Cairns Esplanade Tours

Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Cairns Esplanade which includes night scenes
Cairns Esplanade which includes a sandy beach, swimming and a pool
Cairns Esplanade showing general coastal views, a sunset and bird life
Cairns Esplanade featuring a park as well as a couple


Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.

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 jewelry, 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 center. 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

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The Reef Retreat

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Best Lodging Options Near Cairns Esplanade

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

4 out of 5
209-217 The Esplanade, Cairns North, QLD
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Hilton Cairns
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

4.5 out of 5
122 Lake St, Cairns, QLD
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Crystalbrook Flynn

Crystalbrook Flynn

5 out of 5
85 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Crystalbrook Flynn
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

4 out of 5
209-217 Abbott Street, Cairns North, QLD
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Crystalbrook Riley

Crystalbrook Riley

5 out of 5
131-141 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Crystalbrook Riley
Crystalbrook Bailey

Crystalbrook Bailey

5 out of 5
163 Abbott Street, Cairns, QLD
Crystalbrook Bailey
Cairns Queens Court

Cairns Queens Court

3.5 out of 5
167-173 Sheridan St, Cairns North, QLD
Cairns Queens Court
Pacific Hotel Cairns

Pacific Hotel Cairns

4.5 out of 5
Corner Esplanade And Spence Street, Cairns, QLD
Pacific Hotel Cairns
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Cairns Esplanade

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Cairns Esplanade, where you can enjoy walking tours, swimming in the lagoon, and soaking up the sun. Don't miss the brilliant Thursday morning markets featuring local goods and live music, creating a memorable experience that captures the essence of this stunning destination. Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, Cairns Esplanade offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Shopping

Cairns Esplanade offers vibrant shopping options! Explore Cairns Central Shopping Centre, just 0.7 miles away, for a mix of family-friendly stores and entertainment. The Cairns Night Markets, 0.6 miles away, feature local crafts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Stockland Cairns Shopping Centre is 3 miles away, with more shopping experiences.

Recreation

At Muddy's Playground, enjoy a vibrant family atmosphere with extensive play areas perfect for kids. Cazaly's Stadium offers an exhilarating sports vibe, where you can catch a local game. Barlow Park, also a sports venue, is ideal for outdoor activities and immersing yourself in the energetic local community.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome, where you can conquer a zipline ropes course surrounded by stunning views. For a unique perspective of the rainforest, take a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, or cool off at the exciting Sugarworld Waterpark, perfect for family fun.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Cairns Esplanade! Enjoy a show at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, just 0.4 miles away, or try your luck at the Reef Hotel Casino, located 0.8 miles away. For a cultural experience, visit the Cairns Convention Centre, 1 mile from the Esplanade.

Find the best attractions near Cairns Esplanade

Cairns Esplanade offers a vibrant mix of attractions including the marina, national parks, and the stunning lagoon. This scenic area is perfect for travelers seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and relaxation. Key highlights to explore include the city esplanade, Cairns Lagoon, and the impressive Cairns Aquarium, making it an ideal destination for various interests and activities.

  • Cairns Marlin Marina: Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Cairns Marlin Marina, where adventure meets relaxation. Enjoy beachfront activities, dine at waterfront restaurants, and explore water sports, all while soaking up the stunning coastal views.
  • Esplanade Lagoon: The Esplanade Lagoon offers a picturesque setting for relaxation and recreation. Surrounded by lush landscaping, it’s the perfect spot for a refreshing swim or a leisurely stroll, with scenic views that showcase the beauty of Cairns.
  • Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland: This family-friendly esplanade is ideal for picnics, romantic walks, and outdoor fun. With beautiful pathways and green spaces, it’s a great place to unwind while enjoying the tropical charm of the area.

Best time to go to Cairns Esplanade

Visitor numbers around Cairns Esplanade is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Cairns Esplanade is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January and February are its hottest month on average. At the time of January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January80.4°F (26.9°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February80.4°F (26.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March79.2°F (26.2°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
April76.5°F (24.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June70.3°F (21.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
July69.3°F (20.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August69.6°F (20.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September72.7°F (22.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October75.7°F (24.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
November78.1°F (25.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December79.9°F (26.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cairns Esplanade

Cairns Esplanade is a budget-friendly destination with free entry and numerous savings opportunities. Travel during the cheaper months of February to March or November, and book your stay about a month in advance for the best rates. Wednesdays are the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Utilize Expedia for last-minute deals and package discounts that combine hotels, flights, and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also earn you exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future bookings. Always compare prices and be mindful of any hidden charges.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cairns Esplanade are February to March and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Cairns Esplanade about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Cairns Esplanade is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Cairns Esplanade is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To find the best prices and deals available, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Cairns Esplanade with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.