Events at Placid Pools, Smithfield

About Placid Pools

Placid Pools is a Cairns-based pool design and construction company that has also developed an on-site tropical event space in Smithfield (www.houzz.com.au). This outdoor venue – often branded “Pools In Paradise” – is described by its owners as a “stunning tropical oasis” in Smithfield (placidpools.au). It features a custom-designed pool surrounded by shaded decks, cabanas and a fully licensed bar, making it feel more like a private resort than a typical event hall. In practice the venue is open-air and lawned around the pool, with palm trees and lounge seating giving it a relaxed island vibe. As of 2024, Placid Pools’ own website even notes that Pools in Paradise is currently “closed for the foreseeable future” (placidpools.au), so if you’re planning a visit it’s best to confirm the status of any event first.

Events and Programming

In its operating years, Placid Pools’ event space hosted mostly daytime pool parties and music events. The most notable series was a local drum-&-bass “Pool Party” series organized by Cairns Drum & Bass HQ. For example, their January and March 2024 parties ran on Saturday afternoons and included a full DJ line-up and poolside dancing (www.entertainmentcairns.com) (www.entertainmentcairns.com). These events promoted “beautiful chill out pools” with cocktails and laid-back beats (www.entertainmentcairns.com). One October 2023 event was explicitly family friendly – with a fully licensed bar on site and free admission for children (www.ticketfairy.com). In general, gatherings at Placid Pools have been casual daytime-to-evening parties (often Saturday afternoons, e.g. starting around 2pm (www.entertainmentcairns.com)), featuring electronic music and socialising around the water. Besides public parties, the venue advertises itself for private hires such as birthdays, weddings or corporate functions (placidpools.au) whenever it is available. No regular weekly schedule was publicized – most events were one-off parties or rented private functions taking advantage of the poolside setting.

Tickets and Booking

Because Placid Pools is not a traditional theatre, there is no box office on site. For public events, tickets were typically sold in advance through local organisers’ websites or online event portals. For example, a January 2024 drum-and-bass pool party had an entry price of $20 (www.entertainmentcairns.com). Events sometimes offered tiered pricing (early bird vs. door sales) but specifics depended on the promoter. In most cases tickets could also be purchased at the door on the day (if not sold out), though popular parties could sell out early. When available for private hire, bookings would be arranged by contacting Placid Pools’ events team (details on their website) to reserve the date and services (placidpools.au). Keep an eye out for announcements on local event listing sites or social media, and plan to buy early if it’s a major buzz event, since capacity is limited by the outdoor space.

Seating and Layout

The venue layout is essentially an open-air courtyard built around a large pool. There are no fixed theatre-style seats – instead, guests mingle around the pool and on adjacent decks. There is a covered deck with shaded lounge seating, benches and tables (placidpools.au) where people can sit out of the sun. Beyond that, most viewing areas are just poolsides or open lawns. The planted palm trees and umbrellas provide pockets of shade in the daytime. During events, a small DJ stage or sound system is usually set up near the pool edge. Many patrons stand or dance on soft ground or decking near the pool, while others chill on lounge chairs. In short, the best viewing spots are generally by the pool or under the shaded patio area (placidpools.au). If you prefer to sit, aim for a table under the shade canopy. There is also a fully licensed bar terrace where people often gather. Unlike a stadium, there’s no VIP section or distinct balcony – it’s an intimate, flat layout that lets everyone feel close to the water and action.

Getting There and Parking

Placid Pools (Pools in Paradise) is located at 2-4 Mount Koolomon Drive in Smithfield, Cairns (www.entertainmentcairns.com). Smithfield is about 15 minutes’ drive north of Cairns city center and roughly the same distance from Cairns Airport. By car, you can reach the venue via the Smithfield Bypass (captain Cook Hwy) and then veer onto Mount Koolomon Drive. On-site parking is fairly limited. There is a small private car park adjoining the pool facility, but it may fill up on busy days. Many visitors park at the nearby Smithfield Shopping Centre (around 500 metres away) and walk, or rely on street parking on Mount Koolomon or McGregor Road. If driving, be sure not to park in private driveways. For public transport, the local Kinetic Cairns buses (e.g. Route 120 Smithfield–City) serve the shopping area; from the nearest bus stop it’s a 5–10 minute walk to the pool venue. Taxis and rideshare (Uber) can drop off directly at the entrance on Mount Koolomon Drive, and local residents often use shared rides since parking is tight.

Inside the Venue

Upon arrival you’ll enter through the landscaped courtyard, where staff or security may check tickets or IDs during events. The centerpiece is the pool itself – often lit up and heated for afternoon events – with a bar located on one side (placidpools.au). The fully licensed Poolside Bar serves beer, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks, so you don’t need to bring anything from outside (placidpools.au). Because the venue often hosts catered events, you’ll usually find food trucks or pop-up snack stalls when events are announced (placidpools.au). If you arrive early, you can grab a drink and settle on poolside couches or at shaded tables. Restrooms are available on site (usually in an adjacent block behind the bar area). There is often dimmed lighting and poolside speakers for atmosphere once evening falls. For security and safety, guests may be asked not to enter the water unless it’s a verified pool party event. Often organizers provide pool noodles or loungers if swimming is encouraged. A coat-check or locker service is uncommon; most people keep small belongings tableside. Wi-Fi is not guaranteed outdoors, so come prepared with any necessary tickets or reservation info on your phone. Overall the interior/building is minimal – essentially an outdoor patio, a cafe-style bar, and the pool itself – so expect a very relaxed, open vibe.

