| ← Back stroke | Next swim → |
Muddys PlaygroundCairns, Queensland
| World Home Page |
| - Australia |
| - Queensland |
| Regions of Queensland: |
| - Far North QLD |
| - South East QLD |
| Other information: |
| Water Safety |
| Map |
| List of Lists |
| Order the book |
| Your Support |
There are water jets galore in this large, free splash park on the Cairns foreshore that has a mix of wet and dry play areas, and comes with its own cafe for the adults.
Above: The water jets in action at Muddys Playground
(Order this image)
The ocean in front of Cairns is off limits due to the mudflats, mangroves, and potential for crocs, so it was great to find a well designed water play space for kids on the foreshore. There were a few features that I really liked about Muddys.
Unlike a lot of other splash parks, the splash pad here is quite long. Your child can dash through the long line of water jets from end to end, jumping from one to the other.
I counted more than two dozen jets, and because they are spread out, there is usually less crowding around any one jet. They operate at different heights including some
that squirt out of a side wall.
Above: The meandering stream at Muddys Playground
(Order this image)
The Esplanade is a thriving thoroughfare, with locals and tourists pounding the pavement from one end to the other. However, the barrier wall on the side of the splash park neatly separates it from the throng on the promenade, whilst also being low enough to maintain a connected view to the ocean because of its undulating height, slats and windows. I also liked the shade provided over the water features, both from the mature vegetation and some shade shelters. In addition to the splash pad, there was also a short meandering stream, some sand pits, climbing nets, and tunnels, and the toilets were only a few steps away. The playground also extends to the other side of the cafe, so do not forget to explore that area as well.
Above: Muddys Cafe, within Muddys Playground
(Order this image)
For the adults, a coffee was on-hand at Muddys Cafe, located right next to the splash park. The cafe also serves fish and chips, tacos and burgers, and can cater for kids parties if you are looking for a kids birthday party idea in Cairns.
View Larger Map
Can I have a picnic at Muddys Playground? No food is permitted within the playground itself, apart from at the cafe, but there are picnic tables and lawn areas just outside the northern edge of the playground where you can have a picnic.
If you have any other questions not answered above, leave a comment for me using the comment box below.
Above: The water jets in action at Muddys Playground
(Order this image)
The ocean in front of Cairns is off limits due to the mudflats, mangroves, and potential for crocs, so it was great to find a well designed water play space for kids on the foreshore. There were a few features that I really liked about Muddys.
Above: The meandering stream at Muddys Playground
(Order this image)
The Esplanade is a thriving thoroughfare, with locals and tourists pounding the pavement from one end to the other. However, the barrier wall on the side of the splash park neatly separates it from the throng on the promenade, whilst also being low enough to maintain a connected view to the ocean because of its undulating height, slats and windows. I also liked the shade provided over the water features, both from the mature vegetation and some shade shelters. In addition to the splash pad, there was also a short meandering stream, some sand pits, climbing nets, and tunnels, and the toilets were only a few steps away. The playground also extends to the other side of the cafe, so do not forget to explore that area as well.
Above: Muddys Cafe, within Muddys Playground
(Order this image)
For the adults, a coffee was on-hand at Muddys Cafe, located right next to the splash park. The cafe also serves fish and chips, tacos and burgers, and can cater for kids parties if you are looking for a kids birthday party idea in Cairns.
Other Information Before You Go:
Location:Cairns Esplanade, at the end of Minnie Street, Cairns city
Latitude:-16.915349 Longitude:145.773332
Getting there: Muddys Playground is on the Cairns Esplanade foreshore, between Minnie Street and Upward Street, and can be reached by foot from anywhere in the Cairns city precinct. Street parking is available in the surrounding streets. Several buses run along Lake Street, two blocks back from the Esplanade, with a stop outside the Cairns Private Hospital that is only a 300 metre walk to the playground.
Facilities: Public toilets including baby change facilities, rubbish bins, drinking fountain, cafe, park benches, picnic tables
Entrance fee: None
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No dogs, no littering, no smoking, no food, no skateboards, no rollerblades, no scooters, no bicycles, no glass, no alcohol, no climbing, no sand or mud. Babies must wear nappies. Note that these prohibitions are specifically for Muddys Playground and do not automatically apply to the rest of the foreshore.
Sun shade: Shade available in and out of the water through a combination of vegetation and constructed shelters.
Opening times: Always open. The cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and early dinner.
Wheelchair access: Wheelchair accessible paths and toilets.
Managing authority: Cairns Regional Council
Nearby attractions: Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, 700 metres to the south-east along the Esplanade.
Before you head out, make sure to read the
swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions.
Latitude:-16.915349 Longitude:145.773332
Getting there: Muddys Playground is on the Cairns Esplanade foreshore, between Minnie Street and Upward Street, and can be reached by foot from anywhere in the Cairns city precinct. Street parking is available in the surrounding streets. Several buses run along Lake Street, two blocks back from the Esplanade, with a stop outside the Cairns Private Hospital that is only a 300 metre walk to the playground.
Facilities: Public toilets including baby change facilities, rubbish bins, drinking fountain, cafe, park benches, picnic tables
Entrance fee: None
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No dogs, no littering, no smoking, no food, no skateboards, no rollerblades, no scooters, no bicycles, no glass, no alcohol, no climbing, no sand or mud. Babies must wear nappies. Note that these prohibitions are specifically for Muddys Playground and do not automatically apply to the rest of the foreshore.
Sun shade: Shade available in and out of the water through a combination of vegetation and constructed shelters.
Opening times: Always open. The cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and early dinner.
Wheelchair access: Wheelchair accessible paths and toilets.
Managing authority: Cairns Regional Council
Nearby attractions: Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, 700 metres to the south-east along the Esplanade.
Locality Map:
The marker indicates the approximate location of the nature play park. 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:
Are there baby change facilities at Muddys Playground? Yes, they are located in the toilets next to the playground, beside the cafe.
Can I have a picnic at Muddys Playground? No food is permitted within the playground itself, apart from at the cafe, but there are picnic tables and lawn areas just outside the northern edge of the playground where you can have a picnic.
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 water play area, please fill in the comment box below.
I am particularly interested in your experiences after visiting, and any changes in conditions, etc.
All fields are required if you would like to see your comments appear on this website.
| ← Back stroke | Next swim → |
| Queensland | FNQ |
| Water Safety | Map |
| Links | Your Support |
| List of Lists | Suggest a Swim |
| Community, Media, Research | |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
© Brad Neal 2024. All rights reserved. Swimming Hole Heaven is a registered trademark. Here are my
affiliate links and cookies policy and opportunities to provide support to Swimming Hole Heaven.