Cairns Esplanade Tours and Activities

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 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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Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Cairns Esplanade

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

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

Crystalbrook Riley

5 out of 5
131-141 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Crystalbrook Riley
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street, Manunda, QLD
Cairns Colonial Club 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 Bailey

Crystalbrook Bailey

5 out of 5
163 Abbott Street, Cairns, QLD
Crystalbrook Bailey
 Hotel Tropiq

Hotel Tropiq

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

When visiting Cairns Esplanade, be sure to explore the stunning Esplanade Lagoon, enjoy a Pacific Hotel Cairns show, and embark on a reef tour for breathtaking underwater experiences. The area also offers ample picnic spots and scenic walking paths, perfect for a leisurely day by the water. Swimming, relaxing, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere make Cairns Esplanade a must-visit destination for any tourist.

Shopping

The Cairns Night Markets, just 966m from the Esplanade, offer vibrant local crafts and souvenirs. Cairns Central Shopping Centre, 1.1km away, features a mix of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, Kite Rite Australia, located 12.9km away, specializes in unique kite merchandise.

Recreation

Muddy's Playground is a vibrant outdoor space perfect for families, offering fun activities and a relaxed atmosphere. For sports enthusiasts, Cazaly's Stadium and Barlow Park provide exciting venues to catch local games and enjoy the energetic vibes of the community.

Adventure

Experience the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station to glide above the lush rainforest, offering breathtaking views. For a scenic hike, the Red Arrow Walk provides adventure and stunning landscapes. Don't miss the Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome for an exhilarating zipline adventure amongst wildlife.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Cairns Esplanade is vibrant and diverse. The Cairns Convention Centre, just 1.6km away, hosts thrilling performances, while the Cairns Performing Arts Centre and Jute Theatre, both 644m away, offer captivating shows, creating a rich cultural atmosphere perfect for families and couples alike.

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

Find the best attractions near Cairns Esplanade

Explore the vibrant Cairns Esplanade, where you can enjoy the stunning lagoon, marina, and nearby national parks. This area offers a plethora of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and relaxation opportunities for every type of traveler. Don't miss visiting the Cairns Museum and taking in the local attractions that showcase the beauty and heritage of the region. Whether you seek adventure or leisure, Cairns Esplanade has something for everyone.

  • Esplanade Lagoon: Located 966m from Cairns Esplanade, this stunning lagoon offers a serene outdoor experience with scenic views. It's the perfect spot to relax, swim, or enjoy a picnic amidst lush surroundings.
  • Cairns Marlin Marina: Situated 1.1km away, this vibrant marina is an adventure lover's paradise. With beach vibes and outdoor activities, you can indulge in water sports, dine at waterfront restaurants, or embark on a boat tour to explore the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland: Just 483m from the Esplanade, this lovely parkland is ideal for families and couples alike. It boasts romantic pathways, picnic areas, and beautiful gardens, providing a tranquil escape in an outdoor setting.

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

For a budget-friendly visit to Cairns Esplanade, consider travelling during the cheaper months of February to March and November. Booking your accommodation about a month in advance can yield the best rates, with Wednesdays typically being the least expensive days to stay. Look for last-minute deals on Expedia, and take advantage of their search tools to find affordable options by setting your budget and filtering for eco-friendly hotels. Additionally, consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities into one package for savings, and keep an eye out for discounts and free cancellation offers.

  • 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 set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can organize 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 narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at Cairns Esplanade with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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