Cactus Jack’s Redcliffe to close after more than 13 years on the Peninsula

Cactus Jack’s has survived COVID, floods, power outages and cyclones, but now the long-standing Redcliffe venue is facing closure.

The much-loved local restaurant, bar and live music venue, Cactus Jack’s Redcliffe, announced yesterday on social media that Australia Day will mark its final day of trade, a decision the owners say was “not ours to make.”

The announcement sparked an outpouring of support from locals, musicians and patrons who have made the venue part of the Redcliffe Peninsula’s social and live music scene, and also prompted a one-month extension from the building owner

What we know so far

Cactus Jack’s has confirmed Australia Day as its intended farewell celebration, though the exact final trading date remains uncertain. The venue has been granted a one-month extension while owners continue searching for a new location. Moreton Daily will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.

‘This one hurts’

In their social media statement, the owners described the decision as deeply painful, saying their focus is now on staff, musicians and finding a way for Cactus Jack’s to continue elsewhere.

Speaking with Moreton Daily, owner Rob Griffiths said the situation has been devastating.

He explained that the owners of the vacant Pilpel site, which is connected to Cactus Jack’s, purchased the building three years ago and that the venue had been part of redevelopment discussions since.

“For the past three years we’ve been actively trying to secure a lease with the owners, and the messaging was always that development was coming and that Cactus Jack’s would be a big part of it,” Rob said.

“There were even discussions about expanding the venue and making Cactus Jack’s two storeys.”

Rob said that changed in recent months.

“About six months ago, communication around future plans stopped,” he said.

“Then around three months ago, we were told the building was going to be demolished and that Cactus Jack’s wouldn’t be offered a position.”

Racing the clock to find a new home

Rob said the past few months have been spent urgently searching for a new site, while also requesting additional time to relocate.

“We’ve been madly looking for a new location and emailing the owners asking for extra time,” he said.

“When that extra time was denied on Monday, I took to social media to share the news, and the response was overwhelming.”

He said the community reaction resulted in a short reprieve.

“Following that response, we’ve since been told we now have an extra month,” he said.

Despite the uncertainty, Rob said the priority remains supporting staff and keeping the Cactus Jack’s community together.

Australia Day farewell planned

While the exact final trading date remains unclear, Rob said the team wants to make Australia Day a major celebration and farewell.

“We’re not exactly sure when our last day of trading will be, but we want Australia Day to be the big celebration - the going-away party,” he said.

“We want everyone to come down, party with us and remember the good times.”

Cactus Jack’s has thanked the Redcliffe community for its support over the years and invited locals to raise a glass and celebrate the venue’s final chapter.

Moreton Daily will continue to follow developments and share updates if a new home for Cactus Jack’s is announced.