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Book Cairns Aquarium Tickets
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Explore Queensland’s underwater worlds—from freshwater rivers to the Coral Sea.
- Everything you get: Full-day admission to Cairns Aquarium with access to 70+ habitats, 10 regional ecosystems, and all presentations and feedings. From the forest to the reef, experience one of Australia’s most impressive aquatic displays under one roof.
- Why choose this: A relaxed, all-ages introduction to the diverse marine life of Tropical North Queensland. Great for families, first-time visitors, and anyone curious about the reef environment without leaving the city.
Explore Queensland’s underwater worlds—from freshwater rivers to the Coral Sea.
- Everything you get: Full-day admission to Cairns Aquarium with access to 70+ habitats, 10 regional ecosystems, and all presentations and feedings. From the forest to the reef, experience one of Australia’s most impressive aquatic displays under one roof.
- Why choose this: A relaxed, all-ages introduction to the diverse marine life of Tropical North Queensland. Great for families, first-time visitors, and anyone curious about the reef environment without leaving the city.
Inclusions
- Entry to Cairns Aquarium
- All-day access to exhibits
- Access to all shows, presentations, and facilities
- Tip: After your aquarium visit, walk over to Cairns Botanic Gardens to see rare tropical plants like the Torch Ginger.
- Pets, outside food and drink, taking photos for commercial use without permission, flash photography, and smoking in non-designated areas are not allowed.
- The venue is fully wheelchair and stroller-accessible.
- There’s no onsite parking, but 3-hour free street parking is available nearby.
- Children under 3 years of age are admitted free.
- Children aged 14 years and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or over.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Explore Cairns Aquarium after closing time with this quiet, crowd-free night tour.
- Everything you get: See the rare transformation of marine and rainforest habitats after dark. No crowds, no rush—just nature at night.
- Why choose this: This aquarium night tour is ideal for guests looking to avoid daytime crowds and witness the nocturnal side of the reef.
- Upgrades: Include a 2-course dinner, including dishes like fried calamari and lamb chops, at the aquatic-themed Squires Loft Restaurant.
Explore Cairns Aquarium after closing time with this quiet, crowd-free night tour.
- Everything you get: See the rare transformation of marine and rainforest habitats after dark. No crowds, no rush—just nature at night.
- Why choose this: This aquarium night tour is ideal for guests looking to avoid daytime crowds and witness the nocturnal side of the reef.
- Upgrades: Include a 2-course dinner, including dishes like fried calamari and lamb chops, at the aquatic-themed Squires Loft Restaurant.
Inclusions
- 2-hour guided night tour
- After-hours entry to Cairns Aquarium
- English-speaking wildlife educator
- 2-course dinner at Squires Loft Restaurant (as per option selected)
- Tip: Bring a low-light camera to capture glowing corals and elusive creatures—flash photography is not permitted.
- Pets, outside food and drink, taking photos for commercial use without permission, flash photography, and smoking in non-designated areas are not allowed.
- The venue is fully wheelchair and stroller-accessible.
- There’s no onsite parking, but 3-hour free street parking is available nearby.
- Children under 3 years of age are admitted free.
- Children aged 14 years and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or over.
- The on-site restaurant will be closed for renovations. A new restaurant, Squires Loft, will open on September 20th, 2025.
- This experience is only available at 5:45pm.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
A meaningful marine experience—see rare species and support turtle rehabilitation.
- Everything you get: Get full-day access to Cairns Aquarium’s award-winning exhibits, then take a guided tour of the Turtle Hospital, where every visit helps fund vital care.
- Why choose this: This ticket has both aquarium access with a behind-the-scenes look at turtle conservation, ideal for those who want to support marine life.
A meaningful marine experience—see rare species and support turtle rehabilitation.
- Everything you get: Get full-day access to Cairns Aquarium’s award-winning exhibits, then take a guided tour of the Turtle Hospital, where every visit helps fund vital care.
- Why choose this: This ticket has both aquarium access with a behind-the-scenes look at turtle conservation, ideal for those who want to support marine life.
