Cairns Esplanade

Cairns Esplanade is a great place to explore when you are visiting Cairns.  Here visitors will is something for everyone; this is a great flat area to exercise on bike, rollerblades and foot.

New Years’ Eve 2023

Cairns will welcome 2023 this year with two sets of Fireworks on the Cairns Esplanade, the first at 8:30 and the second at midnight.

There will also be a movie for the kids to enjoy, so please bring your pillows and blankets and enjoy New Year’s Eve in Cairns.

Explore the Cairns Esplanade

We are starting at the very northern section of the Cairns Esplanade.

Here you will find a walking track and a cycling track that takes in the whole Esplanade and has free exercise equipment for everyone.  Several gym fitness stations are along the Cairns Esplanade’s northern part.

The Pirate Ship children’s playground, public toilets and free barbeques are also here to make the most of Cairns’s excellent climate.

Along the way walking south, there are more public toilets and areas where there is often Tai Chi.

Chi Gong Flow Yoga, Fogerty Park on the Esplanade, is free for everyone to enjoy from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm.

There are bench seats to relax, take in the stunning views, and watch the many water birds that live along the Esplanade, including pelicans.

Beach volleyball courts on Cairns Esplanade

Next are beach volleyball courts right opposite the Cairns Hospital.

Beach Volleyball courts are Open Wednesday to Monday, 9 am to 9:30 pm.

The Active life free fitness program offers classes every Tuesday at 5:30 pm.

Here there is also soccer and a basketball court.

Cairns Skate Park

Cairns skate Park

Cairns skate park is the largest skate park in Australia at 2,300 metres square this skate park features a six-foot big bowl, a small four to five-foot clover bowl, ramps and more, all aimed at fun, fresh air and an outdoor lifestyle that Cairns is so well known.   The skate park is well-lit and a great place to come and watch the skaters perform their art at night.

Bouldering Park

A form of rock climbing bouldering at low heights does not require special equipment.

Next is the Muddys playground and café, a fantastic playground for young children, including wet play areas.

Muddys Café and playground

Open from 6 am for breakfast and coffee and closing at 7:30 pm.

Tuesday evenings are famous for cheap as Tuesday tacos enjoy fish, chicken, salt and pepper calamari, vegetarian, pork and even a Taco platter.   Muddys Café has a great vibe and is a place to take advantage of the Cairns’ wonderful outdoor lifestyle.

Next along the Cairns Esplanade is the exercise area, the Cairns Anzac Memorial and then continuing onto the Cairns saltwater lagoon.

The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon: Attractions and Activities

This 4800 square metre salt water is free for everyone—several retail outlets, including ice cream shops and cafes.t.   The Cairns lagoon has lifeguards on duty.

The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is excellent for relaxing in the sun, swimming in a safe environment, and socialising with other tourists.

Despite the abundance of dining options near the swimming lagoon, people can bring their lunch and enjoy it at one of the many picnic tables scattered across the park’s grounds, shaded by towering  Trees.

The Cairns Esplanade welcomes dogs. 

Many dogs of various sizes and shapes may be strolling around the Cairns Esplanade daily. 
There are plenty of dogs to make friends with, as well as water basins and waste bags.

Free electric BBQs

Twelve BBQs along the Cairns Esplanade boardwalk near the Swimming Lagoon; are cleaned and ready for daily use.

Places of Interest in this region

Muddy’s playground, the Skatepark, Beach Volleyball, the Healing Garden playground and the Funship Playground are just a short stroll north along the oceanfront boardwalk.

Cairns Esplanade Markets

The Cairns Esplanade Markets occur near the lagoon every Saturday between 8:00 am and 4 pm.  There is a fantastic range of jewellery, woodcraft, pottery and fashion.

Next is Fogerty Park, a great area that offers free exercise several times a week and popular outdoor festivals and events.

Walking on is the Cairns Marina.  The Marlin Marina here is where the Great Barrier Reef tours depart.  Many Cairns Great Barrier Reef tours require visitors to check in at the Reef Fleet Terminal before boarding the boat.

Trinity Wharf

There is a range of fantastic restaurants and bars along the foreshores.  Then Trinity Wharf and the children’s playground, the Figtree.

Trinity Wharf is where the Cruise liners dock when they visit Cairns.   It is close to all the city amenities.   Within this area are Gallery One cafe and Hemingways Brewery.