Changes to Cairns Esplanade Lagoon revealed as residents make a splash

The reopening of a city icon has brought tourists and locals rushing to enjoy a day in the sun. See what changes were made.

TOURISTS and locals are buzzing to get back into the water after the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon went through its scheduled maintenance.

After three arduous weeks, the lagoon opened on Monday with Cairns City’s Oleg Suntsov and 19-month-old son Gleb Suntsov among first people to take the plunge.

“We had fun, there were lots of friendly people around,” he said.

“It looks good.”

Oleg Suntsov and Gleb Suntsov, 19 months, of Cairns City enjoy their first swim back at the lagoon since its reopening. Picture: Brendan Radke

Mr Suntsov said they had to get creative to keep his son entertained during the work on the lagoon.

“Luckily we live in the main area of the city, we take our bikes and go on rides … we also go to the playgrounds,” he said.

Now, he’s having a hard time getting his son away from the lagoon.

The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon has reopened to tourists and locals after closing for 3 weeks for maintenance works. Picture: Brendan Radke

“We go twice a day sometimes, even if it’s rainy we just take an umbrella and have a relaxed day,” Mr Suntsov said.

The draining of the lagoon forced its closure on July 18. Maintenance comes around every two years with recent upgrades and repairs made to the pool’s surface, lighting, pump systems and amenities.

The upgrading of the lagoon's boardwalk is still under construction.

While the lagoon had reopened, minor works and construction will be ongoing this week with the Active Living program most impacted.

Work is being completed on the wooden boardwalk at the lagoon.

The lagoon is open seven days a week, but closed on Wednesday morning to allow for weekly maintenance.

Originally published as Changes to Cairns Esplanade Lagoon revealed as residents make a splash