Cairns Esplanade and Lagoon

Free experience
Cairns Esplanade and Lagoon

What you can expect

One of the main highlights of Cairns city is its excellent Esplanade area - a 2.5km foreshore stretch that provides a wonderful view of the waterfront and plenty of space to either be active or simply relax. A hub for joggers, cyclists and those merely wanting to take a stroll and view the boat and island dotted panorama just off shore, Cairns Esplanade is an attraction in and of itself that comes with a number of features that help it stand out. As one of the most surprising facts most international visitors to Cairns will first encounter, despite its tropical QLD location, Cairns does not have a beach, instead, its Esplanade was constructed to showcase its waterfront location while also providing an alternative means for locals and visitors alike to cool off. This comes courtesy of the wonderful Lagoon pool situated right alongside Cairns' central hub. The Lagoon is a sanded area home to a modern swimming pool that measures an expansive 4800 square metres. It's also patrolled by lifeguards to help ensure the safety of its up-to-1000 swimmers that can fit in at any one time. Recently redeveloped, the Cairns Esplanade is now home to a large number of grassy and shaded areas decked out with picnic tables and public toilets that make it an easily accessible spot to enjoy lunch with a view. Palm trees line the waterfront and help reinforce the tropical atmosphere one would expect of Cairns, while gym equipment is also interspersed for those looking to burn some calories in the sunshine. Free barbecue facilities round out the Esplanade's offerings, all of which make it a worthy and proud example of city development that has helped rejuvenate Cairns and make its seashore a joy to explore. The area is also filled with a number of great restaurants if you wish to dine out and enjoy the beautiful area.

Location

What you need to know

Note
  • Lagoon Opening Hours
  • Thursday to Tuesday: 6am - 9pm
  • Wednesday: 12pm - 9pm
  • Public holidays: 6am - 9pm Cairns Esplanade Markets Hours
  • Every Saturday
  • 8am - 4pm Facilities
  • Free WiFi
  • Swimming Lagoon (wheelchair accessible)
  • Playgrounds
  • Skate Park
  • Petanque Court
  • Beach Volleyball Courts
  • Gym equipment
  • Bouldering park
  • Parklands
  • Public BBQs
  • Toilets
  • Showers
  • Street parking
  • Esplanade Heritage Walk
Wonderful redeveloped waterfront district
2.5km boardwalk with island views
Excellent Lagoon pool ideal for kids & families
Public picnic, barbecue & toilet facilities
Busy weekend markets
Popular restaurants, cafés and bars
Experience Oz

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of Country and their connections and continuous care for the skies, lands and waterways throughout Australia.