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#5 out of 36 in Cairns

Experience the best of Cairns Aquarium

Cairns Aquarium is a tropical paradise where you can discover the wonders of Australia's Great Barrier Reef and the unique marine life of North Queensland. Dive into immersive exhibits, interactive displays, and breathtaking underwater encounters in this aquatic haven.
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Cairns Aquarium Tickets

Flexible

  • See over 16,000 animals from Queensland’s rich ecosystems, including crocodiles, reef sharks, and freshwater fish.

  • Explore 10 animal habitats, from the Wet Tropics to the Coral Sea, inside one of Australia’s largest aquariums.

  • Walk through a 20-meter tunnel, gaze up at a 10-meter deep reef tank, and enjoy a 360-degree Oceanarium.

  • Attend daily ecosystem presentations and animal feeding sessions included with your ticket.

More details

  • See over 16,000 animals from Queensland’s rich ecosystems, including crocodiles, reef sharks, and freshwater fish.

  • Explore 10 animal habitats, from the Wet Tropics to the Coral Sea, inside one of Australia’s largest aquariums.

  • Walk through a 20-meter tunnel, gaze up at a 10-meter deep reef tank, and enjoy a 360-degree Oceanarium.

  • Attend daily ecosystem presentations and animal feeding sessions included with your ticket.

from
AU$61
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Cairns Aquarium Night Tour with Optional Dinner

2 hrs - 3 hrs 15 mins
1 more

  • Explore the aquarium after dark on a 1.5-hour guided tour through 10 tropical ecosystems—from mountain streams to the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Watch the shift in behavior as nocturnal predators like sharks, rays, and moray eels begin their nightly hunt.

  • Learn from expert wildlife educators as you witness the glow of coral and elusive rainforest species at night.

  • Complete your day with a 2-course dinner at the Aquarium's stunning aquatic-themed restaurant, Squires Loft. Relax by the indoor marine tanks and enjoy a menu of steakhouse favorites, from fried calamari to legendary slow-cooked ribs.

More details

  • Explore the aquarium after dark on a 1.5-hour guided tour through 10 tropical ecosystems—from mountain streams to the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Watch the shift in behavior as nocturnal predators like sharks, rays, and moray eels begin their nightly hunt.

  • Learn from expert wildlife educators as you witness the glow of coral and elusive rainforest species at night.

  • Complete your day with a 2-course dinner at the Aquarium's stunning aquatic-themed restaurant, Squires Loft. Relax by the indoor marine tanks and enjoy a menu of steakhouse favorites, from fried calamari to legendary slow-cooked ribs.

from
AU$89
Slide 1 of 13, Tomb of the Pharaohs with hieroglyphs in Luxor, Egypt, featuring a sarcophagus.
Tomb of the Pharaohs with hieroglyphs in Luxor, Egypt, featuring a sarcophagus.

Combo: Tomb of the Pharaohs + Cairns Aquarium Tickets

Flexible

  • Combo ticket includes general admission to both Cairns Aquarium and Tomb of the Pharaohs, plus all aquarium presentations and encounters.

  • Walk through 11 recreated ancient Egyptian burial chambers and view hand-crafted treasures, hieroglyphs, and scenes from 3,000 years of royal history.

  • See over 16,000 aquatic animals from the Reef, Rainforest, Mangroves, and Coral Sea, and experience Australia’s only marine touch tank with shark and ray feedings.

  • Enjoy daily expert-led ecosystem talks and interactive exhibits—fully indoors, air-conditioned, and accessible to all.

More details

  • Combo ticket includes general admission to both Cairns Aquarium and Tomb of the Pharaohs, plus all aquarium presentations and encounters.

  • Walk through 11 recreated ancient Egyptian burial chambers and view hand-crafted treasures, hieroglyphs, and scenes from 3,000 years of royal history.

  • See over 16,000 aquatic animals from the Reef, Rainforest, Mangroves, and Coral Sea, and experience Australia’s only marine touch tank with shark and ray feedings.

  • Enjoy daily expert-led ecosystem talks and interactive exhibits—fully indoors, air-conditioned, and accessible to all.

from
AU$101.70
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Cairns Aquarium General Admission Tickets with Turtle Hospital Tour

Flexible

  • Spend the day exploring 11 immersive ecosystems, from the Wet Tropics Rainforest to the depths of the Coral Sea.

  • See over 16,000 creatures, including sharks, rays, and crocs, across Australia’s only 10-meter Deep Reef Tank and a 20-meter underwater tunnel.

  • Join a 30-minute guided Turtle Hospital Tour and meet rescued sea turtles recovering from injuries and illness.

  • Learn about the threats these turtles face and how the aquarium’s conservation team nurses them back to health.

  • Did you know? 100% of the proceeds from the Turtle Hospital Tour go towards the care of the rescued sea turtles.

More details

  • Spend the day exploring 11 immersive ecosystems, from the Wet Tropics Rainforest to the depths of the Coral Sea.

