Tech Summary
LAGOON
TOTAL WATER CAPACITY: 3.8 Million Litres
AREA COVERED: 4800m2
WATER SOURCE: Sea Water from Trinity Inlet
FILTRATION: Four (4) x 9.8 tonne “medium rate sand filters”
CIRCULATION: 4 hours to circulate 3.8 Million Litres
ESPLANADE
TOTAL AREA
The total area of the Esplanade redevelopment is approximately 4.1 hectares. The grassed areas make up approximately 3.5 hectares.
Project Overview
The Australian Government, through the Department of Industry, Tourism & Resources, and under the auspices of the "See Australia" initiative, granted $9m to the Foreshore Promenade and Regional Playground Projects, with the then Cairns City Council contributing in the order of an additional $900,000 to the overall total.
The Foreshore Promenade project had an associated cost of $5,900,000 and this funding allowed for the redevelopment of 600m of the Cairns Esplanade, and to assist in creating a world class foreshore precinct within easy access of the many major accommodation establishments of Cairns.
As well as increasing the attractiveness of the area, the project also involved the development of:
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A 5m wide and 600m long hardwood timber boardwalk with 12-14m long driven hardwood timber piles
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Three Interpretive Nodes - Heritage, Cultural & Environmental - with information and illustrations to highlight the uniqueness of the area
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High quality landscaping and open space areas
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A Memorial Garden commemorating the military and emergency services
While providing benefits directly to Cairns, the project will also help attract more visitors to North Queensland generally, as Cairns is the gateway for international and domestic visitors to the Far North.
Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL
Q. What are the OPENING HOURS of the LAGOON?
A. October to March - 6:00am - 10:00pm & April to September - 7:00am - 9:00pm.
NB: Every WEDNESDAY the pool is closed until 12pm for maintenance.
Q. What days of the week is the LAGOON open?
A. Everyday of the year (including Public Holidays and Weekends).
NB: Every WEDNESDAY the pool is closed until 12pm for maintenance.
Q. When did the Esplanade & LAGOON Open?
A. The Official Launch of the Cairns Esplanade and Lagoon was the 29th March 2003
Q. When is "MUDDY'S" Regional Playground Water Park closed for MAINTENANCE?
A. Sections of Muddy's Playground are closed for programmed maintenance on Tuesday mornings until 12 midday. Even when maintenance works are being carried out, Council endeavours to have at least 50% of the playground available to utilise.
Q. When are the VOLLEYBALL COURTS CLOSED?
A. The volleyball courts are closed every Wednesday until 2.00pm for maintenance
Q. How much does it COST to swim at the Lagoon?
A. The Lagoon swimming pool is free to the public.
Q. What about STINGERS & CROCODILES?
A. Since the swimming lagoon is not tidal, stingers are unable to access the area. Additionally, the lagoon has a vertical concrete wall on its seaward side to further prevent any undesirables from entering.
Q. Can we swim on the NATURAL BEACH in front of The Lagoon and along the foreshore?
A. Swimming in this area is not allowed due to the fact that crocodiles and marine stingers inhabit this area and attacks may cause injury or death.
Q. What about SECURITY in the area?
A. Certified Lifeguards patrol The Lagoon at all times during operational hours (times as above). Please note that children must be supervised by parents at all times and unsupervised children will be removed from the lagoon. Security Guards patrol the Esplanade & Foreshore area 24 hours a day. Cairns Regional Council security cameras are in place throughout the area, with staff monitoring activities 24 hours a day.
Q. Is there CAR PARKING available?
A. There are dedicated car parking sites available throughout Cairns CBD (Parking Fees Apply)
Q. Do we need to book to use BBQ facilities?
A. The BBQ Facilities are free to use, however if you have a group of 50 or more people, or require exclusive use of a BBQ area, you need to book the facility. See "PLANNING AN EVENT".
Q. Can we HIRE a BBQ & PICNIC TABLE area for our function?
A. By booking in advance, Council will ensure that the BBQ is cleaned and reserved ready for your own private use. For more details, see "PLANNING AN EVENT".
Q. What effect did the re-development have on the BIRDLIFE?
A. Works were planned to have minimal impact on wader birds. Council undertook to monitor wader birds during key stages of the construction. Post-construction, a bird monitoring study (2 years) was completed.
EVENTS
Q. What things can we organise through council?
A. Council can assist you with a number of events. We have a lot of park land for hire with a special rate for registered charities. Equipment for hire is limited to marquees, trestle tables, rubbish bins, cleaning services, security services, fencing and sound amplification. More services can be arranged. Please fill out our Hire of Facilities Application Form located on our "PLANNING AN EVENT" section. If you have any question just contact our Inner City Facilities Office on 07 4044 3715.
Q. What if we CANCEL?
A. Venue Hire fees will be returned on cancellation, with the following deductions:
MARKETS
Q. How can I be part of the Esplanade Markets or City Place Markets?
A. Council only allows hand made goods to be sold at the Markets, if you, the artist wants to sell your goods at the markets please fill out the application for the area in which you would like to trade in our "THINGS TO DO" section under "Markets".
Q. Are powered sites available?
A. Yes, but on a very limited and needs level basis
Q. I want to be part of Port Douglas Markets, what can I do?
A. Please contact the Port Douglas Market Coordinator for an application at 0408 006 788 or go to "THINGS TO DO" section, and click on "MARKETS" to download a Port Douglas Markets Application Form.