Restaurant Scams in Cairns

Esplanade Restaurant Tourist Surcharges

Restaurants along the Cairns Esplanade and in the city's tourist precinct near the Reef Fleet Terminal sometimes charge inflated prices for standard meals, adding "tourist area" pricing that can be 20–40% above what you would pay at restaurants two streets back. A handful of establishments near the lagoon add undisclosed "booking fees" or "table fees" for walk-in tourists, particularly during peak season. Some also round up bills or apply a credit card surcharge without clear disclosure.