Cairns Esplanade 5.0 (reviews)

The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon hosts a number of activities during the year, including Dive-In Movies, Car Underwater Clean-Up, Beach Clean-Up Days, and more. The lagoon is also home to a range of tropical birds, including the blue-winged parrotlet, budgerigars, cockatiels, and more. You can visit the Cairns Bird Park to see the birds up close. Alternatively, you can also visit the Australian Reptile Park (just 20 minutes from the lagoon) to see a range of reptiles up close, including crocodiles and snakes. You can hire various water sports equipment from the lagoon, including paddleboards, surfboards, and snorkeling gear. There are also a few cafes and restaurants located alongside the lagoon where you can grab a bite to eat.

There are a few cafes and restaurants located alongside the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon. You’ll find a few more at the adjacent Cairns Esplanade shopping center. - The Fresh Seafood Restaurant & Bar: The Fresh Seafood Restaurant & Bar is located right next to the lagoon’s fish feeding area, so it’s a great spot to grab dinner while watching the fish eat. It’s an affordable seafood restaurant that serves a variety of fresh seafood, including oysters, prawns, crabs, and crayfish. The menu is served all day and includes a variety of seafood dishes, including seafood pasta, prawns, calamari, and fresh fish dishes. - The Coastal Café: The Coastal Café is located on the main strip at the Cairns Esplanade shopping center in front of the lagoon. It serves a variety of light meals and snacks, including sandwiches, salads, burgers, and chips. You can also grab a coffee from the café, or head inside to grab a quick bite to eat at the indoor seating area. - Yamame Japanese Restaurant: Yamame Japanese Restaurant is located alongside the lagoon at the Cairns Esplanade shopping center. It’s a great option for families visiting the lagoon, as it’s open until 9pm and located just a few steps away from the water. The restaurant serves a range of Asian and Japanese cuisine and has an extensive menu that’s great for picky eaters.

Prices may apply to some attractions within the overhead, entrance to the area is free.

Visit the lagoon during the week: If you can, try to visit the lagoon during the week, as it’s likely to get very busy on the weekends. Visit on a weekday afternoon between 2pm and 4pm to grab the best spot for the fish feeding. - Visit the adjacent Cairns Esplanade shopping center: The adjacent Cairns Esplanade shopping center is a great spot to visit with kids, as there are a number of indoor activities if it gets too hot or rainy. You can also grab a bite to eat at the Coastal Café or Yamame Japanese Restaurant. - Bring your own water bottle: The lagoon doesn’t sell water bottles, so you’ll need to bring your own. You can also use the free water spigots located throughout the lagoon. - Wear a hat and sunblock: There’s very little shade at the lagoon, so you’ll need to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. - Visit the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon at the right time: The fish feeding at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is done at 3pm, so try to visit during this time to see the fish eat. Alternatively, visit the Australian Reptile Park at 10am on a Wednesday to see the snakes eat, or visit the Budjil Bird Park between 9 and 10am on a Friday or Saturday to see birds eat.