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#5 out of 21 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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Slide 1 of 9
Guest at Cairns Aquarium looking at a Stingray
Visitors observing marine life at Cairns Aquarium exhibit.
Visitors observing marine life at Cairns Aquarium through a large tank display.
Colorful fish swimming in Cairns Aquarium exhibit.

Cairns Aquarium Tickets

Explore at your pace

  • 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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Steak and chips with sauce served on a wooden board, Cairns Aquarium Night Tour optional dinner.
Grilled shrimp skewers with salad and dipping sauce, Cairns Aquarium Night Tour dinner option.
Family observing sharks during Night at the Aquarium tour, Cairns Aquarium.
Colorful fish illuminated during Night at the Aquarium tour.
Spotted stingray swimming in aquarium during nocturnal tour.
Visitors observing marine life during a Night at the Aquarium guided nocturnal tour.

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.
Golden sarcophagi and canopic jars in glass case at Tomb of the Pharaoh exhibit.
Visitors observing marine life at Cairns Aquarium through a large tank display.
Visitor examines open sarcophagus with hieroglyphs at Tomb of the Pharaoh exhibit.
Visitors viewing Egyptian sarcophagus at Tomb of the Pharaoh exhibit, Cairns.
Couple posing in front of Great Pyramids and Sphinx backdrop at Tomb of the Pharaohs exhibit.
Visitor reads plaque in front of golden artifacts at Tomb of the Pharaoh exhibit.
Guest at Cairns Aquarium looking at a Stingray
Visitors observing marine life at Cairns Aquarium exhibit.

Combo: Tomb of the Pharaohs + Cairns Aquarium Tickets

Explore at your pace

  • 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
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.
Guests holding hands while viewing a shark at Cairns Aquarium by Twilight.
Visitors exploring exhibits at Cairns Aquarium by Twilight tour.
Garlic mushrooms in a white dish, part of Cairns Aquarium by Twilight dining experience.
Grilled shrimp skewers with salad and dipping sauce, Cairns Aquarium Night Tour dinner option.
Choco fudge cake with strawberries and ice cream served at Cairns Aquarium by Twilight dining.
Calamari with dipping sauce and lemon wedge, Cairns Aquarium by Twilight dining option.
Sticky date pudding with sauce and ice cream at Cairns Aquarium dining.
Steak and chips with sauce served on a wooden board, Cairns Aquarium Night Tour optional dinner.
Stingray with blue spots at Cairns Aquarium Twilight tour.

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
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Turtle being fed lettuce in a pool at Cairns Hospital.
Sea turtle swimming in Cairns Aquarium Turtle Hospital pool.
Visitors attending a presentation at Cairns Aquarium Turtle Hospital.
Visitors exploring underwater tunnel at Cairns Aquarium with fish and sharks.

Cairns Aquarium General Admission Tickets with Turtle Hospital Tour

Explore at your pace

  • 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 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.
Kuranda Scenic Railway crossing Stoney Creek Falls in lush rainforest.
Visitors at a Kuranda lookout point viewing a waterfall amidst lush rainforest.
Visitors observing marine life at Cairns Aquarium exhibit.
Guest at Cairns Aquarium looking at a Stingray
Tourist stepping off Kuranda Scenic Rail surrounded by lush greenery.
Couple enjoying scenic views inside the Kuranda train in Australia.
Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway gliding over lush forest canopy in Queensland, Australia.
Children observing a sea turtle in an aquarium tank at Cairns Aquarium.
Visitors observing marine life at Cairns Aquarium through a large tank display.
Guests at the Turtle hospital at Cairns Aquarium

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

Explore at your pace
Transfers available
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.
Interactive marine life presentation at Cairns Aquarium with focus on green sea turtles.
Visitors engaging with a turtle in a rehabilitation tank at Cairns Aquarium.
Guided tour group observing marine life at Cairns Aquarium.
Visitor feeding fish at Cairns Aquarium marine life exhibit.

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.

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

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

Sasha A

United States
Solo
Jun 2026

+6 more

Along with the many beautiful sites to see in Cairns, the Cairns aquarium offers a unique experience that takes you through many biomes of biodiversity and the journey all starts off with a single drop of rain! As a fellow aquarium volunteer at Monterey Bay Aquarium, I found the conservation effort and info to be very impressive! I actually wished I could have talked to more guides about the animals because there were so many strange creatures. Nonetheless, a wonderful experience and I loved the well-decorated aquariums for the animals.

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

Gemma F

Australia
Family
5 days ago
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

Jonelle C

Australia
Couple
Jul 2026
The tour was amazing and the aquarium was beautiful. Our Marine Biologist Jade was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the marine life. The food was also amazing at squires loft restaurant. The eye fillet was perfect. Great night and very informative tour. Highly recommend the Night Tour of the Aquarium.

Cairns Aquarium Night Tour with Optional Dinner

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