The Cairns Esplanade is a focal point for the city’s social life. With restaurants and gardens on one side, and overlooking the Trinity Inlet and Coral Sea on the other, this area celebrates the best of Cairns. Along the tree-lined walkway you’ll find playgrounds, barbecue sites, dedicated exercise areas and also a salt-water lagoon.
Start your day with breakfast and coffee at one of the many cafés along the Esplanade. This is the perfect time to watch the flocks of sea birds along the shore. For lunch, you can buy delicious fresh seafood to be grilled on one of the barbecues available for public use in the picnic areas.
Every Saturday, the Esplanade hosts a local market where you’ll find handmade jewellery, clothing and craft items. Live music performances and colourful costumed performers add to this buzzing atmosphere.
There are also plenty of opportunities to stay fit. Free open-air classes are held every morning along the Esplanade, ranging from yoga and Pilates to aerobics and military-style boot camps. Alternatively, you can take a dip in the nearby lagoon, open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. all year round. There is no charge for access, and swimming is supervised by a lifeguard. There are also bike paths and walking trails that run near the Esplanade.
The Youth Activity Project is perfect for families with younger children and is also free. Children will have hours on fun exploring the numerous activities including the Endeavour Fun Ship, a sea-themed playground, and Muddy’s, a water park with slides and a playground..
Just a short walk from the city centre, the Esplanade is the perfect place to stretch your legs day or night. Car parking is available nearby at a fee. If you are planning a trip out to the Great Barrier Reef, Reef Fleet, the main departure point for tours can be found at the south end of the Esplanade.
