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Cairns Esplanade Swimming LagoonCairns, Queensland
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Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a fantastic, free public open space for swimming safely on the Cairns foreshore. The constructed lagoon is about the size of an Olympic swimming pool, but triangular in shape,
with a gentle slope from one end of the pool to the other. Unlike the ocean at Cairns, this swim is crocodile-free.
Above: The giant metal fish sculptures at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
(Order this image)
There is a huge variety of people who visit the lagoon, ranging from local families to backpackers to the local rugby team who I saw finishing off their training with some hydrotherapy.
From the water you have a view out over the Coral Sea that is only interrupted by the pairs
of legs passing by at eye level along the foreshore promenade. The cool water is a welcome relief in the tropics where the beach is out of bounds
due to crocs, stingers and mudflats.
Above: The decks (left), beach and lifeguard tower (right) at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
(Order this image)
The pool has a series of wooden decks to dangle your feet at the water's edge, and a small sandy beach near the lifeguard tower. There are a few water features for kids throughout the pool. The pool is well set up for play and relaxation, but not lap swimming, with no lane ropes or formal lap swimming area. The maximum depth is around 1.5 metres.
On any given day or evening there will usually be some sort of activity happening along the Esplanade including fitness activities, concerts and a weekly market. There are barbecue facilities and picnic tables if you want to spend a day out at the lagoon.
View Larger Map
How deep is the water at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon? The pool has a maximum depth of 1.5 metres, and is much shallower than this across most of the pool, including shallow beach entry on several sides.
Are there crocodiles in Cairns Esplanade Lagoon? No, the lagoon is a constructed pool that is croc-free, with a high concrete sea wall between the croc-friendly Coral Sea and the lagoon.
Can I bring my giant inflatable flamingo to Cairns Esplanade Lagoon? No, your flamingo will need to stay deflated at home, as no inflatables are permitted in or around the pool. With no ball games allowed, you also cannot bring a beach ball whether inflated or not.
Can I have a picnic at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon? Yes, with free public barbecue facilities and lots of lawn areas nearby, it is a great spot for a picnic. Just make sure your food and drink stay out of the water.
Is the water at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon chlorinated? No, the pool is filled with salt water, and is not chlorinated.
Can my dog swim at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon? No, dogs are not permitted at the lagoon.
If you have any other questions not answered above, leave a comment for me using the comment box below.
Above: The giant metal fish sculptures at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
(Order this image)
There is a huge variety of people who visit the lagoon, ranging from local families to backpackers to the local rugby team who I saw finishing off their training with some hydrotherapy.
Above: The decks (left), beach and lifeguard tower (right) at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
(Order this image)
The pool has a series of wooden decks to dangle your feet at the water's edge, and a small sandy beach near the lifeguard tower. There are a few water features for kids throughout the pool. The pool is well set up for play and relaxation, but not lap swimming, with no lane ropes or formal lap swimming area. The maximum depth is around 1.5 metres.
On any given day or evening there will usually be some sort of activity happening along the Esplanade including fitness activities, concerts and a weekly market. There are barbecue facilities and picnic tables if you want to spend a day out at the lagoon.
Other Information Before You Go:
Location:Cairns Esplanade, Cairns, between Shields and Aplin Streets
Latitude:-16.919613 Longitude:145.777953
Getting there: Head east by foot from the Cairns town centre or north along the Esplanade from the ferry terminals. Metered parking is available along the foreshore and in the surrounding streets.
Facilities: Public toilets, change rooms, bbqs, lockers, sheltered and unsheltered picnic tables, lawn areas. Numerous restaurants and cafes across the road.
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Cool to mild
Water clarity: Clear
Under foot: Concrete, sand
Maximum water depth: 1.5 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Beginners
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No dogs or glass permitted, no food or drink in the lagoon, no alcohol, no diving or jumping, no running, no inflatables, no smoking, no throwing sand, no ball games. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Sun shade: Shade available out of the water under some trees and shade cloth, with a couple of small shade-covered areas in the water.
Opening times: 6am-9pm. Closed for cleaning Weds 6am-midday.
Wheelchair access: Wheelchair accessible paths around the lagoon. Aquatic wheelchair available for visitors to use in the lagoon.
Accommodation options: See my Cairns accommodation suggestions close to the lagoon, including where I stayed in Cairns.
Managing authority: Cairns Regional Council
Nearby attractions: The Great Barrier Reef
Before you head out, make sure to read the
swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions. The lagoon is patrolled by lifeguards
during the operating hours. Specific to this site, the managing authority warns that paving and other surfaces may be slippery when wet.
Latitude:-16.919613 Longitude:145.777953
Getting there: Head east by foot from the Cairns town centre or north along the Esplanade from the ferry terminals. Metered parking is available along the foreshore and in the surrounding streets.
Facilities: Public toilets, change rooms, bbqs, lockers, sheltered and unsheltered picnic tables, lawn areas. Numerous restaurants and cafes across the road.
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Cool to mild
Water clarity: Clear
Under foot: Concrete, sand
Maximum water depth: 1.5 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Beginners
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No dogs or glass permitted, no food or drink in the lagoon, no alcohol, no diving or jumping, no running, no inflatables, no smoking, no throwing sand, no ball games. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Sun shade: Shade available out of the water under some trees and shade cloth, with a couple of small shade-covered areas in the water.
Opening times: 6am-9pm. Closed for cleaning Weds 6am-midday.
Wheelchair access: Wheelchair accessible paths around the lagoon. Aquatic wheelchair available for visitors to use in the lagoon.
Accommodation options: See my Cairns accommodation suggestions close to the lagoon, including where I stayed in Cairns.
Managing authority: Cairns Regional Council
Nearby attractions: The Great Barrier Reef
Locality Map:
The marker indicates the approximate location of the lagoon. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
View Larger Map
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can kids swim at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon? Yes, with shallow entry, a sandy beach, and several water play features, kids love swimming here, under supervision by an adult. Bring
a bucket and spade for the beach.
How deep is the water at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon? The pool has a maximum depth of 1.5 metres, and is much shallower than this across most of the pool, including shallow beach entry on several sides.
Are there crocodiles in Cairns Esplanade Lagoon? No, the lagoon is a constructed pool that is croc-free, with a high concrete sea wall between the croc-friendly Coral Sea and the lagoon.
Can I bring my giant inflatable flamingo to Cairns Esplanade Lagoon? No, your flamingo will need to stay deflated at home, as no inflatables are permitted in or around the pool. With no ball games allowed, you also cannot bring a beach ball whether inflated or not.
Can I have a picnic at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon? Yes, with free public barbecue facilities and lots of lawn areas nearby, it is a great spot for a picnic. Just make sure your food and drink stay out of the water.
Is the water at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon chlorinated? No, the pool is filled with salt water, and is not chlorinated.
Can my dog swim at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon? No, dogs are not permitted at the lagoon.
If you have any other questions not answered above, leave a comment for me using the comment box below.
Comments:
If you would like to leave a comment about this swimming spot, please fill in the comment box below.
I am particularly interested in your experiences after visiting, and any changes in conditions, etc.
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