  • See over 16,000 creatures, including sharks, rays, and crocs, across Australia’s only 10-meter Deep Reef Tank and a 20-meter underwater tunnel.

  • Join a 30-minute guided Turtle Hospital Tour and meet rescued sea turtles recovering from injuries and illness.

  • Learn about the threats these turtles face and how the aquarium’s conservation team nurses them back to health.

  • Did you know? 100% of the proceeds from the Turtle Hospital Tour go towards the care of the rescued sea turtles.

from
AU$81
Slide 1 of 14, Couple observing sharks in the underwater tunnel at Cairns Aquarium by Twilight.
Couple observing sharks in the underwater tunnel at Cairns Aquarium by Twilight.

Cairns Aquarium by Twilight with Optional Dining

2 hrs 15 mins - 3 hrs 45 mins
1 more

  • Enjoy exclusive after-hours entry to Cairns Aquarium, with a two-hour guided twilight tour through 10 unique tropical ecosystems.

  • See the fascinating transition as animals adapt their behaviors from day to night in the Wet Tropics.

  • Spot the Coral Sea’s largest nighttime predators, including sharks, rays, and groupers.

  • Learn how reptiles, amphibians, and nocturnal fish emerge at dusk while colorful reef fish seek shelter.

  • You can upgrade your ticket for a delicious meal with dishes like fried calamari and sticky date pudding at Squires Loft afterward, an aquatic-themed restaurant.

More details

  • Enjoy exclusive after-hours entry to Cairns Aquarium, with a two-hour guided twilight tour through 10 unique tropical ecosystems.

  • See the fascinating transition as animals adapt their behaviors from day to night in the Wet Tropics.

  • Spot the Coral Sea’s largest nighttime predators, including sharks, rays, and groupers.

  • Learn how reptiles, amphibians, and nocturnal fish emerge at dusk while colorful reef fish seek shelter.

  • You can upgrade your ticket for a delicious meal with dishes like fried calamari and sticky date pudding at Squires Loft afterward, an aquatic-themed restaurant.

from
AU$89
Slide 1 of 11, People in cable car enjoying Kuranda Skyrail view over rainforest, Cairns, Australia.
People in cable car enjoying Kuranda Skyrail view over rainforest, Cairns, Australia.

Combo (Save 5%): From Cairns: Scenic Train & Skyrail Kuranda Tour with Transfers + Cairns Aquarium Tickets

Flexible
Transfers
1 more

  • Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Cableway with round-trip transfers from Cairns.

  • Get all-day access to Cairns Aquarium with 16,000+ animals across 10 vibrant ecosystems.

  • Perfect combo: Rainforest adventures and marine encounters for families and nature lovers.

  • Travel through Kuranda tunnels on the historic rail, then glide over the rainforest on a 7.5km cableway.

  • Walk a 20m underwater tunnel, see a 10m deep reef tank, and explore the 360° Oceanarium at Cairns.

  • Fun fact: Skyrail is the world’s longest gondola ride over a World Heritage-listed rainforest.

More details

  • Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Cableway with round-trip transfers from Cairns.

  • Get all-day access to Cairns Aquarium with 16,000+ animals across 10 vibrant ecosystems.

  • Perfect combo: Rainforest adventures and marine encounters for families and nature lovers.

  • Travel through Kuranda tunnels on the historic rail, then glide over the rainforest on a 7.5km cableway.

  • Walk a 20m underwater tunnel, see a 10m deep reef tank, and explore the 360° Oceanarium at Cairns.

  • Fun fact: Skyrail is the world’s longest gondola ride over a World Heritage-listed rainforest.

from Original priceAU$266
AU$252.70

5% off

Slide 1 of 5, Visitors engaging with marine life at Cairns Aquarium touch pool.
Visitors engaging with marine life at Cairns Aquarium touch pool.

Marine Life Encounter at Cairns Aquarium

3 hrs

  • Join a wildlife educator for a guided front and back of house tour, including exclusive animal encounters and behind-the-scenes access.

  • Visit the onsite turtle hospital to see how sick and injured sea turtles are cared for and rehabilitated.

  • Watch the River Monsters scatter feed and hand-feed gentle cownose sting rays for a truly interactive experience.

  • Go behind the scenes at the reptile breeding facility and learn how rare species are nurtured and protected.

More details

  • Join a wildlife educator for a guided front and back of house tour, including exclusive animal encounters and behind-the-scenes access.

  • Visit the onsite turtle hospital to see how sick and injured sea turtles are cared for and rehabilitated.

  • Watch the River Monsters scatter feed and hand-feed gentle cownose sting rays for a truly interactive experience.

  • Go behind the scenes at the reptile breeding facility and learn how rare species are nurtured and protected.

from
AU$299

Pro tips to help you make a pick

While entry tickets include most daily presentations, the Turtle Hospital is an additional upgrade. This includes a 30-min guided tour of the hospital where you learn about how the rangers rescue and rehabilitate the 6 turtle species of Australia.

