What are the operating hours?

Cairns Aquarium is open daily from 9:30am to 3:30pm, with last admission at 2:30pm.

Is the aquarium accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, Cairns Aquarium offers lifts, escalators, accessible toilets, and free wheelchair hire to accommodate all visitors.

Are children allowed?

Children aged 3 to 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Infants under 3 enter free of charge.

Can I see the Great Barrier Reef marine life here?

Yes, the aquarium features reef exhibits that include sharks, rays, and various colorful reef fish native to the Great Barrier Reef.

Are food and drinks available on site?

There are cafes nearby, but bringing your own snacks is allowed; however, help maintain cleanliness by disposing of waste properly.

Is photography allowed?

Photography is welcome for personal use. Flash photography is discouraged to protect the animals.

Explore Cairns Aquarium: A Gateway to Tropical North Queensland’s Underwater Wonders

Located in the heart of Cairns City, Queensland, Cairns Aquarium offers an immersive window into the diverse aquatic life flourishing along Tropical North Queensland’s coast and hinterland. This attraction showcases over 16,000 specimens across 11 uniquely curated zones that highlight the ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef, Wet Tropics Rainforest, mangroves, and freshwater habitats. Open daily from 9:30am to 3:30pm with last admission at 2:30pm, it’s a must-visit for families, marine enthusiasts, and curious travelers aiming to deepen their connection with Australia’s remarkable biodiversity.

Cairns Aquarium stands apart as the only facility in Australia boasting a 10-meter Deep Reef Tank, designed to authentically replicate deep ocean conditions. Visitors can experience the thrill of walking through the 20-meter underwater tunnel, where colorful reef fish, sharks, and rays swim overhead. The 360-degree Oceanarium immerses guests in marine life from multiple perspectives, while the mangrove boardwalk and Australia’s largest freshwater exhibit reveal the vital interplay between sea and land ecosystems.

The aquarium’s layout is designed to educate and inspire. Each zone is rich with native species like the emerald tree monitor, saltwater crocodiles, and vibrant coral reef fish, accompanied by informative daily talks and live diver feeds that add depth and excitement to the visit. Reptile touch ‘n’ talk shows, interactive demonstrations, and live animal presentations bring visitors face-to-face with creatures integral to the region’s heritage.

Accessibility is a priority, with lifts, escalators, accessible toilets, smooth even surfaces, and free wheelchair hire ensuring all guests can enjoy the experience. Companion Card holders enter free, making it inclusive for visitors with disabilities.

Cairns Aquarium enriches the visitor experience by connecting people to the fragile ecosystems that define Tropical North Queensland. It not only entertains but encourages sustainability and marine conservation awareness, critical in protecting the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding environments.

Whether you’re staying in Cairns for reef diving, rainforest trekking, or cultural tours, a day at Cairns Aquarium complements outdoor adventures with an educational dive beneath the waves. This site uniquely blends the wonders of terrestrial and marine worlds, making it a standout destination for exploring the vibrant biodiversity of northern Australia.

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.