Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
4.5
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
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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- Mark EWhitianga, New Zealand702 contributionsSydney to Cairns 2023This is a very safe place to swim in Cairns. The beach and bay is not the safest for swimming. There are lifeguards on duty. Sand is lovely white and manicured each day. Big pool and lots for kids to do. Large area in park like location. Enjoy.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 April 2024
- Helen & RobAdelaide, Australia64 contributionsRefreshing & RelaxingThe water is cold this time of the year but a nice place to just chill out by and relax. Refreshing water, a kiosk there, shade and greens area to lazy around on. Maybe a few more benches would be good.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 May 2024
- Jeffry bEssendon, Australia13,527 contributionsYoungsters love playing in shallow LagoonThe Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a shallow connection of ponds that appeals to families with young children, where the depth of the pond is less than one meter. Apart from swimming and playing, the pools have lots of BBQs and chairs and tables. The Esplanade is adjoining to the sea Lagoon, which is a place to look out for birds such at pelicans, who can be seen active on the Lagoon. The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a favorite place for young families to have fun in this shallow water.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 13 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
3,718 reviews
Excellent
2,454
Very good
1,034
Average
182
Poor
32
Terrible
16
The Adventure Buddies
Manhattan Beach, CA769 contributions
Feb 2019 • 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 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachy D
Beerwah, Australia16 contributions
Apr 2021 • 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 15 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JElliot32
New South Wales, Australia3,962 contributions
Sept 2022
The Lagoon is a large open-air swimming centre located towards the southern end of the Esplanade (which is another fab resource for Cairns). Entry to the Lagoon is free and there are shallow and deeper areas of water to suit all ages. There are also areas of lawn for just sitting or lazing about. The Lagoon's water is clean and in Cairns's humidity it is a refreshing spot to cool down. Not surprisingly it is very popular - we found it a bit less crowded in the hours before lunch. Opportunities for diving or doing laps are very restricted! The change-rooms are also free and there are plenty of cafes nearby
Written 30 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
coolitz
Melbourne, Australia926 contributions
Feb 2022 • 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.
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 26 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barby D
5 contributions
Mar 2021
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 24 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dilip m
Pune, India315 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
The Cairns Esplanade, in Tropical North Queensland, Australia, has been a focal point for locals and visitors in Cairns city since the region was founded in the late 1800s. A 2.5 kilometers stretch skirting the sea, it is a recreational area for people from all walks of life — backpackers, visitors looking for a beautiful view during an early evening dinner, couples having an early morning jog, teenagers & kids using the playgrounds.
The Esplanade features three playgrounds that encourage active play on the city's beautiful foreshore. Entry to all our playgrounds is free. There are many facilities to choose from along The Esplanade to suit your active lifestyle such as the Lagoon which is a public swimming pool, Beach Volleyball Courts and fitness stations (green gyms).
There are a range of BBQ facilities and picnic areas along the Cairns Esplanade for your next event or gathering.The BBQs are free for casual use and are open from 6am to 9pm daily. Toilets, showers, lockers and parking are conveniently located along the Cairns Esplanade to make your visit more enjoyable.
The Cairns Night Markets and Rusty’s Markets close by are two amazing places, one for getting a delicious meal and the other for picking up top class produce. The Cairns Night Markets are renowned for their delicious food, including delightful Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese, while Rusty’s Markets is perfect for picking up quality local produce.
The Esplanade features three playgrounds that encourage active play on the city's beautiful foreshore. Entry to all our playgrounds is free. There are many facilities to choose from along The Esplanade to suit your active lifestyle such as the Lagoon which is a public swimming pool, Beach Volleyball Courts and fitness stations (green gyms).
There are a range of BBQ facilities and picnic areas along the Cairns Esplanade for your next event or gathering.The BBQs are free for casual use and are open from 6am to 9pm daily. Toilets, showers, lockers and parking are conveniently located along the Cairns Esplanade to make your visit more enjoyable.
The Cairns Night Markets and Rusty’s Markets close by are two amazing places, one for getting a delicious meal and the other for picking up top class produce. The Cairns Night Markets are renowned for their delicious food, including delightful Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese, while Rusty’s Markets is perfect for picking up quality local produce.
Written 17 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason R
Darwin, Australia158 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Nice place to chill for a bit with the kids. Lifeguards on duty (some may be a little over zealous with the interpretation of the rules at times), cafes close by, and it is close to Muddys playground when you want to mix it up a bit. The lagoon is cleaned every week, so it is closed on Wednesday mornings.
