Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included, but the tour can arrange a reservation at Dundee’s Restaurant at the aquarium.

Are hotel transfers included?

Yes, return transfers are included for Cairns CBD and Palm Cove hotels.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Wheelie walkers and mobile scooters are not permitted due to transport vehicle restrictions.

How long does the turtle hospital tour last?

The guided turtle hospital visit is approximately 30 minutes.

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour runs from 9:30 am to around 6:00 pm, Monday through Saturday.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Day Tour: Cairns Aquarium & City Sights with Cairns Discovery

Cairns, Queensland, serves as a vibrant gateway to Australia’s tropical north, where lush rainforests meet the Coral Sea. Cairns Discovery Tours offers an immersive full-day experience that captures the city's unique blend of natural wonders, wildlife conservation, and rich history. Starting at 5 Florence St in the heart of Cairns City, the journey begins with a self-guided visit to the Cairns Aquarium. This state-of-the-art facility showcases the diverse ecosystems of Tropical North Queensland, featuring vibrant coral reefs, freshwater rivers, and unique marine species native to the region. The aquarium highlights the important connections between land and sea in this fragile environment.

Next, guests join an exclusive 30-minute tour of the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. This volunteer-run sanctuary cares for injured sea turtles, providing critical medical attention and nurturing their recovery. Every dollar from the tour supports ongoing conservation efforts, bringing visitors face-to-flipper with these remarkable reptiles.

After a lunch break (optional at Dundee’s Restaurant overlooking the aquarium’s display tanks), the adventure shifts to a guided afternoon tour of Cairns’ cultural and natural highlights. St. Monica’s Cathedral impresses with its extensive stained-glass windows that narrate Australia’s creation story, serving as a living memorial to the Battle of the Coral Sea. Nearby, the Cairns Museum delves into the city’s origins and pioneer days through engaging displays and local stories.

Guests then savor afternoon tea at Osmosis Café in Edge Hill before stepping into the Cairns Botanic Gardens. Regarded as one of the best tropical plant exhibitions in Australia, the gardens emphasize Aboriginal plant use and conservation. This is followed by a breathtaking lookout over Cairns and the Coral Sea, plus a visit to Lower Barron Gorge National Park’s Surprise Creek Falls—an impressive freshwater cascade framed by rainforest.

The day concludes with a relaxing stroll along the palm-lined sands and jetty of Palm Cove, an idyllic beachside village that feels worlds away from the city buzz. Cairns Discovery Tours combines wildlife stewardship, cultural heritage, and scenic beauty into a seamless experience. This comprehensive itinerary offers an accessible, memorable way to engage deeply with the Cairns region in just one day.