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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
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 you'll see on the Turtle Hospital tour

Guided tour group observing marine life at Cairns Aquarium.
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Turtle recovery pens

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

Species spotlight

Apart from other creatures, see different sea turtle species like Green, Hawksbill, and Olive Ridley turtles—each with their own recovery story.

Read more about animals & zones

Expert commentary

Learn from marine biologists and rehabilitation staff about threats facing turtles and how you can help protect them.

Medical facilities & equipment

View the rehab centre’s tanks, life support systems, and feeding prep areas used in the recovery process.

Conservation in action

Understand how your ticket directly supports ongoing care, research, and eventual turtle releases into the wild.

Sea turtles at the Cairns Aquarium Turtle Hospital

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

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.