People by the pool at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon with the fish sculptures in the background in Cairns, Queensland, Australia.

Joseph Trentacosti/Getty

Cairns Esplanade, Boardwalk & Lagoon

Top choice in Cairns


Sunseekers and fun-lovers flock to Cairns Esplanade's spectacular swimming lagoon on the city’s reclaimed foreshore. The artificial, sandy-edged, 4800-sq-metre saltwater pool with its Woven Fish sculptures, is lifeguard patrolled and illuminated nightly. The adjacent 3km foreshore boardwalk has picnic areas, birdwatching vantage points, sculptures, free barbecues and fitness equipment. Follow the signposts for the excellent Muddy's, which has playgrounds and water fun for little kids, and the skate ramp, beach volleyball courts, bouldering park and Fun Ship playground.

Markets, concerts, festivals and free fitness classes are regular occurrences on the Esplanade; check the website for happenings.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cairns attractions

1. Reef Eye

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2. Cairns Art Gallery

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4. KickArts Contemporary Arts

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These galleries showcase cutting-edge local and regional artworks, plus touring exhibitions. KickArts has moved to the School of the Arts while the Centre…

5. Cairns Museum

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6. Reef Teach

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7. Cairns Aquarium

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8. St Monica's Cathedral

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