The Cairns Esplanade is the tree-lined boardwalk along the foreshore in the city of Cairns. It overlooks the Trinity Inlet and the Coral Sea on one side, and is lined with restaurants and gardens on the other. It has bike paths and walking trails, playgrounds, barbecues, exercise areas and a salt-water lagoon.
Come to take a morning stroll and spot sea birds that swarm the waterfront at this time of day. Cafés along the Esplanade serve breakfast and coffees to locals on their way to work and visitors enjoying sea views. Later in the day, buy fresh seafood to cook on one of the barbecues in the picnic areas along the boardwalk.
Lifeguards patrol the lagoon, which is open from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. throughout the year. It’s surrounded by sand, sun lounges and trees, and is free to use.
Families should head to the Youth Activity Precinct where there are a range of free activities for young visitors. Watch the kids explore the Endeavour Fun Ship, a marine-themed playground, or Muddy’s, a playground and water park with slides and a flying fox.
If you want to keep active, there are a number of free fitness classes held along the Esplanade. Try aqua aerobics, beach volleyball, bouldering (a form of rock climbing), yoga or Zumba. The Cairns Regional Council website has details and a timetable.
Craft markets sell locally made jewellery, woodcraft, leatherwork and pottery on Saturdays. Finish the day with dinner and drinks in bars and restaurants that look out over the water.
The Esplanade is an easy walk from the city centre. You’re free to wander the boardwalk at any time of the day or night. Parking is available near the Esplanade fees apply. There are shower and public toilet facilities throughout the area. If you’re heading out to the Great Barrier Reef, the main departure point for tours, Reef Fleet, is located at the south end of the Esplanade
Cairns Esplanade Tours and Activities
Visit Cairns Esplanade
Tours & day trips
See all 63 activitiesOpens in new tabOcean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
History & culture
See all 17 activitiesOpens in new tabFrom Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Trip with Lunch
Adventure & outdoor
See all 4 activitiesOpens in new tabFitzroy Island Adventures - Full Day or Half Day
Attractions
See all 4 activitiesOpens in new tabHartley's Crocodile Adventures Half-Day Tour
Reviews of Cairns Esplanade
5/5 - Excellent
Hire a bike to ride along here
3/5 - Okay
needed more parking didn't eat there as much as planned due to lack of parking.
5/5 - Excellent
Fantastic gardens, sporting equipment and opportunities for bird-watching.
4/5 - Good
too busy too much construction....pier and park area beautiful..big improvement on mud flats that were there !!!! long time ago....
5/5 - Excellent
Muddy's is across the road from the Rydges-PERFECT and free for the kids plus a cafe for adults.
3/5 - Okay
I always seem to visit the esplanade when the tide is out and all I see is mud:)
Popular places to visit
Cairns Night Markets
During your trip to Cairns, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Cairns Night Markets. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area or seek out the local tours.
Esplanade Lagoon
Relax after a day of sightseeing or cool down from the summer heat in this fresh-water lagoon, one of Cairns’ best city attractions.
The Cairns Museum
You can spend time studying the exhibits at The Cairns Museum during your trip to Cairns. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.
Cairns Base Hospital
If Cairns Base Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Cairns.
Cairns Private Hospital
If Cairns Private Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Cairns.
Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland
Enjoy the spectacular coral reefs and explore Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland, a lovely green space in Cairns. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
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