Cairns Aquarium Events: What’s On During Your Visit

A closer look at Cairns Aquarium’s events

Learn how sawfish hunt, why reef fish glow, and what makes sharks tick—all from marine experts who bring each habitat to life. With daily Cairns Aquarium events unfolding across immersive zones, you’ll discover the region’s wildest creatures in action, not just on display.

River Monsters

  • Times: 10am to 12pm
  • Location: River Monsters Amphitheatre (Ground floor)
  • Overview: Explore the formidable freshwater species of Northern Australia, including barramundi, archerfish, and freshwater sawfish.

Denizens of the Deep

  • Times: 10:30am, 12:30pm & 2pm
  • Location: Deep Reef Amphitheatre (Level 1)
  • Overview: See the mysterious creatures inhabiting the deep reef, such as groupers, moray eels, and other elusive marine life.

Life of Sharks & Rays

  • Times: 11am & 1pm
  • Location: Oceanarium (Ground Floor)
  • Overview: Learn about sharks' and rays' behaviors and adaptations and their crucial roles in marine ecosystems.

Curious & Coloured

  • Times: 11:30am, 1:30pm & 2:30pm
  • Location: Coral Sea Amphitheatre (Ground Floor)
  • Overview: Dive into the vibrant world of reef fish, understanding their unique adaptations and the significance of their vivid colors.

Marine Touch Tank

  • Availability: 10am – 3pm
  • Location: Marine Touch Pools (Level 1)
  • Overview: Engage in a hands-on experience with sea stars, sea cucumbers, and other intertidal species under the guidance of knowledgeable staff.

Daily presentations at Cairns Aquarium

Barramundi swimming underwater in a natural habitat.
Giant moray eel among coral reef in clear blue water.
Guests holding hands while viewing a shark at Cairns Aquarium by Twilight.
School of fish swimming over coral reef at Cairns Aquarium.
Family exploring coral exhibit at Cairns Aquarium's Living Coral Biobank Tour.
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River Monsters

Times: 10am to 12pm

Location: River Monsters Amphitheatre (Ground Floor)

Denizens of the Deep

Times: 10:30am, 12:30pm & 2pm

Location: Deep Reef Amphitheatre (Level 1)

Life of Sharks & Rays

Times: 11am & 1pm

Location: Oceanarium (Ground Floor)

Curious & Coloured

Times: 11:30am, 1:30pm & 2:30pm

Location: Coral Sea Amphitheatre (Ground floor)

Marine Touch Tank

Availability: 10am – 3pm

Location: Marine Touch Pools (Level 1)

Note:

What Cairns Aquarium events look like

Sawfish swimming on sandy ocean floor.

River monsters in action

Watch freshwater predators like barramundi and sawfish snap into action during feeding time.

Colorful coral reef with diverse marine life
Cairns Aquarium twilight view with marine life exhibits, Australia.
Cairns Aquarium marine life exhibit with colorful coral and fish, part of Cairns tour package.
Visitors interacting with touch tank at Barcelona aquarium.

Frequently asked questions about Cairns Aquarium events & presentations

Yes! While daily talks run year-round, special events—like school holiday programs, turtle release days, and themed conservation weeks—are added during peak seasons. Check the website or ask at the entry for what’s on during your visit.

More reads

Cairns Aquarium Animals & Zones

Cairns Aquarium Marine Life Encounter

Cairns Aquarium Night Tour