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Marine Life Encounter at Cairns Aquarium: Discover the reef up close

Step into the reef’s world like never before

Step beyond the glass and into the world of marine caretakers with the Cairns Aquarium Marine Life Encounter. It's part animal encounter, part backstage pass, and part conservation deep-dive—perfect for families, reef nerds, and anyone who's ever wanted to see what happens behind the tank.

What makes this fish tank in Cairns so different?

Guest inside the Cairns Aquarium Tunnel

Cairns Aquarium houses the largest freshwater fish tank in Australia, a glowing Great Barrier Reef tank, and the Coral Sea Predator tank where sharks cruise through eerie blue light. On this tour, you’ll not only see them—you’ll meet the people who care for them.

Read more about Cairns Aquarium

Why the Cairns Aquarium Marine Life Encounter is worth it

Guests at the Turtle hospital at Cairns Aquarium
  • Behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium’s life support systems
  • Feeding session with the aquarium’s freshwater fish
  • Interactive animal encounter at the Touch Tank
  • A look at how specialists care for turtles, rays, and sharks
  • Access to all public exhibits after the tour
Read more about presentations at Cairns Aquarium

Frequently asked questions about Cairns Aquarium marine life encounter

Unfortunately, this experience involves navigating stairs and uneven surfaces, making it unsuitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility challenges. Guests must be able to move independently throughout the tour.

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