A young British traveller exploring Australia for the very first time experienced a profound culture shock when he encountered the country's extensive network of free public amenities. Joe Leggett, visiting Cairns in Queensland, was utterly baffled to find that the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon—a pristine, large swimming facility—was completely free for anyone to use, maintained by the local council without any access fees.
Initial Disbelief and Astonishment
Joe Leggett recounted his experience in a viral video shared on his social media accounts. Arriving in Cairns in the evening, he and his travel group decided to take a casual stroll to explore the area. As they walked past the impressive lagoon, Joe initially assumed it belonged to a luxury hotel. "Oh, what hotel does that pool belong to?" he recalled thinking. To his amazement, he learned that this substantial swimming pool was a public facility, freely accessible to everyone at any time.
"What do you mean there's a swimming pool that anyone can just use? Imagine this in the UK," Joe exclaimed in the video. He described the facility as "crazy," emphasizing that all of it was available for free whenever desired. Speaking to Daily Mail, Joe admitted he had never in his life encountered a free-to-use swimming pool before, noting that in the UK, swimming pools are typically located in leisure centres requiring payment for access.
Beyond Pools: Free Barbecues Add to the Surprise
The free swimming pool was not the only amenity that left Joe stunned. He was equally astonished to discover nearby public barbecue stations, also maintained by the council and free for public use. "You just bring your own food and have a barbecue," he said, highlighting the simplicity and accessibility of these resources. His final assessment of the experience was enthusiastic: "Oh, I want to move here!"
Social Media Reaction and Australian Perspectives
Joe's post, shared across Instagram and TikTok, quickly amassed hundreds of thousands of views, sparking a lively discussion in the comments. Many Australians responded by explaining the practical reasons behind such facilities. One prevalent explanation focused on safety: in North Queensland, the ocean poses significant risks due to crocodiles, jellyfish, and sharks, especially during the hot summer months. Therefore, public pools provide a safe alternative for swimming.
However, numerous replies pointed out that this rationale should not diminish the value of these amenities. One commenter argued, "People who are saying, '[The pool] is only there because the ocean is dangerous,' are missing the point. Having this awesome stuff provided from our taxes is wild, hardly anywhere else does this." Another added that Australians can often see where their taxes are going through such public infrastructure, which includes not only pools but also BBQs, toilets, playgrounds, and parks.
Comparisons with the UK and Global Context
Several Brits joined the conversation, contrasting the Australian approach with the UK's. One pointed out that they live near a dangerous estuary with rapid tides, yet their council would never provide a free swimming alternative. Another noted, "Australians here are so cute saying, 'It's because you can't swim there.' [Do] you know how many coastal places in the UK and Asia exist where you also can't swim?! They don't build community pools there." They emphasized that Australia's community infrastructure is "nothing short of impressive and amazing," and leagues ahead of what is typically provided in the UK.
Widespread Availability Across Australia
Many Australians clarified that the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is not an isolated case. Similar free public pools and waterplay parks are found throughout Australia, particularly in Queensland. Examples cited include the renowned Streets Beach in Southbank, Brisbane; the Airlie Beach Lagoon; Settlement Cove Lagoon in Redcliffe; Orion Lagoon in Springfield; and even the main pool on Hamilton Island. Additionally, many east coast beaches feature free ocean pools for lap swimming or avoiding waves.
The discussion also touched on the commonplace nature of free BBQs in Australian parks, which many locals admitted taking for granted. "Your parks don't have free BBQs?" one puzzled Aussie asked, while another laughed, "Everyone has the right to a dip and a Barbie!"
A Timely Reminder of Privilege
Ultimately, the viral video served as a reminder for many Australians about the privileges they enjoy. "I forget how good we have it sometimes," one reply mused. Others expressed understanding that such amenities could be a tipping point for visitors like Joe considering a permanent move to Australia. "Welcome to Straya mate! Now the toughest part is resisting moving here," one commenter joked.
Joe Leggett continues to share videos and pictures from his travels around Australia, capturing the unique aspects of Australian public life that differ markedly from his experiences in the UK. His astonishment highlights a broader conversation about public investment in community amenities and the cultural differences in how societies value and provide access to recreational facilities.
