Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, children of all ages can join, but it's advisable to check with the operator regarding age recommendations for dinner.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated at Dundee's Restaurant?

Yes, please inform the booking team in advance to arrange menu options for allergies or dietary preferences.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Photography is allowed but please avoid flash to protect the animals and respect other guests.

Is parking available at the Cairns Aquarium?

Yes, there are public parking facilities nearby for convenient access.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The aquarium is wheelchair accessible, but it's recommended to confirm specific accessibility needs when booking.

What time does the tour start?

The tour typically begins around 3 PM with dinner shortly afterward; exact times will be provided upon booking.

Aquarium by Twilight: Exclusive Night Tour and Dinner Experience in Cairns

Set against the lush backdrop of Tropical North Queensland, the Cairns Aquarium offers a rare glimpse into the vibrant underwater and rainforest ecosystems after dark. The "Aquarium by Twilight Tour & 3 Course Dinner" invites you to explore this living world as it transforms at dusk, presenting an extraordinary contrast to the daytime scenes that attract most visitors. This unique experience is centered in Cairns City, Queensland, Australia, a gateway known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding biodiversity hotspots.

As the sun dips below the mountain ranges, the rainforest's daily warmth cools and the nocturnal rhythms awaken the aquarium’s inhabitants. On this exclusive after-hours tour, you spend two hours with a passionate wildlife educator who guides you through ten tropical ecosystems—from winding rivers to reef lagoons—illuminating how animals adapt their behaviors from day to night. Brightly colored reef fish take refuge in coral caves, while some of the Coral Sea’s most formidable nighttime hunters—sharks, rays, and grouper—emerge from shadows to prowl.

What sets this experience apart is the intimate nature of the tour: it’s a crisp, engaging deep dive into the hidden nightlife of Queensland’s aquatic fauna, typically unseen by day visitors. The expert guides provide fascinating insights about the predator-prey dance beneath the water’s surface and how species interact as twilight blankets the ocean and rainforest.

The adventure concludes with a three-course dinner at Dundee's Restaurant, steps from the aquarium. Here you dine surrounded by panoramic tanks alive with shimmering marine life, a setting that blends fine dining with the tranquil pulse of the ocean. The menu complements the immersive atmosphere perfectly, creating a memorable sensory experience.

Cairns Aquarium itself plays a pivotal role in wildlife conservation and education, spotlighting native species across tropical Australia and encouraging sustainable interaction with these environments. The Twilight Tour highlights this mission by showcasing how ecological cycles govern the behaviors of reef and rainforest species.

Visitors to Cairns can enhance their itinerary with this evening journey that balances learning, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you're a marine enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a compelling way to spend a tropical evening, this tour offers a rare, illuminating experience that deepens your understanding of Queensland’s vibrant ecosystems.

About Cairns Aquarium

Cairns Aquarium is a public aquarium located in Cairns City, Queensland, showcasing the aquatic ecosystems of Tropical North Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef.
The facility houses over 16,000 aquatic animals across 11 immersive habitat zones, including a 10-metre Deep Reef Tank and a 20-metre underwater tunnel. Daily talks, live feeds, interactive displays, and specialty experiences provide educational encounters for families, students, and researchers.
The aquarium operates a dedicated Turtle Rehabilitation Centre offering guided 30-minute tours that explain rescue, treatment, and release programs. Conservation and research initiatives focus on turtle care, reef health, species rescue, and community education.
Wildlife Educators lead behind-the-scenes programs such as the three-hour Marine Life Encounter, which includes a visit to the Turtle Hospital and supervised hand-feeding of cownose rays.
Cairns Aquarium also partners with local attractions to create combined self-drive packages, including Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the historic Kuranda Railway, and Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures for crocodile and snake presentations.
Evening programs like Aquarium by Twilight and Night at the Aquarium reveal nocturnal reef behavior and can be paired with two- or three-course dinners at Dundee’s restaurant on site.
The facility is designed for accessibility and family-friendly visitation, offering exhibits suitable for all ages and multiple guided experiences. As a regional attraction in Tropical North Queensland, Cairns Aquarium promotes marine conservation, visitor education, and responsible wildlife care through transparent veterinary practices and community outreach.
Visitors can book general admission, twilight tours, marine encounters, and combined day packages for self-drive exploration of the region and family-friendly options.