Inclusions
- All-day admission to Cairns Aquarium
- 30-min guided Turtle Hospital Tour
Exclusions
- Food and drinks
- Tip: Dine with colorful fish at the aquarium’s Dundee’s Café & Restaurant (at your own expense). It features Australia’s largest saltwater tank in a restaurant.
- Pets, outside food and drink, taking photos for commercial use without permission, flash photography, and smoking in non-designated areas are not allowed.
- The venue is fully wheelchair and stroller-accessible.
- There’s no onsite parking, but 3-hour free street parking is available nearby.
- Children under 3 years of age are admitted free.
- Children aged 14 years and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or over.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combos
4.5(2,243)
Combo (Save 5%): From Cairns: Scenic Train & Skyrail Kuranda Tour with Transfers + Cairns Aquarium Tickets
from AU$266
AU$252.70
5% off
See Cairns from rainforest heights to reef wonders—Kuranda’s best and the Aquarium in one day.
- Everything you get at Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail: One-way ticket on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, one-way Kuranda Scenic Railway ticket, round-trip hotel transfers from Cairns, and free time to explore Kuranda Village.
- Everything you get at Cairns Aquarium: Full-day admission with access to 70+ habitats and 10 regional ecosystems, plus all shows and feedings.
- Why choose this combo: Experience the best of Cairns above and below—lush rainforest adventures and vibrant reef life—without the hassle of separate bookings.
See Cairns from rainforest heights to reef wonders—Kuranda’s best and the Aquarium in one day.
- Everything you get at Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail: One-way ticket on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, one-way Kuranda Scenic Railway ticket, round-trip hotel transfers from Cairns, and free time to explore Kuranda Village.
- Everything you get at Cairns Aquarium: Full-day admission with access to 70+ habitats and 10 regional ecosystems, plus all shows and feedings.
- Why choose this combo: Experience the best of Cairns above and below—lush rainforest adventures and vibrant reef life—without the hassle of separate bookings.
Inclusions
Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
- One-way Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ticket
- One-way Kuranda Scenic Railway ticket
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Cairns
- Free time in Kuranda Village
Cairns Aquarium
- Entry to Cairns Aquarium
- All-day access to exhibits
- Access to all shows, presentations, and facilities
Scenic Train & Skyrail Kuranda Tour
- Outside drinks and smoking are not allowed.
- The experience is wheelchair accessible.
- The Skyrail departs from Smithfield (Cairns) Terminal, whereas the Scenic Rail departs from Freshwater Railway Station.
- Children below 14 must be accompanied by an adult on the Skyrail and Scenic Rail.
Cairns Aquarium Tickets
- Pets, outside food and drink, taking photos for commercial use without permission, flash photography, and smoking in non-designated areas are not allowed.
- The venue is fully wheelchair and stroller-accessible.
- The Marine Life Encounter requires feeding from a platform with stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
- No onsite parking; 3-hour free street parking available nearby.
- Children under 3 years of age are admitted free.
- Children aged 14 years and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or over.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Journey from ancient Egypt to Australia’s underwater world with one easy combo ticket
- Everything you get: Get entry to Cairns Aquarium and Tomb of the Pharaohs. Start with 16,000+ marine animals from the Reef, Rainforest, Mangroves, and Coral Sea. Then explore 11 recreated burial chambers spanning 3,000 years of Egyptian history, treasures, and hieroglyphs.
- Why choose this: Experience two top Cairns attractions—ancient wonders and marine marvels—with one hassle-free ticket and flexible entry times.
Journey from ancient Egypt to Australia’s underwater world with one easy combo ticket
- Everything you get: Get entry to Cairns Aquarium and Tomb of the Pharaohs. Start with 16,000+ marine animals from the Reef, Rainforest, Mangroves, and Coral Sea. Then explore 11 recreated burial chambers spanning 3,000 years of Egyptian history, treasures, and hieroglyphs.
- Why choose this: Experience two top Cairns attractions—ancient wonders and marine marvels—with one hassle-free ticket and flexible entry times.
