Backpack Aus

Inside tip · Cairns

Myth or legit: Cairns city has a sandy sea beach along the Esplanade where everyone swims.

Answer: Myth

Cairns' waterfront is tidal mudflats and mangroves. As croc sightings and stingers grew, the city opened the 4,800 m² Esplanade Lagoon in 2003: a safe swim in view of the Coral Sea.

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