Nearby Amenities

Smithfield has a suburban feel with plenty of traveller facilities. The venue sits just north of the Smithfield Shopping Centre (also known as Smithfield Village), which hosts supermarkets, eateries and a cinema. For pre-show dining, you have options like Thai (e.g. Chiangmai Thai Cuisine), pizza (Makin Dough), burger/pizza chains or quick bites all within a few blocks of the centre. The local Smithfield Tavern pub is a popular spot for beers and simple meals, and it’s only a short drive (or walk via nearby paths) from the pool location. If you need to pick up supplies or a bottle of wine, note that Queensland’s liquor stores (“bottle shops”) are nearby in the shopping centre area. For overnight stays, a few motels and resorts are dotted along Captain Cook Highway – for instance Paradise Palms Resort & Country Club offers villas with a waterpark, only about 10 minutes east. Beachside resorts in Palm Cove and Trinity Beach are also 15–20 minutes north of Smithfield if you want beachfront lodging. Tip: since the clientele is often from the Cairns area, most locals will arrive by car – limited public buses run late at night, so if you’re planning late departure consider booking a taxi or car service from Smithfield back to the city.

What Makes This Venue Special

Placid Pools stands out because it’s one of the only event venues in Cairns that feels like a private resort. Instead of a dark club or hall, you experience an outdoor party under the Queensland sun with real water features (placidpools.au). The tropical palm trees, communal pool and casual deck-chairs create a vacation-like atmosphere. Architecturally it’s unique too: the pool was custom-built (likely as a company showcase) and the rest of the space was landscaped to match a luxury hotel poolside. Over the years it hosted a number of one-of-a-kind events (like themed pool parties) that you won’t find elsewhere in town. Locals appreciate that artists can spin tunes in a laid-back sun-drenched setting and audiences get to dance barefoot in the grass or water. In a sense it brought resort-style entertainment to the cities’ edges. Even the fact that it’s tied to a family-run business gives it character – it’s not a slick corporate concert hall but a backyard paradise concept. Though business-related events and private hires also book the space, the best-known events were energetic summer parties, making Placid Pools a bit of a legend in Cairns’ nightlife scene during its run (placidpools.au). It also symbolises the north’s lifestyle: poolbars are everywhere in FNQ backyards and holiday spots, so this was like bringing that archetypal backyard party out for everyone to join.

Visitor Tips and Information

Dress & Gear: Because you’re by a pool, casual and beachwear are acceptable. Many guests wear swimmers, board shorts or sundresses (and often expect to get wet!). Bring sunscreen, a hat and towel if you plan to swim. The dress code is relaxed: no formal wear needed. Footwear can be sandals or flats; leave high heels (and shoes with sharp heels) at home, as ground is often grass or decking. What to Bring: A photo ID if you’ll buy drinks (the bar is 18+). Cash/card for the bar and food trucks (card machines are usually available at the bar). You might want sunglasses and lip balm for sun protection, and your phone (with any downloaded tickets saved). Store small valuables in a ziploc inside your bag if you plan to dance near the water. Arrival: Doors at afternoon pool events typically open an hour before showtime (for example, a 2pm start likely had gates open by 1pm). Arrive early if you want a prime spot by the water or near the bar. Check event start/finish times carefully since events often run into the afternoon-evening. Age Restrictions: These vary by event. Many of the pool parties were advertised as all-ages or family-friendly (even allowing kids in free (www.ticketfairy.com)) but some events – especially those promoting hard dance music – listed 18+ entry (www.ticketfairy.com). Always check the specific event details. Accessibility: The venue is largely flat and at ground level with ramped entrances, so it is generally wheelchair- and stroller-friendly. Restrooms are on level ground as well. Rules: Common sense safety rules apply. No outside alcohol or glass containers (the on-site bar is fully licensed (placidpools.au)). People are often allowed to swim or at least splash, but be careful of electrical equipment on wet surfaces. Smoking is typically banned poolside by Queensland law; designated smoking areas (if any) will be away from the deck. Listen to staff instructions about boundaries (e.g., some events partition off areas). Weather: Since it’s outdoors, light rain might postpone dancing but the parties often continue shaded or under sails if a downpour isn’t severe. In case of storms some events might move inside or reschedule. Common Mistakes: Don’t assume conventional concert amenities – bring a jacket just in case it cools after sunset, and be sure to hydrate. Also note many Cairns events end well before midnight, so late-night transport can be scarce; plan accordingly. Final Note: The vibe here is very different from a city club. Embrace the laid-back, tropical setting. Chat with barmen or other patrons – it feels like a pool party at a friend’s house. If Placid Pools (Pools in Paradise) stays closed in the current season, some event organizers may move their pool parties to alternative spots or indoor nightclubs, so it’s worth checking if a listed “Placid Pools” event gets announced elsewhere. But if it is open, you’re in for a memorable tropics-themed gig.