admin August 20, 2026
Grafton Hotel Cairns Re-Opens: One of Cairns South’s oldest pubs has reopened, starting a new chapter for Grafton Hotel, with the historic venue recently unveiling an extensive renovation that preserves the character of the 116-year-old venue while creating a modern destination for Edmonton families, locals and visitors.
First opened in 1910, Grafton Hotel is one of Cairns South’s longest-standing pubs and has become loved by the community for its great food, drinks, and hospitality. Its relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere, classic pub offering, and community focus has kept generations of locals coming back.
The renovation was designed to preserve that much-loved character while introducing a refreshed bistro, upgraded live-sport facilities, a renovated beer garden and a new children’s playground. Community feedback helped shape the changes, with a focus on creating more comfortable spaces for dining, sport and family visits.
“The Grafton Hotel has always been a place where the Edmonton community comes together, and this renovation was about preserving everything people love while making the venue even better for future generations,” said Emma Finlayson, Grafton Hotel venue manager.
“Locals told us they wanted better family spaces, an improved beer garden and more comfortable dining, and those ideas have shaped the new hotel.”
Grafton Hotel Cairns Re-Opens
The bistro is now a relaxed, family-friendly dining space with direct connections to the venue’s outdoor areas. It has been designed for everything from quick midweek meals to longer lunches and group gatherings.
The public bar has been upgraded to create a welcoming, traditional pub atmosphere, while the sports bar offers a place to watch regular coverage of the AFL, NRL, and cricket, alongside major events including the Melbourne Cup and AFL Grand Final.
Throughout the venue, the design features rich walnut and dark-stained timbers, complemented by olive and mustard tones, burnt orange tiles, brass detailing and retro globe lighting.
Outside, the beer garden has also undergone a makeover, offering a versatile area for laid-back evenings, family lunches, weekend catch-ups, or keeping up with live sports on the big outdoor screen. The new kids’ playground responds to the community desire for a dedicated play space for children while parents dine nearby.
Complementing the refreshed spaces is an Aussie pub menu built around quality, affordability and familiar favourites. The menu covers classic pub meals, steaks, burgers, salads and Grafton Hotel’s established woodfired pizzas, with options dedicated to kids and seniors.
Menu highlights include Fried Chicken Tacos, Roast Pork Belly, 250g Queensland Rump, and the Grafton Deluxe Burger. Plus, there’s Classic or Loaded Parmis and Queenslander Pizza, with garlic butter base, mozzarella, Queensland tiger prawns, rocket & lemon.
With a calendar of lively weekly events, Grafton Hotel is positioning itself as Edmonton’s newest go-to local. One of the more playful additions is Hot Seat, where public bar patrons can win cash, vouchers and prizes simply by sitting on the right stool, including a jackpot that starts at $100 and grows by $100 each week until won.
- Mon – Thurs – Hot Seat at 4, 5, and 6pm
- Tuesdays – Trivia at 6:30pm
- Thursdays – Musical Bingo at 6:30pm
- Friday & Saturday – Meat Raffle
- Saturdays – Live music in the Beer Gardens & Golf Challenge – Have the winning putt for prizes from 2-4pm
- Sundays – Traditional Roast, $29 & Kids’ entertainment, 12pm-3pm
Guests can also support local organisations through two weekly meat raffles. The Friday raffle supports the Southside Crusaders, while proceeds from the Saturday raffle will go to Cairns Animal Rescue.
More than a century after first opening, Grafton Hotel’s renovation brings new life to the historic pub while preserving its role as a gathering place for the Edmonton community.
Grafton Hotel, 143 Bruce Hwy, Edmonton
