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Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
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Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

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See all things to do
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
4.5
3,679
#9 of 86 things to do in Cairns
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6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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About
Escape the heat at one of Cairns' best known landmarks, the Esplanade Lagoon. Set on the Cairns foreshore overlooking Trinity Inlet, the 4800 sq metre saltwater swimming lagoon offers locals and tourists a year round safe swimming location. Saltwater is pumped from the inlet and filtered through a state of the art filtration and chlorination system, to meet Australian Standards. The kids can enjoy the sandy edges, build sand castles and play in shallow water. On the other side of the Lagoon, visitors can lounge on the timber decks in moderate shade. Shady trees, landscaped gardens and open spaces all contribute to the leisurely atmosphere on the Esplanade The Lagoon is open 6am-6pm Thursday - Tuesday, Midday-6pm Wednesday all year round.
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Top ways to experience Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Best nearby
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527 within 3 miles
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Attractions
78 within 6 miles
Esplanade Boardwalk
6,062
382 ftHiking Trails
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,679 reviews
Excellent
2,422
Very good
1,030
Average
181
Poor
32
Terrible
14
peterwV975TL
Malaga, Spain907 contributions
Use the Security Lockers
Couples
On the far side of the lagoon towards the Cruise Terminal there are a bank of security lockers to store your valuables for a small fee. Not an area to leave your phone etc with your towel whilst you swim.

Nice large lagoon, shallow, clear water and very warm. The water was busy all day from early morning to late at night. Lots of areas of grass to sit and lay on. If you do not have a pool with your room then this us the place for you.

At night the mosquitos and other biting insects come out to play. We both were stung walking around the grass perimeter during the evening when walking around the lagoon. Before we saw some locals covering themselves with repellant.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dionysi K
Melbourne, Australia38 contributions
The Most Iconic Part of Cairns
Couples
Our winter getaway from a Melbourne was awesome here in Cairns and we spent quite a few days, sitting by the lagoon and enjoying the sun and warmth. It is certainly the most iconic part of Cairns and is simply a beautiful place to sit and watch the world go by. The water is not deep, only about 1.5m at its deepest so it is more of a family place with little children to enjoy but there were certainly many adults enjoying this place also. The city of Cairns has done its best to provide a beach like experience in the city in the perfect location. One side of the lagoon has sand and the city employees are constantly maintaining it. You just lay down and feel like you are at the beach almost. You can't help but be drawn to this location and it is certainly lovely to just see this as you walk by every day on your walk which you can't help but want to do.
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
treasures514
Australia152 contributions
A must do when in Cairns
Couples
The esplanade is a long boardwalk that offers a range of activities for people of all ages. especially with family friends. Among the things to do include walking, biking, barbecue, swimming, beach volleyball, fitness exercises (there are equipment along the way) or simply look at the artistic sculptures or pelican watch. It’s right opposite the restaurant row, too, so if you’re feeling peckish, you just need to cross the road. It’s well lit at night giving it a safe feel to it.
Written September 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
coolitz
Melbourne, Australia916 contributions
Wish all cities had this!
Family
What a lovely and free area for the public to use! Wish all cities had this!
Not sure what it would have been like on a weekend. We went on a Monday, a week after school started all across the country. It only had a few people and wasn't crowded at all. Loved the fact that food options were just across the road too.
Written February 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rachy D
Beerwah, Australia17 contributions
Fab day at the lagoon
Family
Free fresh, clean and well looked after lagoon pool for use, what more could you ask for. They also have life guards on duty to keep it safe. Grass, sand and seated areas to sit. With a beautiful view over the water we enjoyed spending nearly half a day at this pool whilst holidaying in cairns. Highly recommend. Keep in mind if you drive you have to pay for close parking at $1.80/hr. There is a little kiosk for some food near but is slightly over priced.
Written April 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Barby D
5 contributions
Great asset to the city
This is a place for young children with their families, to enjoy the sunshine and the Lagoon. Made my heart beat fast to stroll around the beautiful Lagoon, watch the out gone tide flats. I even saw a few musccles in the sand below the big sea wall. It’s so good that the city has a swimming spot in the centre of the city safe from stingy creatures and of course crocs. I saw many people who had come from hotels to this spot to cool off. Just across the road is a wide range of cafe, where I grabbed and bit to eat and enjoyed the shade from the trees. Lovely, well maintained lawns. I will come again when i, back In Cairns, as it is so lovely.
Written August 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Happy Traveller
Sydney, Australia5,240 contributions
Stunning
Friends
Excellent “strolling” place. Wide esplanades.. vibrant shops on one side, beautiful wide green spaces on the other. With a large open pool area for all ages - marinas with great views. The place is just alive. The trees are all lit up at night and it’s stunning
Written June 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gaynor
Lake Macquarie, Australia6 contributions
Cairns
Couples
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, is the place to go with kids, couples, elderly. Beautiful manicured gardens and surrounds, so peaceful, with BBQ facilities for free, you can spend a hour or several here. Plenty of cafes, restaurants all within 5mins, along with having a cafe near toilets and lockers. Be aware, lagoon is closed to swimming until 12pm on Wednesdays.
Written March 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The Adventure Buddies
Manhattan Beach, CA645 contributions
Adventurebuddies42 goes swimming at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Family
We had the best time at the end of the day swimming watching the sunset relaxing in this free lagoon! We loved it! Then went to dinner nearby. Highly recommend. There’s a place to change and use the restroom.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ozzy-Kunnu
Melbourne, Australia2,967 contributions
Awesome
Couples
When you can't take a dip in the sea that has seen crocodiles and some deadly species of Jelly fishes closer to shores, what do you do? You create one that looks like one.

This massive pool, is divided into many parts, catering to every age.

It opens way early and closes late in the night, and that's nothing less than impressive.
Written February 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Cairns Esplanade Lagoon - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is open:
  • Wed - Wed 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Thu - Tue 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Cairns Esplanade Lagoon tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Cairns Esplanade Lagoon tours on Tripadvisor