Esplanade Boardwalk
Esplanade Boardwalk
4.5
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
About
The Cairns Esplanade is a picturesque 2.5 km stretch of foreshore in the heart of Cairns that is managed by Cairns Regional Council. The parklands, playgrounds, boardwalk, lagoon and recreational facilities are all free entry. Come along and enjoy this stunning facility.
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- DallsalladSeaford, Australia14 contributionsWalkingGreat place to take a nice walk in morning or late at night. I felt safe walking along late at night. I love the lights for Chinese new year, and the vibe that it has on the esplanades at night and during the dayVisited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 February 2024
- Mark EWhitianga, New Zealand803 contributionsCairns to Darwin 2023Great walk, plenty to see. Nice views of the city and bay. Lots of places to rest and take in the sights. Heaps of activity. Lots of bird life. Take a walk past the lagoon as well. There is sometimes singers on the stage and buskers at night. Take the walk in both the day and night.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 April 2024
- Happy TravellerSydney, Australia9,189 contributionsBeautifulWell, this boardwalk is a real asset to Cairns.. It’s well set out and has lots of different things to do and see along the walkway. You can see where the old marina used to be, and where they have removed the old timbers and use them to make some of the boardwalks and elevated viewing platforms. So no timber was wasted.. there are fantastic cafes and bars and pools and Ferris wheel, grassy areas and gardens and of course the two big marinas. And it’s a fabulous place, just a stroll as the sun is settingWritten 24 November 2024
- Jessica MNew York City, New York402 contributionsBoard walk? Bird walk!The Esplanade boardwalk? More like the Bird Walk! This spot is an absolute haven for bird enthusiasts. My photo album is overflowing with incredible bird photos from my strolls here. From pelicans (special shoutout—they’re AWESOME) to a wide variety of shorebirds, every step offers a new feathered friend to admire. But wait, there’s more! If you stick around after 7:30 PM, prepare yourself for an unforgettable bat spectacle. Seriously, it feels like there are a million of them. These giant, fat bats (flying foxes) hang upside down in the trees, making an incredible racket as they stir for the evening. It’s so cool to see them in action—an absolute must for nature lovers. The boardwalk itself is pristine and thoughtfully designed, with something for everyone. Kids have plenty to do, there’s excellent beach watching, and the clean, scenic pathways make it perfect for a leisurely stroll or a morning bird-watching adventure. The Esplanade Bird Walk is truly a standout Cairns experience.Visited November 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 November 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
6,122 reviews
Excellent
3,947
Very good
1,827
Average
310
Poor
24
Terrible
14
Yael D
35 contributions
Dec 2022
The lagoon is supervised by lifeguards till 9pm. (of course, they're not babysitters so don't just leave your kids!) My kids spent the vast majority of our time in Cairns at the Lagoon
even when it was raining. Take an umbrella as there aren't many undercover spots. The Lagoon is across the road from the Night Markets which are also fun to visit.
even when it was raining. Take an umbrella as there aren't many undercover spots. The Lagoon is across the road from the Night Markets which are also fun to visit.
Written 6 January 2023
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.
mydnyght
Perth, Australia105 contributions
Nov 2022
Something for everyone, from walks to artwork, free workout equipment to playgrounds for the kids including a water one that appeared very safe even for the little ones. The lagoon at the end is amazing complete with lifeguards. There are water fountains at frequent intervals and a cafe as well. BBQ's and tables are available as well. I also loved the memorials that to me are important.
Watching the way the council looks after this place is impressive, during the time I was there the number of times I saw council workers visiting and ensuring it was a safe, tidy and well maintained area was impressive, even down to the gentleman walking along the section of sandy beach picking up rubbish.
Watching the way the council looks after this place is impressive, during the time I was there the number of times I saw council workers visiting and ensuring it was a safe, tidy and well maintained area was impressive, even down to the gentleman walking along the section of sandy beach picking up rubbish.
Written 29 November 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.
PBPG
Yorkshire, UK8,486 contributions
Nov 2022
The reef eye ferris wheel looks the part with cylindrical gondolas, and the lady at the cash desk saved us $20, we were going to pay for a private gondolas, but she said we would get one anyway so we got in cheaper! In fairness not much to see as you go round but it is a very smooth ride. Plus The herd, the forms represent the backs of large creatures moving out to sea and are an amazing feature on the Esplanade. Made of granite they stand out on a flat landscape.
Written 30 November 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.
WorldTravla7
Cairns, Australia8,626 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
I was back up in Cairns while the Cairns Festival was on. The esplanade & lagoon area was awash with excitement with a laser light show at night & various activities creating a carnival atmosphere. The highlight for me was an aerobatic air show by aerobatics pilot Emma McDonald over the Esplanade on the Saturday. My friends & I loved it and the skill on display was amazing as Emma took the plane through various loops and vertical dips! It also coincided with JUTE Theatre’s production of Higher! Faster! Louder! about one of the first female commercial pilot in Australia
Written 2 November 2023
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.
Russell &Sue
9 contributions
May 2022
After arriving in Cairns late in the day we decided to take a walk along the Esplanade Boardwalk at sunset. It proved to be a great way to get a feel of this lovely city. The area was immaculately maintained and had a wonderfully relaxed ambiance. We loved the beautiful Lagoon which was well lit if you wished to take a dip at night.
Written 27 May 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.
Mercury_one1
Sydney, Australia142 contributions
July 2023 • Couples
Cairns is a nice place , very limited in things to do or see in the cbd area . Yes there is aquarium ($32 each for adults , a bit steep) , Museum (about $20 per adult), casino (about $25 per adult to see sanctuary) . No close beaches or things to do that are free or close (if you are staying around cbd). There is the boardwalk / esplanade , you can go on Ferris wheel ($12 per adult) , the free swimming pool at the esplanade (for adults and kids).
