Cairns Esplanade deals: Cheap meals, beer towers and fun things to do in city

The Cairns Esplanade outdoor dining precinct’s $28m redevelopment has unlocked a world of opportunity for punters looking for fun ways to while away the hours in style. THE LIST

THE Cairns Esplanade outdoor dining precinct’s $28m redevelopment has unlocked a world of opportunity for punters looking to while away the hours in style.

Its recent grand opening was a massive event with thousands of visitors – so much so that it was difficult to see the work that had actually been done.

The Courtyard general manager Benjamin Power said customers were in love with the Esplanade’s new groove and numbers had been strong since opening day – a stark change to the construction phase.

“Before that it was a maze to get into and I think it was imprinted in people’s mindset that it was just too hard to access the Esplanade,” he said.

“We enjoyed the extra trade from Iron Man and the school holidays, but we’re expecting it to keep going up to the end of July.”

We have compiled this handy 10-point guide with just a handful of ideas for anyone looking to get the most out of their shiny new public asset.

Esplanade’s must do list

■ Invest $60 into a three-litre beer tower at The Courtyard and beat queues at the bar.

■ Luxuriate with a cocktail and some share plates at the Oak and Vine rooftop bar.

The stunning view from the Oak and Vine rooftop bar.

■ Shell out $13.90 for one of Villa Romana’s takeaway pizzas, throw out a picnic rug people-watch from the lawn!

■ Splash your way into shape in a free Aqua Zumba class in the Lagoon on Wednesdays from 5.30pm-6.30pm.

■ Catch some live tunes while drinking beers at Rattle ‘n’ Hum from 8.30pm on Fridays

■ Wash a pork knuckle down with a pint of weissbier at the Bavarian Beerhouse.

■ Let the young’uns loose with $10 kid meals, soft drink and ice cream at Boardwalk Social on Saturdays from 11.30am to 9pm.

■ Grab some fish and chips at Splash Seafood Restaurant, head over near the mudflats and celebrate your evolutionary dominance over the pelicans as they scramble for a feed.

Opening of the Esplanade Dining precinct … children crowd around the 'Chase' from Paw Patrol on the Esplanade

■ Bring some snags, a portable speaker and a pair of tongs and have your own party down at the communal barbecues.

■ Try not to think about your own starving pot plants while marvelling at the massive vertical garden with 720 plants that are all doing their best Bee Gees impression and, miraculously, staying alive.

Originally published as Cairns Esplanade deals: Cheap meals, beer towers and fun things to do in city