Cairns Esplanade Tours and Activities

Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Cairns Esplanade
Cairns Esplanade
Cairns Esplanade
Cairns Esplanade


Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.

The Cairns Esplanade is the tree-lined boardwalk along the foreshore in the city of Cairns. It overlooks the Trinity Inlet and the Coral Sea on one side, and is lined with restaurants and gardens on the other. It has bike paths and walking trails, playgrounds, barbecues, exercise areas and a salt-water lagoon.

Come to take a morning stroll and spot sea birds that swarm the waterfront at this time of day. Cafés along the Esplanade serve breakfast and coffees to locals on their way to work and visitors enjoying sea views. Later in the day, buy fresh seafood to cook on one of the barbecues in the picnic areas along the boardwalk.

Lifeguards patrol the lagoon, which is open from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. throughout the year. It’s surrounded by sand, sun lounges and trees, and is free to use.

Families should head to the Youth Activity Precinct where there are a range of free activities for young visitors. Watch the kids explore the Endeavour Fun Ship, a marine-themed playground, or Muddy’s, a playground and water park with slides and a flying fox.

If you want to keep active, there are a number of free fitness classes held along the Esplanade. Try aqua aerobics, beach volleyball, bouldering (a form of rock climbing), yoga or Zumba. The Cairns Regional Council website has details and a timetable.

Craft markets sell locally made jewellery, woodcraft, leatherwork and pottery on Saturdays. Finish the day with dinner and drinks in bars and restaurants that look out over the water.

The Esplanade is an easy walk from the city centre. You’re free to wander the boardwalk at any time of the day or night. Parking is available near the Esplanade fees apply. There are shower and public toilet facilities throughout the area. If you’re heading out to the Great Barrier Reef, the main departure point for tours, Reef Fleet, is located at the south end of the Esplanade

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Top Cairns Esplanade Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

4 out of 5
209-217 Esplanade, Cairns North, QLD
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Crystalbrook Riley

Crystalbrook Riley

5 out of 5
131-141 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Crystalbrook Riley
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Hilton Cairns
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

4.5 out of 5
122 Lake St, Cairns, QLD
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street, Manunda, QLD
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

4 out of 5
209-217 Abbott Street, Cairns North, QLD
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

4.5 out of 5
121-123 The Esplanade & Florence St, Cairns, QLD
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Crystalbrook Bailey

Crystalbrook Bailey

5 out of 5
163 Abbott Street, Cairns, QLD
Crystalbrook Bailey
Crystalbrook Flynn

Crystalbrook Flynn

5 out of 5
85 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Crystalbrook Flynn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Cairns Esplanade

At Cairns Esplanade, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as leisurely walks along the waterfront, refreshing swims in the lagoon, and vibrant local tours. The area is also home to a bustling shopping centre, where you can explore unique boutiques and enjoy live music. Don't miss the opportunity for an unforgettable reef trip or a relaxing beach holiday, making it the perfect destination for an Aussie getaway.

Shopping

At Cairns Esplanade, enjoy shopping at Cairns Central Shopping Centre, just 1.1km away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and shopping. Nearby, Cairns Night Markets, only 966m away, feature local crafts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit Kite Rite Australia, located 12.9km away, for unique gifts.

Recreation

Muddy's Playground is a vibrant outdoor space perfect for families, offering fun play equipment and shaded picnic areas. For sports enthusiasts, Cazaly's Stadium and Barlow Park provide exciting venues to catch local games, energising your visit with a lively atmosphere and community spirit.

Adventure

At Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome, experience an exhilarating zipline and ropes course amidst stunning wildlife. The Red Arrow Walk offers a scenic hiking trail with breathtaking views, while the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway provides a thrilling gondola journey through lush rainforest landscapes, perfect for family adventures.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Cairns Esplanade offers vibrant entertainment options, from the Cairns Convention Centre, 1.6km away, to the Cairns Performing Arts Centre and JUTE Theatre Company, both a mere 644m distant. Enjoy a mix of culture, family fun, and romance in this lively atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Cairns Esplanade

Cairns Esplanade offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including the stunning lagoon, picturesque boardwalk, and the fascinating Cairns Aquarium. This lively area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers, with nearby national parks providing adventure experiences. Whether you’re relaxing by the lagoon or exploring the marina, Cairns Esplanade is a must-visit destination for any traveller looking to embrace the beauty of Queensland.

  • Cairns Marlin Marina: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Cairns Marlin Marina, where you can embark on thrilling boat tours or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. The marina is a hub for adventure, offering stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities, perfect for beach lovers.
  • Esplanade Lagoon: Relax at the Esplanade Lagoon, a picturesque oasis featuring beautiful scenery and a family-friendly environment. It's an ideal spot for a refreshing swim, sunbathing, or picnicking, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant local life.
  • Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland: This charming esplanade is perfect for romantic strolls or family outings. With its scenic pathways and playgrounds, it offers a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Best time to go to Cairns Esplanade

The best time to visit Cairns Esplanade can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Cairns Esplanade falls in January and February. February has slightly low visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather. The coolest average temperature around Cairns Esplanade falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January80.4°F (26.9°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February80.4°F (26.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March79.2°F (26.2°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
April76.5°F (24.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.3°F (21.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
July69.3°F (20.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August69.6°F (20.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September72.7°F (22.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October75.7°F (24.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
November78.1°F (25.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December79.9°F (26.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cairns Esplanade

To save money during your visit to Cairns Esplanade, consider travelling in the off-peak months of February to March or November, when accommodation is cheaper. Book your hotel about a month in advance, and look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Opt for staying on a Wednesday, the least expensive night, and bundle your flights and activities for better savings. Take advantage of free activities along the Esplanade and utilise public transport, which is both affordable and convenient for getting around the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cairns Esplanade are February to March and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Cairns Esplanade about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Cairns Esplanade is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Cairns Esplanade is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. For the best value, make sure to sort the price filter from lowest to highest to uncover the most affordable options and deals.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by bundling your Cairns Esplanade accommodation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.