Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

I can’t be the only one that finds it difficult to integrate exercise into my daily life.  Obesity is on the rise in Australia and much of the world.  Current recommendations suggest that adults should engage in moderate intensity exercise for half an hour, 5 times a week.  It is recommended that children aged 1-5 are physically active for at least three hours every day, spread throughout the day.  I find it much easier to be physically active when I am traveling and exploring a new part of the world.  Both locals, and travelers to Cairns can benefit from exploring the Cairns Esplanade Precinct.    Approximately 2 kilometers long, the Cairns Esplanade is one of the jewels in Cairn’s crown, and a gorgeous example of physical activity promoting space.

The Esplanade Lagoon is a giant saltwater swimming pool, with sandy edges.  What I love about the lagoon is that there are shallow areas that are safe for small kids.  A visit to the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon on a weekend afternoon will often be augmented by free entertainment, as the Council sponsors live music.

View from the Cairns Esplanade at low tide.

Tidal fluctuations vary the natural environment considerably, and low tide, exposing the mud flats is one of my favourite times to enjoy the shore-front.

Walking along the Cairns Esplanade

Those riding bikes are separated from pedestrians for some of the walk, and we often take my son’s scooter down.

Artwork on the Cairns Esplanade

Permanent public artworks are distributed along the length of the walkway and my own son’s always stop to enjoy/climb on them.

Artwork along the Cairns Esplanade

Just opposite the Cairns Base hospital is a bouldering park.  There are both adult and child sized boulders so we can enjoy bouldering as a family, although to be honest, my bouldering skills leave a lot to be desired.  It is no accident that there is no photo of me bouldering.

Bouldering on the Cairns Esplanade

Muddies Playground is located in the mid-section of the Espanade and is one of the best playgrounds we have encountered in our travels.  There are three water-play areas including one for baby’s with a shallow river for them to crawl in.  A number of music play features are found in the adventure playground, and there is a swing for children that require a wheelchair for mobility.  Muddies Cafe, located within the playground served a variety of healthy dining options as well as the traditional take-away fare.

Water play at Muddies Playground

At the north end of the Cairns Esplanade is the Endevour Funship, a wonderful playground that is safe even for my climbing monkey of a two year old.  A great place for a BBQ dinner.

The Endevour Funship. At the northern end of the Cairns Esplanade

For those that like a little structure to their exercise the Cairns Council provides free exercise classes (including bouldering, water aerobics and Zumba) along the Esplanade at various times during the week.

This blog provides tips and advice for parents traveling with small children including attraction and accommodation reviews, and a stack about North Queensland.  You can join us on Facebook to receive updates to your news feed.

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