Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is nothing short of a tropical paradise in the heart of the city. The sparkling clear waters invite you for a refreshing dip, and it's perfect for both serious swimmers and casual waders alike. With its well-maintained facilities and lifeguard presence, safety and cleanliness are clearly top priorities. The surrounding views add to the serene experience, making it easy to relax and soak up the sun. Whether you're taking a solo swim or enjoying family time in the water, the lagoon is an ideal spot for locals and tourists to unwind and enjoy the Queensland climate. This place truly deserves its five-star reputation as a must-visit destination in Cairns.

Beautiful and spacious swimming pool. Enjoy swimming late at night and bbq nearby is possible. There are many things to enjoy and restaurants around.

Gorgeous water lagoon for swimming on Esplanade. Lay out a towel under the numerous shady trees and enjoy a dip in the crystal clear water.
Lovely spot for young kids to frolic in the water or dig in the sand. Lifeguards on duty from 6am till late.
Coffee and ice creams on offer at the cafe or bring some meat to thrown on the public BBQs.
Such a great spot for everyone and you can easily spend hours here.

Went swimming here three times. Amazing place to cool down! Toilets and changing rooms are good.

Beautiful crystal-clear water in a swimming lagoon, with barbecues/benches surrounding and plenty of grass/sand/decking to sit and relax on. Toilets available.
Great for a swim - water depth varies so shallower sections are perfect for kids - perfect temperature and some shady areas if you get too hot. Lifeguards on duty.

This place is the best in Cairns. We enjoyed swimming here. Also, there were many free barbecue places nearby.

Awesome idea to have a public lagoon on the waterfront as the beach isn’t usable. Great location close to restaurants/cafes/hotels. There is no fee, you can use the lagoon or sit in the sun for as long as you like. Very family friendly with areas designed for kids and adults. Can get busy, they have bathrooms and lockers near by. We were there during the Cairns festival, so I’m not sure if they have the water and lights going every night during the year. :)

Excellent spot for a free waterfront swim, especially great for families with children! Really well maintained, lifeguards on duty, very affordable/ample parking onsite. Great views, shade and sandy shores that transition into the pool floor the deeper you go. There are bathroom facilities onsite and a café.

Large public swimming pool just by the Cairns Esplanade. It's really a good place to chill, sunbathe, and swim.

Kids and I visited on a cruise ship. We went for a night swim here and the temperature was perfect. Great vibe and we had a great time!

Cairns Lagoon is situated on Cairns Esplanade literally across from shops and restaurants of Cairns. It’s world class with both locals and visitors visiting throughout the year. It’s closed every Wednesday morning and around three weeks in June or July for cleaning and maintenance.

The water is chlorinated throughout, the lagoon is free to use and offers everything from swimming in deep water to very shallow water for children.

The lagoon is shaped the same as Queensland itself and encompasses changing rooms with toilets and showers, a man made beach with white sand, grassy areas, and free to use BBQ’s - some BBQ’s require booking beforehand.

The lagoon is staffed by lifesavers, has a first aid post and a police station. It’s ideal for picnics or there’s plenty of eating places within a 5-10 minute walk.

At planned times throughout the week, there are water exercises and dance classes for all ages and abilities that are free to join.

If you’re visiting Cairns, the lagoon is a place to visit even if you don’t swim. It’s beautiful to see, walk around and take some gorgeous photographs.

Oh cairns lagoon how I love you so,
It’s shut on Wednesdays till noon didn’t you know (I didn’t),
Swim around in the shallow pool,
It isn’t the spot for lengths, relax you fool,
BBQs and shade surround the lagoon,
Whilst you sit and stare at the moon :)🌙

Absolutely beautiful place. Got off our cruise ship and walked straight down the walking path and within 10 minutes we were in this amazing oasis on the Cairns esplanade. Cairns is an amazing place to visit.

Great spot!! The car park near it was approximately $2 something per hour. We stayed for a few hours and my kids had a an absolute blast.

This is a large shallow lagoon type of pool right on the Esplanade in Cairns. It's free to swim here & it has a lifeguard. There's lots of shade trees & picnic areas where sometimes it can get busy

Fabulous family friendly lagoon in the city of Cairns. A must see if you are in the area. Dogs allowed on leads. Surrounded by bars, cafes and restaurants to satisfy all wants and needs.

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!
Fantastic area. Quiet, calm full of fun and laughter and enjoyment. A wonderful attraction for Cairns.

First thing or last in the evening. Saturday is water aerobics for free. Showers and toilets next to. Great to have a barbecue on the free gas barbecues. I pick up supplies at Woolworths nearby. A few satay sticks and a Greek salad. Quick and simple. Oil a must. Some fruit from Rusty's markets on the weekend.

We visited the lagoon during the Cairns Festival and saw the laser / lights show on the fountains. It was so cool and beautiful. Great temporary run by the council.

One of our favourite places to be, especially on Australia Day 2023.
My daughter and I always love the eclectic mix of people, the atmosphere is so relaxed and the waters bloody perfect. Life guards on guard, fantastic to see. Stayed for 3 hours. Paddle pool for the little kids also. The main pool pictured is quite deep. We go every year.
Thanks Cairns Lagoon, see you again Christmas 2024 😁