Esplanade Lagoon

Esplanade Lagoon which includes 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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Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Hilton Cairns
Crystalbrook Riley

Crystalbrook Riley

5 out of 5
131-141 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Crystalbrook Riley
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
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
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

4.5 out of 5
122 Lake St, Cairns, QLD
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Hides Hotel Cairns

Hides Hotel Cairns

3.5 out of 5
87 Lake Street, Cairns, QLD
Hides 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

Esplanade Lagoon in Cairns offers a delightful array of activities, including leisurely walks along the waterfront, refreshing swims in the lagoon, and exploring the vibrant Cairns Night Markets. Visitors can also enjoy local tours that showcase the region's natural beauty and culture, making it a perfect spot for a quick getaway while soaking up the tropical atmosphere.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, head to Cairns Night Markets, a vibrant public market only 62m from Esplanade Lagoon, offering local crafts and souvenirs. Cairns Central Shopping Centre, 311m away, features a variety of shops and entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, visit Kite Rite Australia, located 5.0km away.

Recreation

Muddy's Playground offers a vibrant outdoor space for families, perfect for unwinding and enjoying nature, located 249m from Esplanade Lagoon. Cazaly's Stadium, a mere mile away, provides a thrilling sports atmosphere. Tanks Arts Centre, 1.2km away, showcases diverse entertainment and cultural experiences in a unique setting.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome with its exhilarating zipline ropes course, located 186m from Esplanade Lagoon. For a scenic adventure, trek the Red Arrow Walk, 1.2km away, offering stunning views. Lastly, enjoy the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a cable car experience 4.3km from the lagoon.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Esplanade Lagoon is vibrant, with the Cairns Convention Centre (373m away) and Cairns Performing Arts Centre (249m away) offering cultural performances. For an intimate experience, JUTE Theatre Company (186m away) showcases captivating productions, perfect for families and couples alike.

Find the best attractions near Esplanade Lagoon

Esplanade Lagoon in Cairns, Queensland, offers a delightful mix of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and adventure. Visitors can explore the scenic esplanade, the marina, and nearby national parks. For an enjoyable stay, consider searching for hotels close to the lagoon and the Cairns Aquarium, which is among the top attractions in the area. There’s something for everyone, making it a perfect destination for your holiday.

  • Cairns Esplanade: A picturesque 373m stretch along the waterfront, Cairns Esplanade is perfect for romantic strolls, family outings, or simply soaking up the sun. With lush parks, BBQ facilities, and a stunning lagoon, it offers a vibrant outdoor atmosphere that caters to all ages.
  • Cairns Marlin Marina: Located a mere 124m from the lagoon, this bustling marina is the gateway to adventure. Enjoy water sports, scenic boat trips, and delightful beachside dining while taking in the beautiful coastal views that surround you.
  • St Monica's Cathedral: Just 249m away, this striking cathedral is a cultural gem, known for its stunning stained glass windows and serene atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for reflection and admiration of its beautiful architecture.

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 SunnyAverageSlightly Low
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 SunnyAverageAverage
October75.7°F (24.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
November78.1°F (25.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December79.9°F (26.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Esplanade Lagoon

To save money during your visit to Esplanade Lagoon, consider travelling in the cheaper months of February to March or November, and aim to book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates. Wednesdays typically offer the lowest prices for stays, while Saturdays are the priciest. Utilise Expedia's tools to compare rates, filter for budget options, and explore package deals that combine your hotel, flights, and activities. Don't forget to check for eco-certified accommodations for sustainable choices, and keep an eye out for last-minute deals to maximise your savings.

  • 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: Book your hotel around Esplanade Lagoon 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 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 the type of accommodation you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at Esplanade Lagoon with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.