For an after-hours tour of the aquarium, you can choose between Twilight and Nocturnal tours. While both these tours are quite similar and cover the creatures of the dark, the Twilight tour is a 3-hour tour and starts earlier compared to the Nocturnal tour that lasts 2.5 hours.

Both the after-hour tickets allow you to upgrade your experience with an optional 2-course or 3-course meal at the Dundee Cafe.

The Marine Life Encounter is a VIP experience that gives you a behind-the-scenes tour of the Cairns Aquarium, including fish food preparation and feeding, access to the Turtle Hospital and hand-feeding the Cownose Sting Rays.

Similar things to do in Cairns

About Cairns Aquarium

Get to view some extremely rare marine species like Jardine River turtles, freshwater sawfish and more at the Cairns Aquarium. With their Marine Touch tank, you also get to feel the textures of these species with your own hands! View a variety of reefs and animals across 10 different exhibits, including sharks, rays, colored fish, deep-sea creatures and more.

Address5 Florence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Year opened2017
Visitors per year500000
Expected wait time - Standard0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

Cairns Aquarium has the largest freshwater tank in all of Australia with a 400,000 liter capacity.

Cairns Aquarium has the world's first ever true tidal motion tank.

There are more than 15,000 animals spread across 10 different habitats, including some extremely rare species not found on other parts of the world like freshwater sawfish, Jardine River turtles, ribboned pipefish and more.

Why visit Cairns Aquarium?

Tour the Turtle Hospital

Get an exclusive 30-min guided tour of the Turtle Hospital and learn deep insights about the dangers that affect the six popular turtle species of Australia and how the Cairns Aquarium works towards preserving them.

Feel the corals with your hands

With a special Marine Touch tank, you get to touch and feel the rugged surfaces of the various coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef along with starfish, carpet sharks, sea cucumbers and more.

Take a twilight tour of the aquarium

The exclusive twilight tour at the Cairns Aquarium allows you to see the nocturnal creatures of the water come to life. With an optional meal upgrade, you can also dine at their in-house restaurant Dundees Cafe while gazing at colorful reef fish, nighttime predators like sharks and rays and more.

Listen in on talks by wildlife educators

Included with your entry tickets, you can be a part of the various everyday presentations of different marine species. Learn about deep-sea creatures that thrive in absolute darkness, view the various hues of colored reef fish or learn about predators in the rivers at River Monsters.

Plan your visit

Florence Street entry

Florence Street entry

The main entrance of the Cairns Aquarium is through Florence Street.

Travel guides and tips

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What our guests say

Abigail L

Australia
Family
3 weeks ago

+2 more

Very interesting and informative. The tomb of the Pharaohs tour experience like we were in Egypt! If you like history and reading, best place! The aquarium tour was lovely too, kids enjoyed it!

Combo: Tomb of the Pharaohs + Cairns Aquarium Tickets

Nicholas W

Family
Sep 2026
Our family loves marine life, and Cairns Aquarium is easily one of the best aquariums we've ever visited. We really enjoyed the shark talk, interactive touch tank and the huge variety of amazing sea life. The displays were well documented and made the whole experience even more interesting. It was very busy when we arrived, so I'd definitely recommend booking online and getting there as early as possible to enjoy the full day. We absolutely loved it and can't wait to return to Cairns for the twilight tour!

Cairns Aquarium Tickets

Gan S

Malaysia
Solo
Jul 2026

+1 more

easy to get ticket on app -- Cairns Aquarium is quite an interesting place to know more about marine life in Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea

Cairns Aquarium Tickets

Lisa W

Australia
Group
Jun 2026

+2 more

Victor was knowledgeable, pleasant and very organised. He was courteous and thorough. A great asset to this business. The day was relaxed, unrushed and extremely enjoyable. I recommend the day trip to all ages.

Combo: From Cairns: Scenic Train & Skyrail Kuranda Tour with Transfers + Cairns Aquarium Tickets

Susan J

Couple
Apr 2026
The Baron falls were amazing due to a lot of rainfall they were in full flow, I've seen them twice before but never like that

Combo: From Cairns: Scenic Train & Skyrail Kuranda Tour with Transfers + Cairns Aquarium Tickets

Paul S

Australia
Family
Oct 2026
Worthwhile and wonderful tour. Lots of information. It was necessarily rapid to get through all the areas. I think the Aquarium should offer self guided tickets at a reduced price to people that have done the tour so these could be used later

Cairns Aquarium Night Tour with Optional Dinner

Donna H

Australia
Family
Oct 2026
Jordan was a wonderful tour guide. Very informative and happy to oblige my 7year old granddaughters many questions. Learnt more as a private tour rather than walking threw unguided. Dinner was a nice way to end the tour.

Cairns Aquarium by Twilight with Optional Dining

Gemma F

Australia
Family
Sep 2026
The aquarium is well laid out and so interesting. It's incredibly peaceful to sit and watch the fish in the large tanks. The turtle hospital was informative and great to see the turtles up close.

Cairns Aquarium General Admission Tickets with Turtle Hospital Tour

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