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Cairns Aquarium Animals & Zones

Cairns Aquarium animals & zones: A journey through diverse ecosystems

​Cairns Aquarium recreates the diverse ecosystems of North Queensland through zones teeming with life. Each area reveals native species in carefully crafted habitats—whether it’s crocs lurking in mangroves or reef sharks gliding past the ocean tunnel.

Cairns Aquarium map

cairns aquarium map

Ground floor

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

cairns aquarium map

First floor

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

Cairns Aquarium Events & Daily Presentations

Explore 10 stunning aquatic zones at Cairns Aquarium

Blue stingray at Cairns Aquarium

Freshwater Streams & Rivers

See Barramundi, turtles, and freshwater stingrays in habitats modeled after Cape York’s rivers.

Tree Frog at Cairns Aquarium

Wet tropics rainforest

Spot tree frogs, forest dragons, and creepy crawlies hidden under the rainforest canopy.

Guest at Cairns Aquarium

Mangrove habitats

Watch Archerfish spit jets of water at prey and see baby fish dart through mangrove roots.

Electric eel swimming in River

Floodplains & billabongs

Home to hardy freshwater fish, eels, and reptiles that thrive in seasonal wetlands.

Visitors exploring marine life at Cairns Aquarium, with Skyrail and Kuranda Rail tickets in Cairns, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef

See colourful clownfish, venomous stonefish, and reef sharks.

Guests exploring Cairns Aquarium by Twilight, viewing marine life exhibits.

The Coral sea

A deep-sea zone featuring groupers, trevally, and large ocean predators.

Three men on a guided Coral Biobank tour in Cairns Aquarium

Touch tanks

Interact with sea stars, cucumbers, and anemones in a supervised setting

Guest inside the Cairns Aquarium Tunnel

Oceanarium tunnel

Walk through a 360° underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and reef fish.

Guests at the Turtle hospital at Cairns Aquarium

Turtle Hospital

Learn about turtle rehabilitation and meet recovering sea turtles.

Visitors engaging with a turtle at Cairns Aquarium, Australia.

Marine Life Encounter lab

Get behind-the-scenes access to how animals are fed, cared for, and studied.

For more information on daily events and presentations, click here.

A glimpse of the animals at Cairns Aquarium

Leopard shark swimming

Leopard shark

A sleek predator of the Coral Sea.

Freshwater whipray resting on gravel in an aquarium setting.
Clownfish swimming among coral
Hartley's crocodile feeding and Cairns Aquarium marine life exhibit.
Cairns Aquarium marine life exhibit with coral reef and diverse fish species.

Frequently asked questions about Cairns Aquarium animals & zones

Are all the Cairns Aquarium animals native to Australia?

Yes, and that’s what makes it so special! Cairns Aquarium focuses solely on native species from Queensland’s rivers, reefs, rainforests, and oceans—many of which you won’t find in any other aquarium globally.

Can I see animal feedings during my visit?

Definitely! Daily feeds happen across several zones, like the Oceanarium and freshwater habitats. Watching a crocodile launch for food or an archerfish spit down prey is a highlight. Check the daily schedule when you arrive.

Are any of the animals endangered or part of conservation programs?

Yes—many. From endangered sea turtles in rehab to the elusive pig-nosed turtle, Cairns Aquarium supports species conservation through education, breeding, and research partnerships with local institutions.

Is there audio or signage to help me learn more about the animals?

Absolutely. Each zone has detailed signage, and select areas include QR codes you can scan for bonus info. Guided tours and presentations also dive deep into animal behaviors and fun facts.

Do the animals behave differently on the night tours?

Yes! Some creatures—like eels, reef sharks, and giant groupers—are more active at night. If you're into unique behaviors and hunting patterns, the nighttime experience gives a whole new perspective.

Can I take close-up photos of the Cairns Aquarium animals?

You bet. Many tanks are designed with curved glass for distortion-free viewing. Just avoid flash photography—especially near sensitive creatures like frogs, octopuses, or deep-reef species.

More reads

Tropical fish swimming over coral reef in Cairns Aquarium.

About Cairns Aquarium

Sea turtle swimming in clear blue water at Cairns Aquarium.

Plan Your Visit to Cairns Aquarium

Visitors observing the aquarium tank from above at Cairns Aquarium by Twilight.

Cairns Aquarium by Twilight

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