Canvas of Cairns
Cairns Esplanade
As night falls, the Esplanade is transformed into an otherworldly landscape, brought to life through illumination. Step inside and become part of the canvas.
Canvas of Cairns is an immersive journey through the seasons, reimaging the Esplanade's iconic landmarks with laser, light, smoke and projection.
From the waters of the lagoon to its sculptures, trees, pathways and sweeping lawns, familiar places are transformed into light-filled dreamscapes where time and place are measured not by dates, but by memory, emotion and shared gathering.
At the heart of the experience is Cycles, a nightly water, light, projection and sound installation across the lagoon. A vast curtain of water will rise into the night, catching light and fleeting forms as they appear and dissolve.
Across its surface, projections will ripple like reflections, where past, present and future will intertwine in shifting moment. Blending water, light and sound, Cycles, invites audiences into a world that is constantly changing, yet endlessly familiar.
Created by internationally acclaimed multimedia specialists Laservision, Canvas of Cairns will ignite the Esplanade with 15 free large-scale installations and experiences.
Discover hidden moments, unexpected encounters and transformations woven through light.
And this is only the beginning.
More to experience. More to uncover. More still to come.
Stay tuned Lightweavers!
Cycles (Lagoon show) - daily 7:00pm*, 8:00pm & 9:00pm
* Note: due to the Grand Parade, there will be no 7:00pm performance on Sat 29 Aug.
- Price
- Free
- Price Guide
- When
- Fri 28 Aug - Sun 6 Sep
- Start
- 6:30 pm
- Venue Opens
- Doors open
- Show time
- Interval
- Duration
- 6.30pm - 10.00pm nightly
- Venue
- Cairns Esplanade
- Rating
- G - General
- Seating
- Food
- Bar
- Companion Card
- Seating Plan
- Seating Plan
PUBLIC WARNINGS: Effects: This installation features smoke, haze, flashing and dynamic lighting effects, projections, amplified sound, and water-based elements. Effects may vary in intensity and may include periods of reduced visibility. Safety Requirements: For safety, audience members must not intentionally position themselves in extremely close proximity to, or make direct contact with, haze, smoke, or laser light sources. Climbing, touching, or interfering with installation components or infrastructure is not permitted. Access: Access to the Lagoon pool will be limited during performance times. Site access may change and audience members must not enter or move beyond roped or bollard exclusion zones. Supervision: Children must be supervised at all times.