Esplanade playgrounds
The Esplanade features three playgrounds that encourage active play on the city's beautiful foreshore. Entry to all our playgrounds is free.
Looking for a playground elsewhere in Cairns? Use our parks and gardens finder.
Muddy's is a modern, fun, safe, splash playground and parkland.
It incorporates active, passive, interactive and educational facilities with a combination of play equipment including:
- Water play areas
- Flying fox
- Sound chimes
- Rope bridge
- Slides
- Mouse wheel
- Play houses
- See-saw
- Trick track
- Puzzle games
Please note that the all abilities Liberty Swing uses the MLAK national keying system. For access please ask at Muddy's Cafe.
Opening hours
Every day from 9am to 7pm (including public holidays and weekends).
Sections of Muddy's are closed for maintenance on Tuesday and/or Thursday mornings until noon. Even when maintenance works are being carried out, Council aims to have at least half the playground available for use.
Amenities
- Public toilets
- BBQ and picnic tables
- Cafe
- Free public car park and on-street parking
For the comfort and safety of all users, please adhere to these simple rules:
- All children must be supervised by an adult at all times
- No running in the splash play areas
- No throwing of sand
- No skateboards, roller blades or bikes (please dismount)
- No alcohol
The Fun Ship is a unique playground at the northern end of the Esplanade, near the Smith Street intersection, that suits the theme of the foreshore location.
It includes a see-saw, slide, climbing features and puzzle games.
Opening hours
All day, every day
Amenities
- Public toilets are a short walk away
- Free public parking
- BBQ and seating areas
The Healing Garden, located opposite Cairns Hospital, includes a small playground surrounded by open lawns and beautiful plantings, designed to provide peace and harmony.
Healing colours highlight the play area: pale violet to soothe emotional distress and bring about calm; and yellow to help with strengthening the mind and to assist with nerve pain.
Opening hours
All day, every day
Amenities
- Public toilets nearby (near the Skate Plaza).
Last Updated: 5 October 2021
Latest News > All News
Keeping it local pays off for Cairns
More than nine out of every 10 dollars spent in 2025/26 stayed in the local economy, contributing to a total...
26 August 2026
Road and traffic changes for Cairns Festival
Cairns Festival Grand Parade is set to take over the Esplanade on Saturday 29 August, bringing colour, music, and thousands...
26 August 2026
10 ways to make the most of Cairns Festival
Cairns is set to come alive as Cairns Festival 2026 returns from 28 August to 6 September....
25 August 2026