Cairns Esplanade Lagoon: Hours, Address, Cairns Esplanade Lagoon Reviews: 4.5/5
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
4.5
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 6:00 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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Learn moreTop ways to experience Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and similar attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
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0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Fusion
Orient Express Sushi Train
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Snoogies
247
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Attractions
79 within 10 kms
Esplanade Boardwalk
6,021
0.1 kmHiking Trails
Michaelmas Cay
640
0.1 kmIslands • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Michael Seebeck Gallery
6
0.2 kmArt Galleries
ZOO TO YOU HQ - Discovery Centre
10
0.2 kmZoos
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84
0.3 kmArt Galleries
Night Markets
986
0.2 kmFlea & Street Markets
Cairns Museum
260
0.4 kmHistory Museums
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106
0.3 kmArt Museums
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Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
3,665 reviews
Excellent
2,414
Very good
1,025
Average
180
Poor
32
Terrible
14
Rachel198005
Yeppoon, Australia181 contributions
Dec 2021
We swam on Christmas afternoon, and even though there was lots of people, it didn't feel like they were right on top of us. Plenty of space to enjoy time with the family. The gardens and parks areas around were clean and tidy. Great place to go that doesn't cost anything.
Written 11 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tony W
Mawson Lakes, Australia2,071 contributions
Jan 2022 • Friends
Certainly a vibrant spot, the lagoons popular and great views over the water with restaurants close. A good Christmas vibe with the large tree. Accommodation is close and chopper rides to the reef on offer.
Written 11 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Brian E
Melbourne, Australia117 contributions
Feb 2021 • Family
Water looked dirty and was in Covid times. Did not look healthy to me. The lagoon is well located in cairns and on the waterfront but I would swim there once arrived.
Written 6 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Steven R
Kingaroy, Australia1,720 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Now that the lagoon is fully renovated it's fantastic. Great place to relax and cool off. Great for the whole family. No charge and well patrolled by lifeguards.
Written 17 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Miss-Elizabeth-Anne
Logan City, Australia209 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
What a great idea considering you can’t get in the ocean this is a great option. It is clean and tidy and plenty of space so you aren’t on top of others.
Written 12 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
John J L
Nowra30 contributions
Apr 2021 • Solo
Great concept on the land considering there is no beach. Lots of family space and even a life guard on hand, gives Cairns a nice outdoor feel
Written 15 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Deb K
Glenelg, Australia414 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
Great spot for everyone to enjoy. Large lagoon pool area, many BBQ spaces, beach area with large lawns and plenty of shady trees. Shower and toilet facilities. Lifeguards on hand. There is plenty of activities especially on the weekends.
Written 8 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jessica Molly’s adventures
Sunshine Coast, Australia55 contributions
Sep 2021
Great spot to take thefamily ! Nice shallow spots for the kids and lifeguard on duty all day. Would definitely recommend
Written 7 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Simon B
City of Greater Geelong, Australia2,284 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Many tourists may head further north bemoaning the lack of swimming beach in Cairns.
Yet most families don’t risk their kids in FNQ because of all things, big & small, that BITE.
Esplanade Lagoon fulfils most wishes. Cool, wet, playful and hey even sand.
Parents have dining options near and a wonderful view under shade.
Bravo to the master planners, a gem in Cairns.
Yet most families don’t risk their kids in FNQ because of all things, big & small, that BITE.
Esplanade Lagoon fulfils most wishes. Cool, wet, playful and hey even sand.
Parents have dining options near and a wonderful view under shade.
Bravo to the master planners, a gem in Cairns.
Written 4 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Stace8_12
Logan City, Australia292 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
I think this place is very nice, I was lucky enough to get a good seat to watch my child swimming.
Lots of little places like restaurants around to visit after
Please visit Cairns to help our tourism industry. When ever you can, it will not disappoint
Lots of little places like restaurants around to visit after
Please visit Cairns to help our tourism industry. When ever you can, it will not disappoint
Written 31 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Brenda L
Palmwoods, Australia1 contribution
Why does cairns lagoon not have a pool fence?
Kylie Whatling
Sydney, Australia35 contributions
To be honest I have no idea but they have life guards on duty all day
730matthew
Sydney, Australia170 contributions
Hello
May I know how deep is this pool please ? Is it suitable for young kids ? Around 1.2m ? Thanks
LesleyandRolo
Sydney, Australia31 contributions
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.
Sonali B
55 contributions
Is there a island close to Cairns Lagoon that you can visit?
Jeanette M
Cairns, Australia475 contributions
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.
Sonali B
55 contributions
Why does that lagoon have fence separating itself from the sea?
Mishmashoflife
Cairns, Australia219 contributions
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.
Kirby B
Cargo24 contributions
Is this open is August? And is the weather suitable for swimming? 😊
EsplanadeLagoon
Cairns
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.
Livia M
Zufikon, Switzerland12 contributions
can i put my big backpack somewhere during the day?
Jeanette M
Cairns, Australia475 contributions
They have coin operated lockers next to the toilets / showers / change rooms.
Ben Minutoli
Echuca, Australia102 contributions
does anyone know if you can hire towels around here?
donna1981xx
Lytham St Anne's, UK343 contributions
I didn't see anywhere, we bought some beach towels from a nearby gift shop.
Vncrowe
17 contributions
Is this open during September?
Jeanette M
Cairns, Australia475 contributions
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.
CAMBROWN
CAMBROWN6 contributions
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
Jeanette M
Cairns, Australia475 contributions
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.
