Cairns Esplanade Tours and Activities

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


Soak up the city’s relaxed atmosphere and admire the sunset over the Coral Sea as you wander along this popular walkway.

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.

Plan a trip to see Cairns Esplanade

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The Reef Retreat
The Reef House Adults Retreat
Coral Sands Resort

Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Reviews of Cairns Esplanade

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
710
5 - Excellent 53%
4 - Good
556
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
79
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Hire a bike to ride along here

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

needed more parking didn't eat there as much as planned due to lack of parking.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Fantastic gardens, sporting equipment and opportunities for bird-watching.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

too busy too much construction....pier and park area beautiful..big improvement on mud flats that were there !!!! long time ago....

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Muddy's is across the road from the Rydges-PERFECT and free for the kids plus a cafe for adults.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

I always seem to visit the esplanade when the tide is out and all I see is mud:)

Popular places to visit


Top Cairns Esplanade Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

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

There's plenty to enjoy along Cairns Esplanade, from scenic walking paths to refreshing swimming spots. Thrill-seekers can take stunning helicopter rides over the Great Barrier Reef, while culture enthusiasts can explore local theatres and attractions. Don't miss out on exciting Cairns day trips to nearby natural wonders for an unforgettable experience during your visit.

Shopping

Cairns Central Shopping Centre, 1.1km from the Esplanade, offers a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. The Cairns Night Markets, only 966m away, provide a bustling atmosphere perfect for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, Kite Rite Australia is located 12.9km away.

Recreation

Muddy's Playground is a vibrant outdoor area perfect for families, offering fun and adventure for the little ones. Cazaly's Stadium and Barlow Park provide exciting sports vibes, ideal for those who enjoy thrilling matches and local games. Both venues are excellent for a lively, active day out.

Adventure

Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome offers a thrilling zipline ropes course, located 1.4km from Cairns Esplanade, perfect for adrenaline seekers. The Red Arrow Walk, situated 3.2km away, provides an adventurous hiking trail through stunning scenery, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the region's natural beauty.

Nightlife

In Cairns Esplanade, the Cairns Convention Centre offers a vibrant theatre experience just 1.6km away, while the Cairns Performing Arts Centre and Jute Theatre, both 644m away, immerse you in culture and entertainment, perfect for families and couples alike, creating a lively nightlife 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 offers a diverse range of attractions for every type of traveller, including the stunning lagoon, vibrant marina, and nearby national parks. Visitors can immerse themselves in outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and adventurous pursuits. Don't miss out on local highlights such as the Cairns Aquarium, the scenic boardwalk, and the informative Cairns Museum. For a comfortable stay, explore the various accommodation options available along the Esplanade.

  • Esplanade Lagoon: A stunning man-made lagoon that offers a refreshing escape with its picturesque scenery and inviting outdoor atmosphere. Perfect for a leisurely swim or sunbathing, it's a local favourite for families and tourists alike.
  • Cairns Marlin Marina: This vibrant marina is an adventure hub, where you can take to the water with various activities. Enjoy the beach vibes, indulge in fresh seafood, or embark on a boat tour to explore the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland: A romantic and family-friendly esplanade, ideal for picnics and leisurely strolls. Its lush greenery and tranquil surroundings create a perfect setting for relaxation and connection with loved ones.

Best time to go to Cairns Esplanade

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 February, visitor numbers are slightly low 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.

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 on your trip to Cairns Esplanade, consider visiting during the cheaper months of February to March or November, and book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates. Wednesdays are typically the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia's search tools to filter results by budget and preferences, and look for last-minute deals. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can lead to significant savings. Walking is a great way to explore the area without added transport costs.

  • 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: Expedia's search tool makes it easy for you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange the results to display prices from the lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to narrow your search by hotel type; for instance, by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you’ll discover sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Cairns Esplanade hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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