Cairns Esplanade with the Cairns Swimming Lagoon

Cairns Esplanade & Swimming Lagoon

Established by the Cairns community, this is a very popular spot with visitors. When you're looking for things to do in Cairns, spending time at Cairns Lagoon is one of the most popular choices. Cairns Esplanade is a great place to enjoy the warm Tropical North Queensland sun - both locals and visitors flock here every day. It's a place for everyone: couples enjoying a stroll along the boardwalk at the water's edge, families having a picnic or barbecue on the grass, backpackers from around the globe sunbaking by the lagoon, and visitors soaking up a beautiful view after lunch or over an early evening dinner.

Some visitors spend time at this large swimming lagoon every day. It's open from early morning until 9pm daily (closed Wednesday mornings until noon for cleaning and maintenance), with shower and toilet blocks right by the lagoon, lifeguards on duty, wheelchair access, and it's all completely free. The Cairns Lagoon on the Esplanade is a 4,800 square metre artificial saltwater swimming pool - the water is always clear and refreshing. Shops and cafes are just across the street, making it one of the best places to relax and unwind.

There's a full shower block, free to use after your swim, as well as BBQ cooking plates that are popular with groups of families and friends. A number of small local supermarkets are within a 2-block walk, so if you'd like to cook up your own Aussie barbecue for lunch or dinner - with some local prawns, reef fish, and delicious tropical fruits and salads - the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon picnic BBQs and tables are the place to do it. Keep in mind it's especially popular with Cairns locals during school holidays, as well as on Friday and Saturday evenings.

A day spent at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the perfect way to enjoy some sun and a refreshing swim with gorgeous views.

🗺️ Cairns Esplanade & Lagoon Location Map