Prawn Star is a unique waterfront dining experience in Cairns, set on moored fishing trawlers. Known for exceptionally fresh seafood, it offers a relaxed, no frills atmosphere where prawns take centre stage, celebrating the region’s local catch.
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I was meeting my friend James, a Sydney based tour guide, who was bringing a group through Cairns. Our original dinner spot was closed, but his last minute suggestion of Prawn Star turned out to be an excellent choice. Also a great place for a catchup and share some hilarious stories tour guides can tell…
Prawn Star began as a small, family run venture celebrating North Queensland’s seafood industry in 2014. Set on a collection of retired fishing trawlers in Cairns Harbour, it was created to showcase ultra fresh local catch in a relaxed, authentic setting. Over time, it has grown into an iconic dining spot, with four ex-trawlers taking centre stage. Loved for its simplicity, quality, and connection to the region’s fishing heritage.
Incredibly fresh seafood, as if it has just come straight off the trawlers that day, delivering clean, ocean bright flavours. Each bite highlights its natural sweetness and delicate texture, making the experience simple, authentic, and truly memorable for seafood lovers.
We decide to order a bottle of Morgans Bay Chardonnay to share, thinking it will complement our fresh seafood, and it turns out to be a perfect match.
We choose two dishes to share: a platter of mixed prawns and a serving of bugs, both fresh, simple, and perfect for enjoying together.
The mixed prawns include both Endeavour and tiger varieties. Endeavour prawns are smaller, sweeter, and more delicate, while tiger prawns are larger, firmer, and meatier. Although the Endeavours have more flavour, they can be a bit fiddly to peel, which makes them slightly less convenient to eat. Their flatter underside also tends to prick your fingers while you’re peeling them.
Moreton Bay bugs are a prized Australian seafood delicacy, known for their sweet, delicate flavour and firm, lobster like texture. Often grilled, barbecued, or served simply with butter, they highlight the freshness and quality of coastal produce. These ones are delicious, I prefer them with just a squeeze of lemon, however James prefers them with the cocktail sauce.
If you’re visiting Cairns, or even if you live here, I highly recommend Prawn Star for some of the freshest seafood around. Sure, the prices might be a bit higher than picking up a kilo of pre-frozen prawns from the local supermarket, but the freshness and vibrant, lively atmosphere truly makes it a wonderful place to dine.
Visiting Cairns or Far North Queensland?
Matty Somewhere 