Esplanade Boardwalk, Cairns: Hours, Address, Esplanade Boardwalk Reviews: 4.5/5
Esplanade Boardwalk
Esplanade Boardwalk
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTop ways to experience similar attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
538 within 5 kms
Snoogies
247
0.4 km$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • Healthy
Gelocchio
734
0.1 km$ • Dessert • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly
Cairns Burger Cafe
564
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • American • Fast food • Australian
Tha Fish
1,616
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Contemporary • Healthy
Devine Gelato
978
0.1 km$ • Dessert • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Piato
586
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Seafood • International • Mediterranean
Cruze Coffee
415
0.5 km$ • Cafe
Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse
1,926
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Steakhouse • Australian • Gluten Free Options
Dundee's at the Cairns Aquarium
473
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Vitalia's Italian Restaurant
472
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Mediterranean
Attractions
79 within 10 kms
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
3,665
0.1 kmSports Complexes
Michaelmas Cay
640
66 mIslands • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Night Markets
986
0.1 kmFlea & Street Markets
Michael Seebeck Gallery
6
63 mArt Galleries
Cairns Library
137
0.2 kmLibraries
Flying Foxes
6
0.2 kmNature & Wildlife Areas
Samurai Gallery Australia
106
0.3 kmArt Museums
Cairns Museum
260
0.3 kmHistory Museums
Doongal Aboriginal Art Gallery Cairns
84
0.3 kmArt Galleries
Cairns Aquarium
1,565
0.4 kmAquariums
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
6,022 reviews
Excellent
3,872
Very good
1,803
Average
308
Poor
24
Terrible
14
Susan
2 contributions
Dec 2021
the esplanade cairns qld. when you walk on the esplanade you get exercise, as well as the views are awesome, plenty of restaurants to chose from, the meals are great and look appetising to go back again there's so much to do in cairns, Perfect place to visit to have a great time, you need to put cairns on your bucket list.
Written 16 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rachel198005
Yeppoon, Australia181 contributions
Dec 2021
We stayed opposite the esplanade and we had plenty to do as a family. The beach volleyball courts and basketball courts were getting lots of use, and so was the playgrounds. There was a cafe next to the playground, making it perfect place to stop. Further along was a beautifully lit walkway through the trees with multicolored lights. As we were there at Christmas time, they had a gorgeous big tree set up. Great for photos and a lovely walk. The lagoon is so big there can be lots of people there and still not feel like other people are right on top of you. It's a great place for families as these are all free to use. Great paths for scooters etc too.
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
What could be better than finishing a lovely dinner in Cairns on the waterfront walk into then to an ice cream shop ordering some ice cream and taking a walk down the boardwalk on the cairns foreshore. Taking a walk along the boardwalk just seems like the right thing to do with the end of the day people parading up and down some with dogs some with ice cream’s to others just enjoying the cool breeze coming off the ocean at the end of the day. Just don’t miss this one it should be mandatory when visiting Cairns
Written 6 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cheryll M
Greater Adelaide, Australia297 contributions
Oct 2021
The Boardwalk is a lovely way to walk off a meal or just to go and enjoy a casual stroll. We saw so many Pelicans on a walk it was lovely.
Written 4 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Barbara L
Adelaide, Australia310 contributions
Dec 2021
We walked along here and there was many places to eat along here. The beach was very muddy looking but lucky for the kids the lagoon was perfect substitute for them to swim
Written 28 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jason S
Melbourne, Australia1,284 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.
Rudi Engelen
Nerang, Australia15 contributions
Nov 2021
a great place to visit at dusk, and the lagoon is tremendous. It was extremely popular by families..The few buskers made entertainment for everyone. You just have to ignore some of the indigenous people having squabbles
Written 26 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Narell504
Mackay, Australia8 contributions
Nov 2021
The Cairns boardwalk is amazing, it is wide and and kept clean, it is alive with people most times of the day. At night it lights up and is an excellent way to walk and see all the places you have for eating out.
Written 8 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Darren S
91 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
I was last in Cairns about 10 years ago and the Esplanade was nice, but it has undergone a substantial regeneration. New hotels, restaurants, (along with some old favourites) and an extended and wider sidewalk have lifted the area substantially. If you liked the Esplanade before, you'll love it now.
Written 4 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SharonR
4 contributions
Nov 2021
Absolutely amazing walk in the mornings, easy, great sights, lots of options, not too crowded. Safe and accessible.
Written 3 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JustcallmeRichard
Sydney, Australia20 contributions
Is this open 24 hours a day?I have a late arriving flight and would like to check it out
mark k
Melbourne, Australia216 contributions
yes the boardwalk is accessable all the time.
50kristie
Morphett Vale, Australia8 contributions
Any place to see free wildlife at day or night? Carins
Stevenyzwife
Adelaide, Australia42 contributions
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.
50kristie
Morphett Vale, Australia8 contributions
What free activities afe there in Carins? Art galleries / gemstone collections / lookouts
Stevenyzwife
Adelaide, Australia42 contributions
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.
gobroncos2015
Green Valley, AZ7 contributions
Is the Esplanade accessible from the Hilton Cairns? How long does the boardwalk run from there to the far end?
EsplanadeLagoon
Cairns
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.
IamReadyToGo
Texas33 contributions
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?
EsplanadeLagoon
Cairns
Hi, the BBQs are all electric. You will need to bring your own cooking utensils - enjoy!
