Book Cairns Aquarium Tickets

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From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Cameron Nightingale
AU

Cameron

Australia
Jan 2026

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+2 more

Small group night tour with friendly informative host. Family loved it. Thoroughly recommended. Book ahead as a 'must do' when in Cairns!
Trenton wallace
AU

Trenton

Australia
Jan 2026

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Such a wonderful experience. Begins with friendly staff who explain the journey and tips about saving information about the animals. Inside the aquarium i was surprised to how many different animals there was. I was not expecting such a large variety. I seen fish and reptiles i have never seen before. Definitely going back in the future.
Shirley wellman
AU

Shirley

Australia
Jan 2026

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The turtle hospital tour was incredible! Such a great experience and so moving to know that the funds for the tour go directly to the turtle rehabilitation centre. The lady who volunteers her time there is so passionate and her work is amazing!
Mehdi Toumari
AU

Mehdi

Australia
Dec 2025

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+2 more

Loved it. Stunning views the whole way and Kuranda is a beautiful little village with a nice, relaxed vibe. The scenic train and Skyrail were both amazing and well organised. Definitely worth doing.
Jacqui White
GB

Jacqui

United Kingdom
Oct 2025
#A variety of fish tanks with clear visibility of fish/ creatures. Having also snorkelled on the reef a couple of times, a great set of representations, on land. Variety of animals, including ones from the rainforest.and river systems/ mangrove swamps...also a great section. Loved the turtle hospital. A great facility with a lovely, friendly, passionate, informed guide. Keep up the good work!

Top things to do in Cairns

Explore North Queensland’s iconic reef and rainforest creatures

Get your Cairns Aquarium tickets and explore 16,000+ animals across 10 ecosystems, including rare species from the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics. With 71 tanks, Australia’s largest freshwater display, and a 20-metre shark tunnel, it’s a must-visit for all ages.

Keep reading to know all your Cairns Aquarium ticket options, compare between tours, find the best deals, and plan your visit!

Why visit Cairns Aquarium

Visitors observing marine life at Cairns Aquarium exhibit.
Coral reef with clownfish and small fish at Cairns Aquarium.
Children observing a sea turtle in an aquarium tank at Cairns Aquarium.
Dining area at Dundees Restaurant inside Cairns Aquarium with large fish tank at night.
Emerald Monitor lizard resting on a branch in a tropical setting.
1/5

Only aquarium dedicated to Tropical North Queensland

See species found nowhere else on Earth—from the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics to Cape York and the Coral Sea.

Explore one of the world’s deepest reef tanks

This 10m tank mimics the Great Barrier Reef’s continental shelf—only three like it exist in the world.

Go behind the scenes with marine experts

Tour coral labs, fish kitchens, and turtle hospitals on a Marine Life Encounter, or meet rescued turtles up close on the rehab tour.

Visit after dark on guided twilight & night tours

Watch glowing corals, nocturnal predators, and reef life as the aquarium winds down for the twilight or night tour.

Read more about the Night Tour

Conservation-led & species-first

Home to rare creatures like ribboned pipefish and emerald tree monitors, the aquarium puts research and rescue first.

Read more about the Turtle Hospital
General Admission vs. Special Tours: Find your perfect fit

Explore at your own pace with general admission, great for a quick, budget-friendly visit. Want something memorable? Join a Night or Twilight tour for guided after-hours access, plus optional dining. Perfect for guests seeking a deeper, immersive experience.

Animal lovers? Step closer than ever

Enjoy exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the Marine Life Encounter and hand-feed gentle Cownose Rays. Or step into the Turtle Hospital to meet rescued turtles up close and see how your visit supports their recovery.

Which Cairns Aquarium ticket is right for you?

Night vs Twilight Tours

Both offer 2-hour guided experiences after hours. The Twilight Tour starts earlier and suits families or early diners. Night Tours start later and offer a quieter, more exclusive feel with more nocturnal activity.

Turtle Hospital vs Marine Life Encounter

The Turtle Hospital Tour add-on includes a 30-min guided tour and supports marine rescue efforts. The Marine Life Encounter is a premium, hands-on experience with feeding sessions, lab access, and backstage tours.

Discounted tickets

Seniors, students, and carers with valid ID can get discounted entry. Family passes (2 adults + 2 children) save up to AU$20. Combos with Kuranda Scenic Railway or Wildlife Habitat are also available.

Cairns Aquarium admission prices & ticket options

Entry tickets

Price: AU$58

Enjoy full-day access to all 70+ aquatic habitats, presentations, and interactive zones.
Best for: First-time visitors, families, flexible explorers.
Recommended:
General admission
Night Tours
Twilight Tour

Animal experiences

Price: AU$78$299

Learn about sea turtle rehabilitation or go behind the scenes with a marine expert.
Best for: Conservation-minded travelers, marine enthusiasts.
Recommended:
Turtle Hospital Tour
Marine Life Encounter

Combo tickets

Price: AU$106–$240.35

Pair your aquarium visit with other top attractions like Kuranda Scenic Rail or Tomb of the Pharaohs.
Best for: Day trippers, first-time Cairns visitors, deal seekers.
Recommended:
Combo: Aquarium + Tomb of the Pharaohs
Combo: Scenic Rail + Skyrail + Aquarium

Explore the zones of Cairns Aquarium

Stonefish camouflaged among coral reefs in Nusa Penida, Indonesia.

