8 Aquariums in Cairns That Survive a Second Look

1.Cairns Aquarium Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 534 reviews · from $41Our pick

Follow a raindrop from tropical rainforest to mangroves, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Coral Sea at Cairns Aquarium. See sharks, rays, turtles, live coral, rainforest animals, and more than 15,000 creatures across 70 habitats. Daily talks, touch tanks, and the sea turtle hospital add depth to this family-friendly Cairns visit.

“Many unique species found in this aquarium and the Dundee restaurant is a great experience. It is very informative and not too crowded when I went.”

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2.Cairns Aquarium General Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 422 reviews · 1 day · from $41

Spend a full day at Cairns Aquarium in central Cairns, following North Queensland’s ecosystems from ancient rainforest to coral reef. See 71 habitats, Australia’s only 10-metre-deep reef tank, the 360-degree Oceanarium, River Monsters, and daily talks on sharks, rays, reefs, and billabongs. The aquarium is air-conditioned, wheelchair accessible, and suited to families and rainy-day plans.

“It was an easy to find experience,located just within a minutes footpath away from the Esplanade, in the very heart of Cairns. We visited the Aquarium with my life and experienced something like never before. We managed to see the sharks and mantra rays feeding show,which by the way was really spectacular! We were able to take part in every seminar over there,so we did learn a lot more about the marina life. We bought extra experience for 12AUD each - 5D show, actually there were 2 shows in total. I recommend it to you all guys who like the marina world life”

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3.Aquarium Guided Twilight Tour with 3-Course Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 106 reviews · 3 hours · from $126

Spend two hours after closing with a wildlife educator at Cairns Aquarium, moving from rainforest and mangroves to reef and Coral Sea habitats as nocturnal animals stir. Guides such as Lisa, Michaela, Cameron, and Bradley have led lively, detailed tours. Finish with a three-course dinner at Dundee’s aquatic-themed restaurant.

“The guided tour was worth it. Helped understand the animals and the layout of the exhibits. After this I think I’ll always go with a guided tour. I learnt a lot.”

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4.Night at the Aquarium Guided Tour & 2 Course Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 106 reviews · 2 hours · from $102

Join a Wildlife Educator after hours at Cairns Aquarium for a 1.5-hour walk through 10 tropical ecosystems, from rainforest and mangroves to the Coral Sea. Guides such as Calvin, Lisa, Laura, and Jordan have led engaging tours. Finish with a two-course dinner at the aquatic-themed restaurant.

“The tour itself was great - we had a fantastic guide Laura who had the perfect balance of chatting and education while also allowing the audience to wander and experience the tanks on their own.”

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5.Aquarium Entry Ticket and Turtle Rehabilitation Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 89 reviews · 1 day · from $55

Spend the day exploring Cairns Aquarium’s 71 habitats, including the 10-meter reef tank, 360-degree Oceanarium, mangrove boardwalk, and large freshwater exhibit. At your chosen time, join a 30-minute English tour of the Turtle Rehabilitation Center. Guides such as Brett and Sharlie explain each turtle’s care, threats from plastic, and the road back to the sea.

“amazing tour! so much to do and the terminal rehabilitation center was awesome as well!”

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6.Night at the Aquarium Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 52 reviews · 2 hours · from $60

Join an English-speaking Wildlife Educator at Cairns Aquarium after closing for a 1.5-hour walk through 10 tropical ecosystems. Look for nocturnal rainforest animals, glowing coral, sharks, rays, and groupers, then finish with dinner at Dundee’s Restaurant. Guides have included Daniel, Georgie, Calvin, and Charly.

“Calvin was the best guide, with incredible crowd management skills and knowledge of the exhibits. Extremely polite and easy-going.”

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7.Cairns Aquarium by Twilight Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 51 reviews · from $60Top rated

Enter Cairns Aquarium after hours for a two-hour guided tour with a wildlife educator. You’ll see more than 16,000 animals and learn how reptiles, amphibians, insects, and nocturnal fish behave at night. Guides such as Christine and Mikayla have been praised for clear explanations and lively storytelling.

“Our tour guide was Mykelah. She was outstanding. So personal le, knowledgeable and full of energy. She told us some facts and fun stories related to what we were seeing. Having a private, small group tour was great and we got up close to the fish. Definitely a must do and ask for Mykelah.”

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8.Guided Twilight Tour of the Aquarium

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 31 reviews · 2 hours · from $60

Spend two hours inside Cairns Aquarium after closing, guided in English by a professional ecologist. Watch reef fish shelter in coral caves as sharks, rays, and groupers become active. The tour includes after-hours entry but no meal, though you can finish with dinner at Dundee restaurant.

“Cameron our guide was fantastic. We did the aquarium tour prior to our snorkeling trip. The educational content provided made our snorkeling trip much more meaningful. Cameron was dynamic and enthusiastic. Snorkeling gave us a keyhole view of life on the reef but our aquarium tour gave us an overview and better understanding of the Great Barrier Reef. I feel we would have otherwise been disappointed with snorkeling alone.”

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