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#5 out of 22 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

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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.
4.5(2,080)
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$58
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.
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$78
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.
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$85
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
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$106
AU$100.70

5% off

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.
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$85
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
Free cancellation
Flexible duration
Transfers included
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$253
AU$240.35

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.
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

Pro tips to help you make a pick

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.


Address
5 Florence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Year opened
2017
Visitors per year
500000
Expected wait time - Standard
0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
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Why visit Cairns Aquarium?

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Millions love heading out with us

Cathy O"Brien
AU

Cathy

Australia
Aug 2025
5/5
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It was excellently laid out, some of the exhibits were exceptional in their details,however, I don't know why everything needs a ap to put your tickets. I have apple wallet for this very thing.
ana maria gabriela
AU

Ana

Australia
May 2025
5/5
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I had a wonderful time at the Cairns Aquarium! The place is beautiful and full of amazing sea life. The staff were incredibly kind and helpful — their great attitude made the visit even better. I especially loved the Turtle Hospital! You can really see how much they love their work and how much they care for the animals. It’s so nice to see people helping and protecting marine life. Thank you for such a great experience!
David Weston
AU

David

Australia
May 2025
5/5
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+2 more

We book for the day before by mistake but the young lady at the front was exceptional in her handling of out error. She let us in and helped us so much. Brilliant. Also the standard of the experience wes supurb. The man at the touch tank was extremely knowledgeable and helpful.
Claire walker

Claire

Aug 2022
5/5
The experience was great. No problem at all. We loved our guide his enthusiasm was catching. He was extremely knowledgeable. Thanks to Cameron the whole experience was first clasd
Belinda Joseph

Belinda

Jun 2021
5/5
We had a wonderful time. Our host was full of information, she was more than happy to answer any questions and she made it fun.
Matthew killick
AU

Matthew

Australia
Jul 2025
5/5
Fabulous tour and great food afterwards 🙌🙌🙌👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😎😎😎
Vincent Fu
AU

Vincent

Australia
Jan 2024
5/5
I loved the diverse range of beautiful, vibrant corals. I also learned many interesting facts, including that sunscreen kills coral and that bleached corals aren't necessarily dead corals. Thanks!
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