The iconic fish statues are the centrepiece of the Esplanade lagoon, one of the city's most popular attractions.

The Esplanade redevelopment took four years and about $44 million but is considered to be an over-whelming success. The final phase finished in 2007 included a state-of-the-art youth activity area with two skate bowls, beach volley ball courts, fitness equipment and a playground.

The whole project covers about 12 hectares of open space on the Cairns foreshore and includes a massive swimming lagoon, BBQs, a major walking/cycling track, a police station and two cafes.

The centre of the development is the Esplanade Lagoon, a 4800sq metre saltwater swimming pool. Saltwater is pumped from the inlet and filtered through a state of the art filtration system. There are sandy edges with shallow water for the kids and timber decks with deeper water for adults. Jumping, running and diving are not permitted.

Trained lifeguards are on duty at the Lagoon from 6am-10pm daily from October to March and from 7am-9pm daily from April to September. There are also security guards and police on patrol in the area 24 hours a day.

The majority of Cairns tourist attractions and services are based around the Reef Fleet Terminal on Pierpoint Rd, jutting out into the ocean with wharves, a marina and shopping centre at The Pier all built on reclaimed land.

The Pier also contains Shangri-la at the Marina, one of the city’s best 5-star hotels. There are a number of excellent oceanfront eateries in the same complex including Tides BDL & Bar at the Shangri-la; The Waterbar and Mature Yogo.

Would you like to know more about Cairns CBD or other tourist attractions in the Cairns region? Follow the links below to find out!

> Cairns CBD Tourist Information

> Cairns Shopping

> Cairns Swimming

> Cairns History

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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