Cairns Aquarium

Cairns Aquarium is Australia’s newest and most spectacular aquarium. It is the only aquarium in the world to exclusively showcase the stunning aquatic wildlife from tropical North Queensland’s two World Heritage-listed areas – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Experience the spectacular diversity of the region without the need to get wet or even leave the city. Travel through ten amazing North Queensland ecosystems from the world’s most ancient rainforest to the world’s largest coral reef to discover 71 different exhibits showcasing the extremely rare and incredibly unique species of this region. See a panorama of wildlife and marine fish that create an underwater world filled with a kaleidoscope of colour. Enjoy daily talks and presentations by knowledgeable and entertaining educators, marvel at the animal feeding sessions and get a hands-on experience at the marine and reptile touch tanks. Complete your day at Cairns Aquarium with breakfast, lunch or dinner at Aqualuna restaurant.

As the sun goes down on the Great Barrier Reef, a whole new world awakens. Corals glow, colorful reef fish seek shelter and nocturnal predators begin their night hunt. At the same time, coastal forests stir with life, as reptiles amphibians, and insects emerge from their burrows to seek out food in the safety of the shadows. Night at the Aquarium gives you a glimpse into the unique world of the region’s nocturnal creatures and their behaviors as they move about in the darkness. Complete your evening at Dundee’s Restaurant with a perfectly matched dining experience while you enjoy a stunning sea life backdrop.

Cairns best after dark experience! As the sun goes down on the Great Barrier Reef, a whole new world awakens. Corals glow, colourful reef fish seek shelter and nocturnal predators begin their night hunt. At the same time, coastal forests stir with life, as reptiles amphibians and insects emerge from their burrows to seek out food in the safety of the shadows. Night at the Aquarium gives you a glimpse into the unique world of the region’s nocturnal creatures and their behaviours as they move about in the darkness. Complete your evening at Dundee’s Restaurant with a perfectly matched dining experience while you enjoy a stunning sea life backdrop.

Get an entry ticket to the Cairns Aquarium and discover over 16,000 aquatic animals endemic to Tropical North Queensland. Then, meet the rescued sea turtles on a guided tour of the aquarium's turtle hospital. Take your time as you explore the different attractions within the aquarium. Visit Australia's only 10-meter-deep reef tank, marvel at the 360-degree Oceanarium, or take a stroll along the mangrove boardwalk. Get up close with freshwater fish, watch as live divers feed the marine life, or visit one of the marine touch tank shows. Then, at your chosen time, head to the aquarium's Turtle Rehabilitation Center for your guided tour. Learn about the dangers sea turtles face, the hazard caused by plastics in the ocean, and the threat posed by habitat loss. You'll also get to meet the actual sea turtles undergoing rehabilitation and care before being released back into the wild.

Join a local guide and explore the history, culture, and heritage of Cairns on a half-day sightseeing tour. Visit the Cairns Museum, Cairns Flecker Botanic Gardens, the Lower Barron Gorge National Park, and more. Following pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, start the day at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Marlin Marina. Admire the breathtaking cathedral of St. Monica's, which features the world's largest themed stained glass windows. Discover the city's vibrant history and rich cultural heritage with a visit to the Cairns Museum. Enjoy the exclusive 20-minute guided tour of the museum with a local expert who will share stories about living in the tropics, cane, railways, reefs, and rainforest. Travel to the leafy suburb of Edge Hill for a guided walk through the Cairns Flecker Botanic Gardens, renowned for having one of the best exhibitions of tropical plants in Australia. Explore the butterfly-lined pathways under the green canopy as your guide explains the various plants you see along the way. Enjoy a delicious Devonshire Tea of homemade scones served with jam and cream and a choice of tea or coffee at a local cafe before continuing to one of Cairns' scenic lookouts with panoramic views of the city and the Coral Sea. Visit the Lower Barron Gorge National Park and Surprise Creek Falls. Continue further to visit stunning Palm Cove, lined with old paperbark trees. Stroll to the end of the jetty to enjoy the stunning beach setting and natural surroundings before being returned to your hotel.

Witness the setting of the sun on Tropical North Queensland’s mountain ranges and experience how steamy rainforests and shallow reef lagoons begin to stir with life. Reptiles, Amphibians, Insects, and nocturnal fish sense the onset of dusk and emerge from their day time lairs.  Get an insight into the unique changes of the region’s nocturnal creatures as they move in the shadows.  Complete your evening at Dundee’s Restaurant with a perfectly matched dining experience while you enjoy a stunning sea life backdrop.

Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour through the Cairns aquarium with after-hours access. Witness stunning marine and aquatic life and discover how they change their behaviour after dark. Start your tour by meeting your friendly guide who is a professional ecologist. Venture through the aquarium as you marvel at reptiles, amphibians, insects, and nocturnal fish that come to life as the sun sets. Discover brightly coloured reef fish as they seek shelter in coral caves whilst predatory nocturnal sharks, rays, and grouper awaken. Learn about the habitats and the behavioural patterns of these animals as you marvel at their beauty. Finish your fascinating aquatic experience by purchasing a delicious dinner at the Dundee restaurant amidst a backdrop of sea life.

Make your way to the Cairns Aquarium, opens from 9.30am. Start your day with a self-guided tour through the aquarium and explore the ecosystems and habitats of Tropical North Queensland, then meet the rescued sea turtles on a guided tour of the aquarium's turtle hospital at 11.30am. You will be collected from the Aquarium for your afternoon guided sightseeing tour of Cairns and beyond from the entrance of the Cairns Aquarium at 12.45pm You will discover Cairns in air-conditioned comfort with your local guide as you explore the city’s rich history. Get glimpses of its cultural heritage and iconic landmarks. Marvel at the world’s largest themed stained glass windows at Saint Monica’s Cathedral. Enjoy a 20-minute guided tour of the Cairns Museum with free re-entry included. Afterward, indulge in a delicious afternoon Devonshire tea before visiting the Cairns Botanical Gardens. Take delight in the stunning city and mountain views before visiting Lower Barron Gorge National Park and Surprise Creek Falls. Also visit stunning Palm Cove, one of Cairns' Northern Beaches. You will be taken to your Cairns accommodation at the end of your tour approx 6.00pm

Enjoy entry into the Cairns Aquarium. Explore the aquarium's tropical North Queensland habitats, including the freshwater rivers, mangroves, Great Barrier Reef, and Coral Sea. As you wander, learn about and see the unique and endemic species found in each of these ecosystems. You will then be greeted by one of Cairns Aquarium’s passionate wildlife educators to enjoy private behind the scenes tour. You will discover how the aquarium cares for its marine life. See the quarantine section and the food preparation room. Afterwards, enjoy an exclusive hand-feeding session of the cownose stingrays. Later, at the River Monsters exhibit, scatter feed the giant freshwater rays and barramundi. Finally, visit the Turtle Hospital to see rescued sea turtles and learn about their rehabilitation.