About
Overview Cairns Aquarium showcases the aquatic wildlife of Tropical North Queensland's two World Heritage areas: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. The facility houses over 16,000 creatures within 71 habitats that represent 10 different ecosystems. The visitor experience follows the journey of a drop of water from the freshwater rivers of the rainforest, through the mangroves, into the shallow reef lagoons, and finally out to the depths of the Coral Sea.
The aquarium is a multi-level, fully air-conditioned attraction located in Cairns city. It offers daily educational talks, animal feeding presentations, and a marine touch tank. In addition to general admission, the aquarium provides extra experiences such as behind-the-scenes tours, a visit to the onsite turtle rehabilitation centre, night tours, and a shark dive for visitors aged 14 and over. An onsite restaurant allows diners to eat with a view of a large marine exhibit.
Highlights
- Features 10 distinct North Queensland ecosystems, from freshwater rivers and rainforests to the Coral Sea.
- Houses a 20-metre underwater tunnel in the Oceanarium and a Deep Reef tank that spans two levels.
- Offers daily presentations, including shark and ray feeding, a marine touch tank, and various habitat talks.
Community Sentiment (The "Vibe")
What parents like: The layout is well-presented and modern, making it easy to view the animals. The variety of local wildlife and the educational talks are considered informative. It is an all-weather, air-conditioned activity suitable for families.
What to watch out for: Some visitors find the admission price high. There is no dedicated car park, so finding nearby street parking can be difficult, especially during peak times. The venue can get busy with crowds, particularly with tour groups.
Logistics & Tips
Best for: All ages. Children under 3 are free, and child tickets are for ages 3-14.
Facilities: Toilets with baby change tables, elevators, gift shop, and an onsite restaurant. The aquarium is fully accessible for prams and wheelchairs.
Note: A typical visit takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours. General admission tickets allow for same-day re-entry. Paid lockers are available for storage.
Accuracy Notice: Our overviews are written by our team and/or supplemented by AI tools to ensure parents have the most up-to-date logistics. If you notice a factual error or are the business owner and wish to provide an update, please report an error or claim your page.