Inclusions
- Entry to Tomb of the Pharaohs
- Entry to Cairns Aquarium
- Access to all shows and presentations at Cairns Aquarium
- Pets are not permitted inside either venue, except for registered guide dogs with legal documentation and identification jacket.
- Alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, recreational drugs, and weapons are not allowed inside the venues.
- Roller blades, roller skates, skateboards, child scooters, laser pens/pointers, balloons, bubbles, stereos, and other electrical equipment are not allowed.
- Selfie sticks and the use of electronic devices to cross into exhibits are prohibited.
- Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas.
- Flash photography is not allowed inside the venues.
- Both venues are wheelchair accessible, with lifts, escalators, even ground surfaces, and accessible toilets available.
- Children aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or above.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
See the aquarium shift into night mode on a relaxed, guided twilight tour.
- Everything you get: Exclusive after-hours entry to Cairns Aquarium, plus a two-hour guided twilight tour. Watch how aquatic life transitions from day to night and spot the Coral Sea’s largest nocturnal predators.
- Why choose this: See the aquarium’s transition from day to night, with expert guides and rare nocturnal animal encounters.
- Upgrades: You can upgrade to a 3-course dinner with dishes like fried calamari and sticky date pudding at the aquatic-themed Squires Loft restaurant.
See the aquarium shift into night mode on a relaxed, guided twilight tour.
- Everything you get: Exclusive after-hours entry to Cairns Aquarium, plus a two-hour guided twilight tour. Watch how aquatic life transitions from day to night and spot the Coral Sea’s largest nocturnal predators.
- Why choose this: See the aquarium’s transition from day to night, with expert guides and rare nocturnal animal encounters.
- Upgrades: You can upgrade to a 3-course dinner with dishes like fried calamari and sticky date pudding at the aquatic-themed Squires Loft restaurant.
Inclusions
- Exclusive after-hours entry to Cairns Aquarium
- 2-hour guided twilight tour through 10 tropical ecosystems
- 3-course dinner at Squires Loft Restaurant (as per option selected)
- Pets and outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the aquarium.
- The aquarium is wheelchair accessible, with lifts, escalators, and accessible toilets available throughout the attraction.
- Meals for infants are not included unless a child fare is booked.
- The on-site restaurant will be closed for renovations. A new restaurant, Squires Loft, will open on September 20th, 2025.
- This experience starts at 3pm.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Go behind the scenes at Cairns Aquarium with exclusive animal encounters and expert guidance.
- Everything you get: A guided tour led by a wildlife educator with access to both public and behind-the-scenes areas. Visit the turtle rehabilitation centre, see a River Monsters scatter feed, hand-feed Cownose stingrays, and explore the reptile breeding facility.
- Why choose this: This is the only Cairns Aquarium experience that lets you hand-feed sting rays, tour the turtle hospital, and access areas not open to the public.
Go behind the scenes at Cairns Aquarium with exclusive animal encounters and expert guidance.
- Everything you get: A guided tour led by a wildlife educator with access to both public and behind-the-scenes areas. Visit the turtle rehabilitation centre, see a River Monsters scatter feed, hand-feed Cownose stingrays, and explore the reptile breeding facility.
- Why choose this: This is the only Cairns Aquarium experience that lets you hand-feed sting rays, tour the turtle hospital, and access areas not open to the public.
Inclusions
- Entry into Cairns Aquarium
- Fully guided, personalized 3-hour tour
- Cownose Ray encounter including hand-feeding experience
- Behind the Scenes, Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, and River Monsters Scatter Feeding
- Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at check-in.
- Pets, touching the animals and their enclosures, loud noises, and running are not permitted inside the aquarium.
- Wheelchair and pram access is available for the self-guided walk through the aquarium.
- The behind-the-scenes guided tour is not wheelchair or pram accessible.
