Esplanade Lagoon

Esplanade Lagoon showing a hotel and a coastal town
Esplanade Lagoon
Esplanade Lagoon
Esplanade Lagoon
Esplanade Lagoon


Relax after a day of sightseeing or cool down from the summer heat in this fresh-water lagoon, one of Cairns’ best city attractions.

The Esplanade Lagoon is a water feature in Cairns where you can relax, cool off and socialise with other travellers. The lagoon is on the waterfront on the Cairns Esplanade and is surrounded by tropical gardens. Spend an entire day relaxing by the water, join a fitness class or cool off in the midday heat. 

Situated on the beautiful Cairns foreshore, this man-made saltwater swimming lagoon looks out to the Trinity Inlet and the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy the lagoon at any time of day. Watch the sun rise with an early morning swim, cool down in the lagoon in the afternoon heat or relax by the water after a day of sightseeing. There are timber decks to lie on and plenty of shade. 

For young families, Muddy’s further down the Esplanade is a fun and safe water playground. Splash about with the hand pumps, water channels and jumping water jets. Children can have fun on the flying fox, in the playhouses, on slides, rope bridges and more.

There is regular live outdoor entertainment on the Esplanade and free fitness and cultural activities for locals and visitors. Join an aqua aerobics class at the lagoon, do yoga on the foreshore or take a dance class in the parklands. Get fit with a boxing class or beach volleyball. 

Bring a picnic and relax at one of the barbeque areas or dine at one of the nearby cafés and restaurants.

Pick up a brochure from the Cairns Tourist Information Centre on the Esplanade to take the self-guided Cairns Esplanade Heritage Walk. See the historic buildings, sights and landmarks that are along the water. Every Saturday you can find locally made crafts, jewellery, pottery and clothes at the Esplanade markets. 

The Esplanade Lagoon is free to use but is closed every Wednesday morning for maintenance.  Llifeguards are on duty year-round. Amenities include public showers and toilets. The Esplanade is easily accessible by foot from the city centre. Check the Cairns Esplanade website for times and details about all the free activities.

Plan a trip to see Esplanade Lagoon

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Top Esplanade Lagoon Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Hilton Cairns
Pacific Hotel Cairns

Pacific Hotel Cairns

4.5 out of 5
Corner Esplanade And Spence Street, Cairns, QLD
Pacific Hotel Cairns
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

4.5 out of 5
122 Lake St, Cairns, QLD
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Crystalbrook Flynn

Crystalbrook Flynn

5 out of 5
85 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Crystalbrook Flynn
Crystalbrook Bailey

Crystalbrook Bailey

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

Crystalbrook Riley

5 out of 5
131-141 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Crystalbrook Riley
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road, Cairns, QLD
Shangri-La The Marina, 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
Mantra Esplanade

Mantra Esplanade

4 out of 5
53-57 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Mantra Esplanade
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 Esplanade Lagoon

At the Esplanade Lagoon in Cairns, you can enjoy a fantastic array of activities, including a refreshing swim in the awesome lagoon, leisurely walks along the scenic boardwalk, and local tours that showcase the beauty of the region. Don't miss the vibrant atmosphere created by live music events, making it a perfect spot to relax and soak in the local culture.

Shopping

At Esplanade Lagoon, enjoy shopping at Cairns Central Shopping Centre, just 805m away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. The Cairns Night Markets, only 161m away, buzz with local crafts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit Kite Rite Australia, located 12.9km away.

Recreation

Muddy's Playground, located 644m from Esplanade Lagoon, offers a vibrant outdoor space perfect for families, featuring play areas and picnic spots. Cazaly's Stadium, 1.6km away, provides an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Tanks Arts Centre, 3.2km away, showcases a lively mix of music and entertainment events.

Adventure

Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome, located 483m from Esplanade Lagoon, offers an exhilarating zipline ropes course for the adventurous spirit. For a scenic experience, head to the Red Arrow Walk, 3.2km away, for stunning views and a refreshing hike. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station, 11.3km from the lagoon, provides a breathtaking gondola ride through lush rainforests.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Esplanade Lagoon is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a show at the Cairns Convention Centre, only 966m away, or catch a performance at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, just 644m away. For a unique experience, visit the JUTE Theatre Company, located 483m from the lagoon.

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

Find the best attractions near Esplanade Lagoon

At Esplanade Lagoon, Cairns, visitors can enjoy a vibrant mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Explore the beautiful esplanade and marina, or take a leisurely stroll along the Cairns foreshore. The area is rich in attractions, making it perfect for those seeking adventure or relaxation. Don't miss out on nearby Cairns attractions and the stunning landscapes of the national parks that Queensland has to offer.

  • Cairns Esplanade: A picturesque waterfront, Cairns Esplanade is perfect for romantic strolls or family picnics. With lush greenery, playgrounds, and a stunning lagoon, it's an ideal spot for relaxation and outdoor activities.
  • Cairns Marlin Marina: Located near the beach, Cairns Marlin Marina is a hub for adventure seekers. Enjoy a variety of water sports, boat tours, and dining options with spectacular views of the marina and the Coral Sea.
  • St Monica's Cathedral: This stunning gothic-style cathedral showcases local history and culture. Its beautiful stained glass windows and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit for those interested in art and spirituality.

Best time to go to Esplanade Lagoon

The best time to visit Esplanade Lagoon can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Esplanade Lagoon falls in January and February. February has slightly low visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather. The coolest average temperature around Esplanade Lagoon 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 Esplanade Lagoon

To save on your trip to Esplanade Lagoon, consider visiting during the cheaper months of February to March and November, while avoiding the peak season in July, August, and December. Book your accommodation at least a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Wednesdays are the most affordable days to stay, so plan accordingly. Use Expedia’s search filters to find eco-friendly options and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for better package deals. This way, you can enjoy a budget-friendly vacation without compromising on experience.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Esplanade Lagoon 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Esplanade Lagoon is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Esplanade Lagoon is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Esplanade Lagoon is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Esplanade Lagoon hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.