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Cairns Aquarium Turtle Hospital: A Sea Turtle Rescue Experience

Meet the Sea Turtles at Cairns Aquarium's Turtle Hospital

Located within the Cairns Aquarium, the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run facility dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sick and injured sea turtles. Visitors can take a 30-minute guided tour to learn about the threats facing these marine creatures and the efforts being made to protect them.

Cairns Aquarium Turtle Hospital tickets & prices

Cairns Aquarium marine life exhibit with coral reef and diverse fish species.
  • Pricing:
    • Adult (15 yrs and above): AU$78
    • Family (2 adults + 2 children): AU$231
    • Student (Must show ID): AU$66
    • Child (3 to 14 yrs): AU$47
  • Booking: Reservations are recommended due to limited availability.
  • Age Suitability: All ages welcome; children under 2 can attend free.
Plan your visit to Cairns Aquarium

What You'll See on the Turtle Hospital Tour

Cairns Aquarium guided tour showcasing diverse marine life exhibits.

Turtle recovery pens

Meet rescued turtles recovering from entanglement, plastic ingestion, or boat strike injuries.

Green Turtle
Visitors engaging with a turtle at Cairns Aquarium, Australia.
Children looking at a turtle in Cairns Aquarium
Guests on the Cairns Aquarium by Twilight Tour

What kind of turtles are rescued here?

The Turtle Hospital primarily cares for:

  • Green Turtles: Often affected by plastic ingestion and boat strikes.
  • Hawksbill Turtles: Critically endangered due to illegal trade and habitat loss.
  • Olive Ridley Turtles: Known for their mass nesting behavior, they face threats from fishing nets.

Behind the scenes of sea turtle rehabilitation

The Cairns Aquarium Turtle Hospital collaborates with local veterinary clinics, research institutions, and government agencies to provide the best possible care for the turtles. Educational programs are also offered to raise awareness about marine conservation.

A peek inside the turtle hospital

A group of people are standing around the turtle rehabilitation pool in Cairns aquarium/hospital

Green turtle recovering from plastic ingestion:

It’s one of the most common causes of ‘floating syndrome.’

Rescue center exhibit
Conservationist embedding microchip in turtle for tracking in marine reserve.

Frequently asked questions about the Cairns Aquarium Turtle Hospital

How often are new turtles admitted to the Cairns Aquarium Turtle Hospital?

Admissions vary depending on the season and local environmental conditions. During nesting season or cyclone season, the Cairns Aquarium Turtle Hospital may receive more injured or stranded turtles. On average, several turtles are admitted each month for treatment.

Can I watch turtle feeding or medical treatments during the tour?

While the tour focuses on education, you might catch live feeding or see treatments if they’re scheduled during your visit. These moments are never guaranteed but offer an incredible behind-the-scenes glimpse into turtle care if you're lucky!

Do the turtles ever stay at the hospital permanently?

Most turtles are rehabilitated and released back into the wild. However, in rare cases where a turtle’s injuries are too severe for survival in the ocean, they may be given permanent sanctuary—either within the aquarium or through special marine programs.

Can I adopt a turtle from the Cairns Aquarium Turtle Hospital?

Yes! Guests can support the hospital’s efforts by symbolically adopting a sea turtle. Adoption packs typically include updates on your turtle, photos, and a certificate, helping fund food, medication, and rehabilitation equipment.

What measures are in place to ensure a quiet environment for the turtles during tours?

Visitors are requested to maintain a quiet environment during the tour, as loud noises can stress the recovering turtles. This ensures a peaceful setting conducive to the turtles' rehabilitation.

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