Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, the tour is family-friendly, but children should be supervised closely as it includes low light environments and careful wildlife observation.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Photography is allowed, but flash and bright lights should be avoided to prevent disturbing the animals.

Are tickets required to be purchased in advance?

Yes, advance booking is recommended as spots are limited to maintain a focused group size.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Cairns Aquarium is wheelchair accessible, but we recommend contacting the aquarium for specific accommodations and assistance details.

What time does the tour start?

Tours typically start around dusk; exact times vary seasonally and should be confirmed at booking.

Are food and drinks allowed during the tour?

Eating and drinking are not permitted during the guided experience to maintain cleanliness and respect wildlife.

Twilight Reef & Rainforest Tour at Cairns Aquarium

Located in the heart of Cairns City, Queensland, Cairns Aquarium offers an immersive encounter with Tropical North Queensland’s vibrant ecosystems through its Aquarium By Twilight Tour. As daylight slips away, this two-hour guided experience reveals the dynamic shift in the aquarium’s rainforest and reef habitats, capturing the transition from diurnal bustle to nocturnal activity. Visitors witness a rarely seen side of the region’s biodiversity as illuminated reef fish find refuge in coral caves, and elusive predators such as nocturnal sharks, rays, and groupers emerge beneath the water’s surface.

This tour stands out because it goes beyond daytime exhibits to showcase the natural rhythms of these ecosystems, reflecting the true pulse of Tropical North Queensland’s environment after dark. The Cairns Aquarium itself serves as a unique gateway to this coastal wilderness, blending scientific care with authentic habitat replication. With the backdrop of the nearby Great Barrier Reef and dense rainforest, this experience underscores the ecological richness of the area while emphasizing conservation.

Guests are led through carefully maintained lagoon and forest sections where reptiles, amphibians, and insects begin their nightly routines, providing a rare window into the behavior of nocturnal life that supports the reef’s health and complexity. The guided format ensures an educational journey, rich with interpretations about species’ adaptations and the interconnectedness of habitats.

Located at 5 Florence St, Cairns City, the aquarium’s after-hours access offers a distinct perspective for visitors eager to witness these ecosystems at an unusual and captivating time. Whether you're a local looking for new insight into your backyard or a traveler drawn to Australia’s natural wonders, the Aquarium By Twilight Tour delivers a revealing and intimate adventure into the subtropical night-life of North Queensland’s reefs and rainforests.

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.