Words by Jamie Jansen
Photos by Leandro Furlanetto (@_leanvisuals)

To learn more about Cosmos Cocktail Lounge, or to book a table, click here.

Something different has been hitting the bull’s-eye in Port Douglas since Cosmos Cocktail Lounge opened on Grant Street in July 2025.

This cocktail and tapas bar has quickly become the go-to spot for a night out that’s anything but ordinary; think interactive darts, inventive cocktails, and a playful, vibrant atmosphere. 

Now, with a fresh tapas menu and quirky, signature “Bull’s Eye” cocktail spheres, a nod to the bar’s popular dart games and something you simply must taste, there’s even more reason to linger, and enjoy an experience that’s fun, lively, and just a little extra.

Not your ordinary dart game

Interactive darts is a highlight of Cosmos, hinted at by the giant golden dart handle at the entrance.

Forget everything you think you know about darts. Here, the game is digital, turning it into an immersive, social experience that’s as fun as it is competitive.

Think tenpin bowling, but with interactive screens, real dart boards and steel tip darts.

Players round up a team, enter their names and photos via iPad, and jump onto a live leaderboard.

Four high-tech cameras around the dartboard track every throw and score, while hilarious memes pop up on the screen in real time, keeping everyone laughing as they play.

Video highlights and results can also be emailed to players, making every bull’s-eye moment one to remember.

Children aged 12 and over can even join in on the fun when accompanied by a parent or guardian, making it an experience the whole family can enjoy.

With laughter, friendly competition, and a touch of theatrics, the dart games add the perfect playful edge to Cosmos’s lively atmosphere.

Craft cocktails and tasty tapas

 At Cosmos, cocktails aren’t just part of the night, they’re the heart of it. 

House mixologist Alex Karimnia, whose craft cocktail skills were shaped in top US restaurants, including James Beard award-winning venues, creates drinks that are as delicious as they are visually stunning. With charisma, energy, and magnetic personality (and yes, the looks don’t hurt), Alex makes every visit feel like a full experience.

The “Cosmic Cosmo” may be the star of the show. It’s, after all, where the venue gets its name, but it’s far from ordinary.

Alex adds his own inventive twist, using fresh, high-quality ingredients to make every cocktail a moment to savour. 

From frozen margaritas to smoked old fashioneds and cheeky twists on the classics, each drink is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. Fresh fruit juices are made in-house daily, and alcohol infusions and garnishes are crafted from scratch, wasting none of the beautiful local tropical produce that goes into each creation. Feeling adventurous? The bar team loves to whip up something off-menu just for you.

While cocktails take centre stage, Cosmos also offers a thoughtfully curated selection of beers and wines, all at fair prices. And don’t miss the stunning wine rack, where Alex has handpicked a list that goes beyond the usual options, ensuring there’s something special to pair with every drink or dish.

And then there’s the food, oh, the food. Cosmos offers a fresh take on tapas-style dining, with small plates designed to complement the drinks and encourage sharing.

The standout? As we hinted at earlier, the “Bull’s Eye” spoon-shaped cocktail spheres; cocktail-inspired little treats that aren’t a meal, but a fun, flavourful spherical shot to enjoy between plates. Unique to Cosmos and unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere in Australia, each delicate, jelly-like sphere is made from scratch daily and lasts just 48 hours, making every one a fleeting, special indulgence.

Each dish on the menu is just as thoughtfully crafted. From kingfish sashimi crudo and truffle tartare to pork belly skewers, every plate is designed to delight, with plenty of gluten-free options to suit every palate.

Cosmos’s playful dart theme continues through the menu. Wagyu sliders, popcorn chicken, chorizo, and even olives arrive adorned with gold darts, tying the experience together in a fun, and utterly Instagram-worthy way.

Day-to-night versatility

Cosmos is as flexible as your plans. The kitchen stays open late; until 10.30pm Monday to Thursday, 11.30pm on Friday and Saturday, and 9:30pm on Sunday, still later than most venues, making it the perfect spot for late-night cravings. 

By day, it’s a relaxed space to catch up over cocktails and small plates, whether you’re lounging indoors or enjoying the fresh-air seating.

As the sun sets, Cosmos transforms into a vibrant night-time destination. Moody lighting, lively energy, and carefully curated details set the scene for a special night out. 

On weekends, local, live DJ sets add to the already vibrant atmosphere. For a playful twist, daily happy-hour from 3-5pm lets guests enjoy an hour of interactive darts for just $10 per person.

Cosmos is also perfect for private functions, whether it’s a birthday, work celebration, or special event. The space can be booked out, giving you and your guests full access to cocktails, tapas, and darts for a truly memorable night.

It’s this combination of thoughtful design, expertly crafted drinks, and engaging experiences that makes Cosmos a must-visit. Whether you’re popping in for a casual drink, a late-night bite, or a full evening of fun, Cosmos offers a chic, lively, and entirely unique reason to dress up and enjoy Port Douglas.

Whether you’re popping in for a casual drink, a late-night bite, or a full evening of fun, Cosmos is a must-visit, and who knows, you might even take a cheeky shot at hitting the bull’s-eye yourself.

Cosmos is open Monday to Thursday from 3 -11 pm, Friday from 3 pm - midnight, Saturday from 12 - midnight, and Sunday from 12 - 10 pm.