River monsters & rainforest streams

Begin your journey in the freshwater habitats of the Wet Tropics. Encounter ancient lungfish, river turtles, and venomous freshwater stonefish lurking beneath rainforest canopies.

Guests on the Cairns Aquarium by Twilight Tour
Cairns Aquarium twilight view with marine life exhibits, Australia.
Crab on display
Guest at Cairns Aquarium

Find out more about the animals, zones, and exhibits at Cairns Aquarium here.

Plan your visit to Cairns Aquarium: Hours, Location & Tips

Family observing sea turtles at Cairns Turtle Hospital, Cairns aquarium.

Opening hours: Open daily from 9:30am – 3:30pm (including public holidays)

Last admission: 2:30pm

Best time to visit Cairns Aquarium

Wet season (Nov–Apr): Hot, humid, and rainy—perfect for a crowd-free indoor visit. The Turtle Rehabilitation Centre is more active with rescued turtles during this time.
Dry season (May–Oct): Cooler and busier, especially from June–Aug. A great way to escape the crowds and enjoy marine life indoors.
Best time of day: Visit between 10 am–12 pm for fewer crowds. Midday to early afternoon is ideal for talks and feedings. Twilight & Night Tours offer rare views of nocturnal creatures.

Check opening hours and more

Address: 5 Florence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia

Locate Cairns Aquarium on the map.

By bus: Cairns Aquarium is easily accessible by Sunbus (Kinetic) routes like 110, 111, 120, and 130. Nearby stops include Florence St and Cairns Central Terminus, just a short walk away. Fares start from AUD $1–3.

By walk: Cairns Aquarium is a 5–15 minute walk from the Esplanade, cruise terminal, and major hotels in the city center.

By car/taxi: Cairns Aquarium is at 5 Florence Street with nearby free and metered parking, accessible spots, and a drop-off zone. Taxis or rideshares from the CBD take 2–5 minutes and cost around AUD 6–8.

For more information on getting to Cairns Aquarium, click here.

More about location
Map of aquarium layout with amphitheaters, aquatic animals, and facilities.

Ground floor:
Explore river monsters, freshwater whiprays, and leopard sharks at the Oceanarium. Find the gift shop, restrooms, and Coral Sea Amphitheatre here.

First floor:
See reef fish, jellyfish, and crocodiles up close. This level hosts the Turtle Hospital, marine touch tanks, and daily presentations.

View all Cairns Aquarium zones
Modern locker room with wooden benches and secure lockers, ideal for storing belongings during tours.
  • Small rental lockers
  • Toilets with change tables 
  • Water fountains
  • Souvenir shop access
  • Air-conditioned indoor
  • Elevators
  • Ramps-accessible bathrooms 
  • Entry to guide/service dogs with proof of certificate
Plan your visit
Cairns Aquarium guided tour showcasing diverse marine life exhibits.
  • Check the daily schedule so you can catch feeding times and animal presentations.
  • Arrive between 10am and 12pm for fewer crowds and better photo opportunities.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the aquarium spans three levels and involves a lot of walking.
  • Bring a light jacket, as the indoor climate-controlled environment can feel cool.
  • Take your time in the shark tunnel—it's one of the aquarium’s main highlights.
  • Stop by the touch tanks for a hands-on experience with sea stars, rays, and more.
  • Consider booking a behind-the-scenes tour like the Marine Life Encounter or Turtle Rehabilitation Tour.
  • Visit the gift shop for marine-themed souvenirs, eco-friendly items, and educational books.
  • Photography is allowed, so bring your camera—but avoid using a flash.
Cairns Aquarium twilight dining experience with guests enjoying a 3-course meal.
  • Dundee’s Café: Dine beside a giant reef tank with sharks, with a selection of seafood, steaks, and plant-based dishes. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday.
  • Café: Offers coffee, pastries, and light bites from late morning to early afternoon.
Read more about Cairns Aquarium dining
Snorkelers exploring coral reefs
  • Cairns Esplanade Lagoon:**  A popular waterfront spot perfect for a swim or stroll, the lagoon is surrounded by parklands, picnic areas, and Coral Sea views—an ideal follow-up to your aquarium visit.
  • Cairns Botanic Gardens:** Explore rare tropical plants and native flora at this peaceful garden with walking trails and educational exhibits on regional ecosystems.
  • Cairns Art Gallery:** This gallery showcases contemporary and Indigenous Australian art, offering cultural insight into Cairns' artistic heritage and regional stories.
  • Flecker Botanic Gardens:** Renowned for its collection of tropical and rainforest plants, the gardens offer scenic walks and insight into local conservation efforts.

Frequently asked questions about Cairns Aquarium tickets

You can choose from General Admission (from AU$58), Turtle Hospital Tour tickets (from AU$78), Marine Life Encounter (from AU$299), Twilight Tours (from AU$85), Night Tours (from AU$85), and combo tickets with other Cairns attractions like Kuranda Scenic Rail (from AU$240.35).

More reads

Cairns Aquarium by Twilight

Dinner at Cairns Aquarium

Cairns Aquarium Marine Life Encounter