I used to work in a kebab shop on the Esplanada and from this hot position i always looked out on the lagoon. So after work it was a great place to swim and have a barbie (BBQ). It stays open so it doesnt really matter what time you arrive. By day it might be a bit dangerous to stay out in the sun, and they have UV-meters at the lagoon that can tell you how strong the sun will be. The Lagoon is necessary, because swimming in the see isn't much of a option. Crocodiles, Sharks and most importantly Jellyfish stalk the sea and the rivers, so the lagoon is the place to be!!

Cairns is one of the best places i've been in Australia.
You can either visit the daintree forest, go to Kuranda, dive to see the great barrier reef, or just relax on the city public pool or in the beautifull northern beaches.
Night life is very active as well.

This was a fabulous place. Open from 6am until 10pm, with free barbeque and picnic areas around. Very family orientated and very safe with lifeguards on patrol all the time. They have even made a beach area with sand!!

in the town centre, especially great if you are there in stingers season ( when very risky to bath in the sea) then you chill at lagoon

The Cairns'lagoon is funny. You cannot go to the beach in Cairns so i^ts a very good alternative. Great