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Marine Life Encounter at Cairns Aquarium

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.

Duration

3 hr

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Guided tour

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

    • 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.

    • Entry into Cairns Aquarium

    • Fully guided, personalized 3-hour tour

    • Cownose Ray encounter including hand-feeding experience

    • Behind the Scenes, Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, and River Monsters Scatter Feeding

  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • Join a guided Marine Life Encounter at Cairns Aquarium, with exclusive animal feedings and behind-the-scenes access in a 3-hour tour.

    Getting started

    Check in at the Cairns Aquarium admission counter at 11:30am. Meet your Wildlife Educator Guide in the front foyer for a brief introduction before beginning your escorted front and back of house tour.

    What to expect

    Cairns Aquarium

    Cairns Aquarium is a leading marine and freshwater wildlife centre, known for its focus on conservation and education. The facility showcases diverse aquatic habitats and supports rehabilitation efforts for native species.

    Features

    • Wildlife Educator Guided Tour: Explore both public exhibits and restricted back-of-house areas, learning about animal care, food preparation, and water filtration systems.

    • Turtle Hospital: Visit the onsite turtle hospital to see how sick and injured sea turtles are treated and rehabilitated.

    • River Monsters Scatter Feed: Watch as river-dwelling species are scatter-fed, highlighting unique feeding behaviours and adaptations.

    • Hand-Feeding Cownose Sting Rays: Experience the rare opportunity to hand-feed gentle cownose sting rays under expert supervision.

    • Reptile Breeding Facility: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the aquarium’s reptile breeding operations, supporting species conservation.

  • What to bring

    • Wear shorts or trousers and closed toe shoes for safety and comfort during the experience.

    • Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at check-in.

    What’s not allowed

    • Do not touch the animals or the contents of their enclosures at any time.

    • Loud noises are not permitted; please be mindful of your noise level throughout the tour.

    • Running is not allowed inside the aquarium, as there may be water on the floor.

    • Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

    • Companion Cards are not accepted for this experience.

    Accessibility

    • Wheelchair and pram access is available for the self-guided walk through the aquarium.

    • The behind-the-scenes guided tour is not wheelchair or pram accessible.

    • Lifts, escalators, and accessible toilets are available throughout the attraction.

    • If you are unable to walk onto the turtle hospital viewing deck, turtles can be seen through a viewing window.

    Additional information

    • Children must be supervised at all times and cannot attend without a guardian present.

    • You will be required to kneel down when feeding the rays.

    • Children must be 12+ years to hand feed rays; a souvenir gift is provided for younger children. Closed-toe shoes and appropriate attire are required.

    • Check in at the Cairns Aquarium admission counter at 11:30am; the tour starts at 11:45am and concludes at 2:45pm.

    • Please tread carefully as floors may be wet in some areas.

    • The experience is suitable for ages 3 and above.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

    • Please display your mobile voucher along with a valid photo ID at the ticket redemption point.

    • If you have purchased reduced-price tickets, please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification.

    Ticket Redemption Point

    • You can redeem the tickets directly at the entrance of the attraction: Cairns Aquarium.

    • Address: 5 Florence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia.

    • The Cairns Aquarium is conveniently located in the heart of Cairns, next to Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort and opposite DoubleTree by Hilton.

    Get Directions to the Redemption Point.

    Getting There

    By Train

    • The closest transit station is Cairns, a 4-minute walk away from the aquarium.

    • Kuranda Scenic Railway line will get you here.

    By Bus

    • The closest bus stop is Cairns City Bus Station Platform 2, a 1-minute walk to the aquarium.

    • Buses 110, 110N, 111, 113, and more will get you here.

    Validity

    This ticket is valid for the date selected during checkout.

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