Cairns Esplanade

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 jewelry, 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 center. 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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Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

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

Crystalbrook Flynn

5 out of 5
85 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Crystalbrook Flynn
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

4 out of 5
209-217 Abbott Street, Cairns North, QLD
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Crystalbrook Riley

Crystalbrook Riley

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

Crystalbrook Bailey

5 out of 5
163 Abbott Street, Cairns, QLD
Crystalbrook Bailey
Cairns Queens Court

Cairns Queens Court

3.5 out of 5
167-173 Sheridan St, Cairns North, QLD
Cairns Queens Court
Pacific Hotel Cairns

Pacific Hotel Cairns

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

Cairns Esplanade offers a vibrant mix of activities for visitors, including scenic walking paths, swimming opportunities, and exciting tours. Explore the Cairns Night Markets for unique local crafts and delicious food, embark on reef expeditions to discover the Great Barrier Reef, and enjoy various sightseeing tours that showcase the natural beauty of the region. With something for everyone, Cairns Esplanade is a must-visit destination for a memorable holiday.

Shopping

In Cairns Esplanade, you can enjoy shopping at Cairns Central Shopping Centre, just 435m away, with its vibrant atmosphere. The Cairns Night Markets, located 373m away, offer unique local crafts. If you're up for a drive, visit Kite Rite Australia, situated 5.0km from the Esplanade.

Recreation

Muddy's Playground, located 124m from Cairns Esplanade, offers a vibrant outdoor space for families to enjoy fun activities. Cazaly's Stadium, 559m away, is perfect for sports enthusiasts seeking thrilling matches. For arts and entertainment, the Tanks Arts Centre, 1.2km from the Esplanade, hosts captivating performances.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome, a zipline and ropes course located 559m from the Esplanade, perfect for adventure enthusiasts. Take a scenic ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, 4.3km away, for breathtaking views of the lush rainforest.

Enjoy a picturesque hike on the Red Arrow Walk, situated 1.2km from the Esplanade, offering stunning scenery and a sense of adventure amidst nature.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Cairns Esplanade buzzes with excitement. Enjoy captivating performances at the Cairns Convention Centre, just 1.6km away, or immerse yourself in the arts at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre and JUTE Theatre Company, both a mere 249m from the Esplanade, offering a rich cultural experience.

Find the best attractions near Cairns Esplanade

Cairns Esplanade offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including the marina, lagoon, and nearby national parks. Ideal for those seeking outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, visitors can explore the Cairns Museum, stroll along the Esplanade boardwalk, and discover the heart of Cairns. Don't forget to search for hotels conveniently located near the Esplanade to make the most of your stay while enjoying the local attractions.

  • Cairns Marlin Marina: Located 435m from Cairns Esplanade, this vibrant marina offers a plethora of adventure activities, including boat tours and fishing charters. Enjoy the beachy atmosphere while indulging in waterfront dining and exploring local shops.
  • Esplanade Lagoon: Just 373m away, this picturesque lagoon is perfect for a refreshing swim or a leisurely stroll. Surrounded by lush scenery, it provides a serene escape to relax and soak up the sun.
  • Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland: Situated only 186m from the Esplanade, this charming parkland is ideal for families and couples alike, featuring beautiful picnic areas, walking paths, and stunning views for a romantic outing.

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 cheaper months of February to March and November, while booking your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates. Wednesdays are the least expensive days to stay, and using Expedia's search tools can help you find great deals, especially if you opt for eco-certified hotels. Take advantage of free activities along the Esplanade and utilise public transport for an economical way to get around. Look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings.

  • 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 preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Cairns Esplanade with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.