory-basted and served with fries and a side salad. It looks more like a full rack, and he declares it absolutely delicious, the smokiness of the basting the standout feature. Luckily, a takeaway box comes in handy for the leftovers he enjoys later for dinner.
Dundee’s at the Waterfront delivers a memorable dining experience in Cairns, thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and fresh local seafood. While service can occasionally feel rushed or details (like oyster origin) may be glossed over, the quality of the dishes—especially seafood staples like Sydney Rock Oysters—makes it a worthwhile stop. Ideal for visitors looking to enjoy tropical North Queensland’s flavours in a scenic, open-air setting.
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Matty Somewhere 
My last visit to Cairns having been half-a-lifetime ago – it is nice to hear and see an iota . . . great you had the opportunity to see friends and share a meal in an obviously beautifully situated place . . . glad if the food pleased as the helpings seem rather small and the protein offerings half of what I would expect 🙂 ! Three or four small prawns . . . 🙂 ?