Cairns Esplanade

Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Cairns Esplanade
Cairns Esplanade
Cairns Esplanade
Cairns Esplanade


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 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

Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Popular places to visit


Top Cairns Esplanade Hotel Deals

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

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

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Hilton Cairns
Crystalbrook Flynn

Crystalbrook Flynn

5 out of 5
85 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Crystalbrook Flynn
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street, Manunda, QLD
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Crystalbrook Riley

Crystalbrook Riley

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

Hotel Tropiq

3.5 out of 5
179 Sheridan Street, Cairns North, QLD
Hotel Tropiq
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

4 out of 5
209-217 Abbott Street, Cairns North, QLD
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre

Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre

4 out of 5
Cnr Abbott And Florence Street, Cairns, QLD
Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

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

At Cairns Esplanade, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as scenic walking trails, refreshing swimming spots, and engaging local tours. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the vibrant surroundings, which include delightful dining options and charming shops. For an unforgettable experience, be sure to look into local tour bookings that highlight the best of this beautiful coastal area.

Shopping

The Cairns Central Shopping Centre, only 1.1km from the Esplanade, offers a vibrant mix of entertainment and shopping. Additionally, the Cairns Night Markets, located 966m away, provide a lively atmosphere for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, visit Kite Rite Australia, situated 12.9km from the Esplanade.

Recreation

Muddy's Playground offers a vibrant family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and outdoor fun, located 322m from Cairns Esplanade. For sports enthusiasts, Cazaly's Stadium and Barlow Park, both within 1.6km, provide energetic vibes and opportunities to engage in local sporting events.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station, located 11.3km from Cairns Esplanade, offering outdoor family adventures. For thrill-seekers, the Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome zipline ropes course is 1.4km away, while the scenic Red Arrow Walk hiking trail awaits 3.2km from the Esplanade.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Cairns Esplanade is vibrant, with venues like the Cairns Convention Centre, offering a range of cultural performances. Just a short stroll away, the Cairns Performing Arts Centre and Jute Theatre provide enchanting shows, perfect for families and couples seeking entertainment and romance in a lively atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Cairns Esplanade

Cairns Esplanade is a vibrant destination featuring a stunning lagoon, marina, and access to nearby national parks. Visitors can enjoy outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and relaxation by the esplanade lagoon. Explore various attractions such as the Cairns Esplanade and its iconic lagoon, perfect for swimming and picnicking. Whether you seek adventure or leisure, Cairns offers an array of activities to suit every traveller's interests.

  • Cairns Marlin Marina: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Cairns Marlin Marina, where outdoor adventures await. Enjoy stunning beach vibes, dine at waterfront restaurants, and embark on boat tours to explore the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland: Stroll along this picturesque esplanade, perfect for family outings or romantic walks. With lush green spaces, playgrounds, and scenic views, it’s an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
  • Michaelmas Cay: Venture to this stunning national park, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities. Snorkel among vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it an adventurous escape from the everyday.

Best time to go to Cairns Esplanade

The best time to visit Cairns Esplanade can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Cairns Esplanade falls in January and February. February has slightly low visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather. The coolest average temperature around Cairns Esplanade falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 SunnyAverageAverage
June70.3°F (21.3°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July69.3°F (20.7°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August69.6°F (20.9°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September72.7°F (22.6°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October75.7°F (24.3°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November78.1°F (25.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December79.9°F (26.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cairns Esplanade

To save money during your visit to Cairns Esplanade, consider travelling in the cheaper months of February to March or November, avoiding peak seasons like July and December. Book your accommodation around a month in advance, and aim for a stay on Wednesday for the lowest rates. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and sort hotels by price and eco-friendly options. Combining your hotel booking with flights and activities in a package can also yield savings. Finally, explore free activities along the Esplanade to make the most of your trip without overspending.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around Cairns Esplanade about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at Cairns Esplanade with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.