Written 27 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bilyana A
Wuppertal, Germany66 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
It is an open pool opened for everyone from early in the morning till late in the evening. There are also some pilates classes a couple days of the week right next to the pool, as well as some other sport.
In my opinion this is a totally highlight in Cairns and a must do attraction when in Cairns. It contains a shower area with toilets etc.
I suggest bringing a good mood and a high SPF Factor with you! Enjoy it!
In my opinion this is a totally highlight in Cairns and a must do attraction when in Cairns. It contains a shower area with toilets etc.
I suggest bringing a good mood and a high SPF Factor with you! Enjoy it!
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheShis
Tel Aviv, Israel42,744 contributions
Oct 2019
This is a truly awesome open pool with no entrance fee.
The pool is located next to the (ugly) beach and can accommodate both kids and adults with enough ground for some sunbathing (although it can get crowded).
The place is worth a visit during the day and evening alike, as it is open until 9PM.
Nowadays, there's a nice Ferry wheel next to the lagoon.
Highly recommended!
The pool is located next to the (ugly) beach and can accommodate both kids and adults with enough ground for some sunbathing (although it can get crowded).
The place is worth a visit during the day and evening alike, as it is open until 9PM.
Nowadays, there's a nice Ferry wheel next to the lagoon.
Highly recommended!
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margriet H
Darwin, Australia418 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
The waterfront lagoon and adjacent shops are very welcoming to tourists. I liked seeing the different tides. Great for families with children or young people. Not far to go for burger, chips and ice cream. Ball games, family picnics, small cafe for coffee or paddle pops. Overall a credit to Cairns council.
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Why does cairns lagoon not have a pool fence?
Written 30 November 2020
To be honest I have no idea but they have life guards on duty all day
Written 1 December 2020
Hello
May I know how deep is this pool please ? Is it suitable for young kids ? Around 1.2m ? Thanks
Written 24 March 2018
There is a shallow area at one end which is suitable for children. The other end is deeper. A little bit further along the esplanade is a children's water play area with bubbling fountains and stuff. Not far from the lagoon, maybe 500m or so.
Written 24 March 2018
Sonali B
55 contributions
Is there a island close to Cairns Lagoon that you can visit?
Written 17 February 2018
There're 2: Fitzroy: hiking, 'muck diving / snorkelling', occasional remarkable animals like snake eels & dugong ... ockies & shovel nose rays under the pier (the walkway to the dock; don't dive / snorkel under the dock; it scares the boat skippers!), beautiful Nudey beach (not a nudist beach) full of nudibranchs, molluscs and sponges just off shore....... & Green Island; quick & easy round the island walk, easy beginners' beach, plenty of tropical vegetation, plenty of parrotfish, some epaulette sharks (cute, unintimidating, about 25cm long, look like spotty sausages), some butterfly fish species.
Written 25 March 2018
Sonali B
55 contributions
Why does that lagoon have fence separating itself from the sea?
Written 16 February 2018
Crocs nipping in for a dip so unless you fancy meeting one be thankful it’s separate 😂 if you go further along there is no separation.
Written 17 February 2018
Is this open is August? And is the weather suitable for swimming? 😊
Written 7 January 2018
Hi everyone, please note the Esplanade Lagoon will be closed for maintenance this year from Monday 16 July to Sunday 5 August inclusive. The Lagoon will reopen for swimming on Monday 6 August.
Written 1 March 2018
can i put my big backpack somewhere during the day?
Written 24 September 2017
They have coin operated lockers next to the toilets / showers / change rooms.
Written 25 March 2018
does anyone know if you can hire towels around here?
Written 3 September 2017
I didn't see anywhere, we bought some beach towels from a nearby gift shop.
Written 4 September 2017
You can swim all year round. The Lagoon's occasionally closed (like for a half day) for cleaning. Check the website or ring up the Civic Council for specifics... or just try your luck.
Written 25 March 2018
Hi there - thanks very much for your review of the Cairns swimming lagoon. My wife & I will be there in less than 2 weeks & I was wondering if this facility is suitable for lap swimming in say, the early morning or late evening before closing.
Thank you!
CB
Written 27 January 2016
It's a lagoon shape not really suited to laps, & one end is like 1 cm deep, & the fish sculptures are mounted on poles at the deep end (1.5m) that a lap swimmer could run into. Early in the morning they have free aqua-aerobics classes. Do that instead; it's fun & sociable.
Written 25 March 2018
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