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#5 out of 20 in Cairns

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.
4.5/5
3,215 travellers from around the world love this
Cairns Aquarium
Visitors observing marine life in an underwater tunnel at Cairns Aquarium.
Visitors observing marine life at Cairns Aquarium exhibit.
Guest at Cairns Aquarium looking at a Stingray
Guests at the Turtle hospital at Cairns Aquarium
Children observing a sea turtle in an aquarium tank at Cairns Aquarium.
Visitors observing marine life at Cairns Aquarium through a large tank display.
Colorful fish swimming in Cairns Aquarium exhibit.
Guest at Cairns Aquarium
Visitors observing marine life at Cairns Aquarium, including a large fish and shark.

Cairns Aquarium Tickets

Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Flexible duration

  • 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
Family observing sharks during Night at the Aquarium tour, Cairns Aquarium.
Colorful fish illuminated during Night at the Aquarium tour.
Visitors observing marine life during a Night at the Aquarium guided nocturnal tour.
Spotted stingray swimming in aquarium during nocturnal tour.
Dining area at Dundees Restaurant inside Cairns Aquarium with large fish tank at night.

Cairns Aquarium Night Tour with Optional Dinner

Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
2 hr
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.

  • Upgrade to include a 2-course dinner with dishes like fried calamari and lamb chops in Squires Loft, an aquatic-themed restaurant.

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.

  • Upgrade to include a 2-course dinner with dishes like fried calamari and lamb chops in Squires Loft, an aquatic-themed restaurant.

from
AU$89
Tomb of the Pharaohs with hieroglyphs in Luxor, Egypt, featuring a sarcophagus.
Visitors viewing Egyptian sarcophagus at Tomb of the Pharaoh exhibit, Cairns.
Golden sarcophagi and canopic jars in glass case at Tomb of the Pharaoh exhibit.
Visitors observing marine life at Cairns Aquarium 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.
Visitor reads plaque in front of golden artifacts at Tomb of the Pharaoh exhibit.
Couple posing in front of Great Pyramids and Sphinx backdrop at Tomb of the Pharaohs exhibit.
Guest at Cairns Aquarium looking at a Stingray
Guest at Cairns Aquarium

Combo: Tomb of the Pharaohs + Cairns Aquarium Tickets

Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Flexible duration

  • 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
Family enjoying marine life at Cairns Aquarium.
Visitors interacting with marine life at Cairns Aquarium Turtle Hospital.
Visitors observing turtles at Cairns Aquarium Turtle Hospital tour.
Sea turtle swimming in Cairns Aquarium Turtle Hospital pool.
Turtle being fed lettuce in a pool at Cairns Hospital.
Visitors touring Cairns Aquarium exhibit with guide pointing at display.
Visitors attending a presentation at Cairns Aquarium Turtle Hospital.
Children observing a sea turtle 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

Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Flexible duration

  • 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
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

Free cancellation
Flexible duration
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 AU$266
AU$252.70

5% off

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

Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
3 hr

  • 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
Couple observing sharks in the underwater tunnel at Cairns Aquarium by Twilight.
Visitors exploring exhibits at Cairns Aquarium by Twilight tour.
Visitors observing the aquarium tank from above at Cairns Aquarium by Twilight.
Stingray with blue spots at Cairns Aquarium Twilight tour.
Visitors observing marine life in an underwater tunnel at Cairns Aquarium.
Guests holding hands while viewing a shark at Cairns Aquarium by Twilight.
Dining area at Cairns Aquarium by Twilight with guests enjoying meals near large aquarium display.

Cairns Aquarium by Twilight with Optional Dining

Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
2 hr 15 min
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

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

Address

5 Florence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia

Nearest Bus stop

Lake Street at Cairns Private Hospital

Nearest Parking

Lake Street multi-story car park

Travel guides and tips

The complete guide to Cairns Aquarium in Australia

The complete guide to Cairns Aquarium in Australia

Cairns is known for its beautiful beaches, scenery, and fun activities. The city is also a gateway to two World Heritage Sites – The Great Barrier Reef and The Wet Tropics rainforest. The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system and is home to 400 types of corals, 1500 species of fishes, […]

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    • What our guests say

    Kay H

    Australia
    Couple
    Mar 2026
    The aquarium after dark we had the whole aquarium to ourselves so a small group. Our guide Sasha was passionate about the reef, environment & endangered species. Thank you Sasha for the great night

    Cairns Aquarium Tickets

    Valentin S

    Couple
    Jan 2026

    +1 more

    A fantastic experience. Located in the heart of Cairns is a unique aquarium that is beautifully designed. There is lots of interesting information about Australia's marine life and reptiles. The staff are very nice and friendly. Shortly before the exit, you walk through a glass tunnel through a conglomerate of several connected pools, which contain giant rays and sharks, among other things, which I found absolutely impressive. The admission price of AUD 58 for adults is absolutely justified. I highly recommend a visit. 😁👌

    Cairns Aquarium Tickets

    Girish V

    United States
    Couple
    Dec 2025
    The Cairns Scenic Railway & Skyrail Kuranda Tour was one of those rare experiences we undertook during our visit to the great continent-county of Australia. The iconic and well presevered train transported us into another era. The commentary as we traversed through the widing tracks and the plethora of tunnels was very informative. The stops at the Barror Gorge and Falls was very good and sufficient to look in awe the grandeour of nature's work. The Kuranda village had a relaxed, bohemian vibe. We easily spent time wandering through its markets, cafes, and wildlife attractions. The return journey on the Skyrail was a standout. Gliding silently above the rainforest canopy feels almost surreal. We literally floating above one of the world’s oldest rainforests. The Skyrail offers a completely different perspective from the train — airy, expansive, and deeply peaceful.

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

    Rhiannon S

    Australia
    Family
    Mar 2026
    The aquarium was fantastic and the tour guide was friendly, funny, and knowledgeable. The restaurant messed up our order

    Cairns Aquarium Night Tour with Optional Dinner

    Helen S

    Canada
    Couple
    Mar 2026
    Our tour guide Neve did an excellent job. Lots of info was shared. Selecting / pre-ordering our dinner upon arrival, before the tour, was a great idea. We ate promptly once we sat down. We enjoyed our meal.

    Cairns Aquarium Night Tour with Optional Dinner

    Gary M

    Australia
    Couple
    Jan 2026
    This visit to the Cairns Aquarium was awesome, the Turtle experience was so enlightening and a highlight of our holiday in FNQ. The tanks and unbelievable amount of fish were a sight to see and we would recommend all who visit Cairns spent a day at the Aquarium 👍👍👍

    Cairns Aquarium General Admission Tickets with Turtle Hospital Tour

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