There is many restaurants and cafes , don’t be concerned about finding a place to eat (food quality especially on esplanade/ boardwalk is another story), very touristy food / prices to match / quality below par.
Try restaurants and cafes in the shopping centre or away from the tourist hotspots , and you will pleasantly surprised.
There is a Large shopping centre with major supermarkets and boutiques , close and walking distance.
Cairns is best to go, if you are exploring the outer attractions such as Port Douglas / Palm Cove / Daintree / Cape Trib and other. Obviously many water sport activities and tours , so be prepared to spend $$$ to keep the kids or yourself entertained.
5 days is plenty , it’s not the type of place you could stay entertained or stimulated unless you are doing a tour / water sports or alike.
There is many restaurants and cafes , don’t be concerned about finding a place to eat (food quality especially on esplanade/ boardwalk is another story), very touristy food / prices to match / quality below par.
Try restaurants and cafes in the shopping centre or away from the tourist hotspots , and you will pleasantly surprised.
There is a Large shopping centre with major supermarkets and boutiques , close and walking distance.
Cairns is best to go, if you are exploring the outer attractions such as Port Douglas / Palm Cove / Daintree / Cape Trib and other. Obviously many water sport activities and tours , so be prepared to spend $$$ to keep the kids or yourself entertained.
5 days is plenty , it’s not the type of place you could stay entertained or stimulated unless you are doing a tour / water sports or alike.
Written 5 July 2023
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 S
Melbourne, Australia2,667 contributions
Dec 2021 • Solo
Certainly the area to be in Cairns after dark, during the day lots of people going for walk but can be a little hit and humid.
I would go at night time when cooler, great lighting along the boardwalk and many restaurants and bars to enjoy at night time.
Evening has a really good vibe and atmosphere to it with the night markets, outdoor pool etc adding to the buzz of the area.
Safe and friendly for all the family.
I would go at night time when cooler, great lighting along the boardwalk and many restaurants and bars to enjoy at night time.
Evening has a really good vibe and atmosphere to it with the night markets, outdoor pool etc adding to the buzz of the area.
Safe and friendly for all the family.
Written 25 December 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.
Monica L
Chandler, Arizona263 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Boardwalk is a must do in Cairns. Lots of restaurants, shops and things for everyone along the way. When we were there, a cultural event was happening in the performance area near Marina Point. We actually walked the entire boardwalk and enjoyed it. It's a very easy walk and very accessible. Plenty of places to stop and enjoy the water or to people watch!
Written 15 October 2023
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.
Mitchell S
Gold Coast, Australia24 contributions
Jan 2021 • Friends
A lovely place to take a stroll, grab a bite to eat or take a dip in the nearby lagoon. There are mixture of both footpaths and bike paths. There is plenty of parking around the esplanade however be aware that it does fill up quickly during the day. On a side note, the esplanade is notorious to be filled with drunks after dusk, so I’d recommend keeping the children away from this area after sun down.
Written 26 January 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.
alanamy69
Marikina, Philippines90 contributions
Jan 2023
The Cairns Esplanade Boardwalk provides the perfect opportunity for a relaxing stroll along the waterfront. The boardwalk is well maintained. The landscaping in the grassed areas beside the boardwalk is of the highest standard. There is also free Council provided exercise equipment in a couple of areas, a huge patrolled lagoon for swimming, numerous free barbecues and shaded tables with seating, and children's play areas. Across from the boardwalk are numerous shops and restaurant/cafes.
Written 19 January 2023
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.
Global519075
Southport, North Carolina
How far from cruise terminal, what transportation to use?
Once there how far from botanical gardens?
Written 1 March 2023
Esplanade board walk is close to all of the cruise terminals, just a few minutes walk. Somewhat further to the botanical gardens. Perhaps a one hour leisurely walk. Most forms of public transport are readily available - buses and taxis.
Written 20 March 2023
Is this open 24 hours a day?I have a late arriving flight and would like to check it out
Written 27 March 2021
yes the boardwalk is accessable all the time.
Written 13 May 2021
Any place to see free wildlife at day or night? Carins
Written 10 April 2016
In Cairns, the good places can be Crystal Cascades, the beach/ bush areas from Cairns to Cape Tribulation. The windy road up to Koransa from Cairns can also provide some. Some of the places like Milla Milla falls and the waterfalls out of cairns can have some but it would be hit and miss if you see some. We hear them where we live at Crystal Cascades at night and they come into the yard at night. Some of the northern suburbs past a Trinity beach where there is more bush areas get some but further north where there is little population of people is your best bet.
Written 4 June 2016
What free activities afe there in Carins? Art galleries / gemstone collections / lookouts
Written 10 April 2016
Free look outs again are along the road from Cairns to Mareeba, Cape Tribulation etc. up the mountain from Smithfield to Kuranda has a few city look outs, and to the local dam. There should be a few down near Earlsville but I'm not sure where and up any of the mountains. Free activities- along the esplanade, beaches, art galleries are in cbd. There is a war gallery but not sure if free.
Written 4 June 2016
Is the Esplanade accessible from the Hilton Cairns? How long does the boardwalk run from there to the far end?
Written 19 December 2015
Hi,
Thank you for your enquiry. The Esplanade is very close to the Hilton Hotel, just a nice short stroll along the boardwalk. The Esplanade is 2.5km long featuring both footpath and boardwalk areas.
Written 12 January 2016
Hi!
I saw the pictures with the BBQ areas. Do I need to bring charcoal and matches as well as forks to turn the steaks I bring?
Written 4 April 2015
Hi, the BBQs are all electric. You will need to bring your own cooking utensils - enjoy!
Written 7 April 2015
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