Esplanade Lagoon to close for essential maintenance

The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon will temporarily close from Monday 13 July to Sunday 16 August 2026 for its scheduled biennial maintenance program.

This upcoming closure is necessary to undertake essential maintenance that cannot be completed while the facility is operating.

Mayor Amy Eden said the maintenance program was a vital investment in one of Cairns' most popular and iconic community assets.

“The pool and its surrounds require major maintenance every two years to ensure this iconic space remains safe, attractive and operating at its best.

“We know there is never an ideal time to close the Lagoon. Based on patronage, winter is the best time to undertake these works, minimising disruption while ensuring the facility continues to meet the high standards our community expects,” Cr Eden said.

“It also means the Lagoon will be ready to welcome the community and visitors back in time for a busy events season, including Cairns Festival and the many activities that make the Esplanade one of the city’s most loved gathering places.”

Specialist contractors will undertake the works, which include servicing and repairs to the Lagoon's surface, lighting, pump systems and amenities.

The maintenance program includes:

• Survey and rectification of render defects.
• Repairs to subsidence-related concrete damage.
• Sand replenishment.
• Repainting of the amenities building.
• Pipework and pump repairs, including valve overhauls.
• Cleaning of balance and backwash tanks.
• Cleaning and polishing of the lagoon's fish sculptures.
• Renewal of lagoon signage.
• Repairs and treatment of the timber deck.

• Scheduled maintenance to the change rooms.

The Lagoon amenities building will also be closed during the works, and alternative public toilets will remain available at Fogarty Park.

The Lagoon is expected to reopen on Monday 17 August 2026, subject to weather and construction conditions.

Council thanks residents and visitors for their patience and understanding while these important works help maintain the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon to the high standard expected by the community.

For more information about the Lagoon, visit Council's Esplanade sport & fitness facilities page.