Planning a visit to the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon? This guide covers opening hours, entry cost, location, and what to expect.
What is the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon?
The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a 4,800 square metre public swimming pool in the heart of Cairns, Queensland.
It is a large, open air pool designed to offer visitors a safe swimming alternative to the sea.
The lagoon is similar to the Airlie Beach Lagoon in Airlie Beach and Yeppoon Lagoon in Yeppoon.
The key advantage of the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is that it avoids the marine stingers and crocodiles that can make swimming at Cairns’ beaches risky.
Five great things to do in Cairns
- 🐠 See marine wonders at two Outer Reef hotspots – on a Great Barrier Reef snorkelling cruise.
- 🌿 On a day trip – explore Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest.
- 🚞 Combine the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway – on a day trip to Kuranda.
- 🚣 On a full day rafting adventure – tackle the white water of the Tully River.
- 🌄 See giant trees, rainforest waterfalls and crater lakes – on an Atherton Tablelands day tour.
Where is the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon?
The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon sits on the Cairns Esplanade and acts as a focal point for the city.
It is next to the Cairns Marina, Cairns Aquarium and Cairns Night Markets.
Several Cairns hotels near the lagoon are within a short walk, including the Crystalbrook Flynn, the Shangri-La and the Pacific Hotel.
How big is the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon?
The Cairns Lagoon covers approximately 4,800 square metres in a roughly triangular shape.
However, the size is only part of the appeal.
The wider Cairns Esplanade also includes sports and fitness classes and three children’s playgrounds.
The lagoon acts as the centrepiece of a much larger recreational area.
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon opening hours and cost
The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon opening hours are 6am to 9pm, Thursday to Tuesday.
On Wednesdays, the lagoon is closed in the morning for cleaning and reopens from 12pm to 9pm.
There is no entry fee for the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, making it one of the best free attractions in Cairns.
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon visitor information
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How big is the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon? | The lagoon covers approximately 4,800 square metres. |
| What are the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon opening hours? | Open 6am to 9pm Thursday to Tuesday, and 12pm to 9pm on Wednesdays. |
| Is the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon free? | Yes, entry is free. |
| Why swim at the Cairns Lagoon instead of the sea? | It offers a safe swimming environment away from stingers and crocodiles. |
| What is near the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon? | Nearby are the Cairns Marina, Cairns Aquarium and Cairns Night Markets. |
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More Cairns and Far North Queensland travel
- Plan your visit to the Cairns Botanic Gardens.
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway visitor guide: Plan your trip on Australia’s longest cable car ride.
- Exploring the Great Barrier Reef: Best islands and tours.
- Admire the magnificent Curtain Tree Fig in Yungaburra.
- Wildlife encounters on the journey up to Cape Tribulation.
