British Visitor Shares His Surprise at Cairns Queensland Public Pool and Barbecue Areas That Showcase Community Privileges Australians Enjoy Daily

When British traveller Joe Leggett first set foot in Cairns, Queensland, he wasn’t prepared for a reality that many Australians take for granted.

In his first few hours exploring the city, Joe stumbled upon a sight that left him completely gobsmacked: a huge, pristine swimming pool open to the public—completely free.

For someone from the UK, where access to swimming pools usually comes with a fee, this was more than a pleasant surprise—it was almost unthinkable.

“I’ve never seen anything like it in my life,” Joe exclaimed in a viral video shared on his Instagram and TikTok accounts.

Discovering the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

Joe and his travel companions arrived in Cairns in the evening, planning a casual stroll along the esplanade.

As they wandered, he spotted what looked like a luxurious hotel pool and assumed it belonged to a private establishment.

“And then I realized, this huge swimming pool here is just free to use,” he said, still incredulous.

He compared it to the UK, where public pools usually sit behind paywalls in leisure centres.

“Imagine this in the UK,” he laughed.

“Look at it—all of this is just there for anyone, whenever they want.”

More Than Just a Pool

The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon wasn’t Joe’s only jaw-dropping discovery.

Public barbecue stations nearby were also free to use.

“You just bring your own food and have a barbecue,” Joe marveled.

For him, this combination of accessible recreation and community spaces was mind-blowing.

His reaction? “Oh, I want to move here!”

Why Free Pools Make Sense in North Queensland

While Joe was fascinated, many Australians quickly chimed in to explain why a public pool in Cairns is not only a perk but a necessity.

North Queensland’s beaches can be treacherous, with crocodiles, jellyfish, and sharks making ocean swimming risky—especially in the hot summer months.

A council-maintained pool ensures locals have a safe way to cool off.

Yet, even with this explanation, many Aussies highlighted that such well-maintained, free facilities are a privilege.

One commenter noted, “Having this awesome stuff provided from our taxes is wild—hardly anywhere else does this.”

Another added, “The great thing about Oz is that we can actually see where our taxes are going.”

Brits Take Note of the Difference

Joe’s astonishment sparked a flood of responses from other British viewers, who pointed out that such infrastructure is rare back home.

From dangerous estuaries to limited council funding, the UK rarely offers free alternatives to leisure pools.

Many agreed that Australia’s combination of parks, playgrounds, BBQs, and pools puts the UK to shame.

“It’s just leagues ahead of literally anything we get provided in the UK,” one user wrote.

Not Just Cairns: Free Public Pools Across Queensland

The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is far from an isolated example.

Queensland is home to several free public swimming spots and water parks.

Notable mentions include Streets Beach in Southbank, Airlie Beach Lagoon, Settlement Cove Lagoon in Redcliffe, Orion Lagoon in Springfield, and even the main pool on Hamilton Island.

Many east coast beaches also feature free ocean pools for lap swimming or calmer water experiences.

Australians Rediscovering Their Privileges

Interestingly, Joe’s excitement over the public BBQs also caught locals’ attention.

Many admitted that free barbecues in parks are such a normal part of life that they rarely think about them.

“Everyone has the right to a dip and a Barbie!” one Aussie joked.

Others reflected that seeing a visitor marvel at these everyday amenities was a reminder of how much they often take for granted.

What’s Next?

For Joe, the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and nearby public facilities have left a lasting impression.

Whether he eventually moves to Australia or not, the experience has made him rethink what a community can provide for its citizens.

Meanwhile, for Australian councils, this viral reaction is a reminder that their efforts to maintain public spaces resonate beyond local borders.

It might even spark more interest in promoting free community amenities as tourism draws.

Summary

British traveller Joe Leggett’s first encounter with Queensland’s free public facilities left him astounded.

From the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon to public BBQs, he couldn’t believe that such amenities were freely accessible and well-maintained.

Australians quickly explained the practical reasons behind the pool, while also acknowledging it as a privilege that many take for granted.

Joe’s experience highlights not only the differences in public infrastructure between the UK and Australia but also the value of community-focused amenities that enhance quality of life.