The
Cairns Esplanade
known fondly as the Nard to locals
is
now a world class recreational precinct thanks to a $32m re-development
collaborative project undertaken by Cairns City Council, the Queensland
State Government and the Federal Government.
The
object of this vast and ambitious project was to rejuvenate the
12 hectares of recreational open space on the Cairns foreshore,
to better the experience of the activities enjoyed by
generations of residents and visitors alike. The plan was to establish
broad pedestrian boulevards and promenades to link the rejuvenated
Central Business District with Trinity Bay and the foreshore
through inspired modern planning
incorporating a state of
the art swimming lagoon, wide open spaces, innovative landscaping
and works of public art.
What
we have today is an exceptional recreational area positively buzzing
with fun excitement and energy. A place where visitors and residents
alike can kick back and relax
swim
. play and laugh
exercise
dine
shop
picnic and enjoy life to the fullest
in their very own piece of tropical paradise!
The
Lagoon
The
works, which were undertaken in several stages, include the a-m-a-z-i-n-g
4800 sq metre saltwater swimming lagoon, state of the art barbeque
facilities, work out and exercise areas, functional modern seating
and picnic areas, all of which are set amidst landscaped gardens
with plenty of shade trees and heaps of open space. The vast triangular
lagoon with its dramatic steel fish sculptures is the focal
point, providing a water to water view from Shields St in the CBD
across the lagoon and out across Trinity Bay.
3.8
million litres of seawater is continually filtered through four
huge sand filters and through state of the art filtration and chorination
processes to ensure the safe disinfection of the lagoon for the
many families and visitors who come here every day to cool off,
soak up the sun and relax by the lagoon on its sandy beaches.
Trained
lifeguards patrol the lagoon from 6 am to 10 pm through summer and
from 7 am to 9 pm in winter.
The
kiosk in the amenities building adjacent to the Lagoon supplies
food items, ice creams and drinks along with bathroom facilities.
The
Police Beat is also centrally located in the amenities building
providing an around the clock police presence in addition to 24
hr a day patrols by Security Guards.
The
lagoon has a great holiday atmosphere and provides a safe happy
environment for visitors and residents alike.
The
Foreshore Promenade (Boardwalk)
Suspended
over the mudflats at the waters edge is the Foreshore Promenade
or the Boardwalk as locals like to call it. The boardwalk
provides a pedestrian access-way from Upward Street in the north
right around past the Pier Marketplace in the south.
At
the northern end you will find Muddys Playground a childrens
wonderland of water channels and hand pumps
water gates, rain
shelters and jumping water jets
all under the watchful eye
of Muddy the mud skipper sculpture! Other play areas include the
pyramid climbing nets, spinning toys, the mangrove maze, a flying
fox, sound chimes, the track ride, the rope bridge and slides, play
houses, story telling areas, see-saw and slides. Its enough
to make you wish you were a kid again!
Next
door is Skippers Fish and Chip Café where delicious light
meals and refreshments are served. In the interests of safety Security
Officers and CCTV cameras are monitoring this area at all times.
Further
along the Boardwalk are three separate interpretive centres located
in close proximity to the three bird feeding nodes where the boardwalk
widens to accommodate birdwatchers and their tripods. Local and
migratory birds gather in these three locations where storm water
drain sediment has raised the level of the mud. This gives the birds
an extra 40 minutes feeding time per day ahead of the ebbing and
flowing tide
and consequently gives birdwatchers an even greater
opportunity to observe the birds at close range while at the same
time preserving their sensitive environment.
The
boardwalk continues along past the Lagoon and then as part of the
The Harbour Walk archs around the seawall of the Lagoon to the Pier
sweeping past the boats in the Marina and on to Trinity Inlet.
As
you walk along the boardwalk (just past the Lagoon) you will see
off to the right the Ergon Energy Soundshell which features a 65
sq metre stage. Surrounding this is an open grassy area where families
and groups can bring a rug and spread out on the lawn to enjoy a
concert or special event. Special events and convention dinners
can be organized in this area as well
as it offers optimal
space for marquees and tents.
There
are lots of activities offered every day of the year in the early
hours of each morning at the Esplanade
including Tai Chi, Yoga,
Just Walk It, Pilates, Aqua Aerobics, and Sahaja Yoga Meditation.
Start times 6.30am (in summer) and 7 am (in winter)
The
Esplanade provides an exciting venue for a wide variety of entertainment
and events. Come along on Friday night to see Fire By The Sea
watch
the fire dancers perform between roughly 8.00 pm and 9.30 pm. Its
spectacular! You will find them on the sand beach off the boardwalk
at the end of Florence Street right opposite Villa Romana.
Dotted
along the Esplanade (and across the street from the Boardwalk and
park areas) are an exciting array of restaurants offering a wide
variety of differing cuisines. Its great fun to walk down
the boardwalk and back through the myriad of Esplanade
restaurants and shops. While youre there
dont forget
to check out the Night Markets which operate every night (and day)
of the year.
We
at Cairns Connect hope that you enjoy your visit to our newly re-developed
award-winning Esplanade.
Should
you have any enquiries about the Esplanade, the Project, or any
of the activities offered there
please feel free to email
us. We will do our best to answer them!
More
information can be found at the Cairns
City Council website.
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