- Children must be 12 years or older to participate in hand feeding the rays; a souvenir gift will be provided for children under 12.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
CairnsCairns Aquarium
Cairns Aquarium Tickets & Tours
Please keep in mind that few activities and tours have been temporarily suspended as a part of the covid safety guidelines. Primarily there are 3 types of Cairns Aquarium tickets: Admission Ticket, Cairns Aquarium by Twilight with a 3-Course Dinner Pass and Dive with the Sharks Ticket. Learn more about each of them below.
Cairns Aquarium Admission Ticket
Get to learn all about the different species of The Great Barrier Reef, The Wet Tropics, The Gulf of Savannah and lots more with the Cairns Aquarium admission ticket. You not only gain an all-day access to get up close and personal with over 16,000 marine animals but you also get a chance to discover the ecosystem through various interactive animal presentations and feeding sessions. This experience gives you the option to upgrade your tickets to add a lavish 2-course lunch where you’ll get to indulge in some mouth watering dishes while viewing the restaurant's 14-meter marine tank.
Cairns Aquarium by Twilight with a 3-Course Dinner
Step into the Cairns Aquarium to discover the exotic plants and animals that can be found only in Australia’s Wet Tropics. Get an exclusive after-hour access where you’ll gain a 2-hour guided twilight tour through 10 tropical ecosystems covering everything from the rivers to the reef. Don’t miss out on witnessing some of the deadly predators including sharks, rays, groupers and plenty more at a close distance. Complete your tour by enjoying a 3-course dinner at Dundee’s restaurant where you can feast on some of the best seafood delicacies in the city.
Dive with the Sharks at Cairns Aquarium
Make the most out of your experience at the Cairns Aquarium by diving with the sharks. Following a quick medical check, throw on the scuba equipment to begin your adventurous journey with the fierce marine animals. Your safety will always be the number one priority and this will be ensured by the experienced diving team at all times. Discover the aquatic world at your own pace with this all-day pass where you’d come face-to-face with the sharks as you glide into the reef tank giving a thrilling yet safe experience.
Explore Cairns Aquarium
There is a lot to explore as you step into the Cairns Aquarium. Find out everything you need to know before making a visit.
River Systems
Get a chance to witness the endemic species situated in the rivers of Far North Queensland at the Cairns Aquarium. Here, you’ll get to cover everything from perch and gudgeon to catfish and freshwater stonefish.
Creeks and Streams
The creeks and streams displayed at the Cairns Aquarium shows a series of freshwater species. This includes brilliantly coloured crayfish and giant prawns which would immediately catch your eye and attention.
Waterways and Billabongs
Here you’ll get to see the Freshwater Sawfish - one of the world’s rarest and most bizarre marine animals situated in the Cape York and Gulf Savannah region. It can grow upto 7 metres and has a 2 metre rostrum covered between its dangerous teeth. Scooty grunters, mangrove jacks and barramundi are a few other species that you’d witness during this exhibit.
Tropical Rainforest
Step into the world of lush and natural beauty to discover some of the most incredible snakes, lizards and frogs. Most of them are nocturnal and can be seen active only during the night, however, when you do occasionally catch them, you’ll realise it was worth the wait!
Forest Floor
Australia houses some of the biggest diversity of spiders and insects that can be found in Tropical North Queensland. With some that can grow bigger than your hands and others longer than your arm, these species can be spotted almost everywhere. Don’t miss out on getting a glimpse at some of the biggest rainforest giants situated at the Cairns Aquarium.
Plan Your Visit to Cairns Aquarium
Find out everything you need to know about visiting Cairns Aquarium
Opening Hours
Getting to Cairns Aquarium
Facilities
What are Cairns Aquarium hours?
Cairns Aquarium is open daily from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Last admission is at 2:00 PM.
When is Cairns Aquarium closed?
Cairns Aquarium is open through the year. However, do note that the last entry will be at 2:00 PM after which, visitors will not be entertained.
What is the best time to visit Cairns Aquarium?
It is ideal to visit earlier during the day or a few hours before the closing period to avoid overcrowding at the venue.
Where is Cairns Aquarium located?
Cairns Aquarium is situated at 5 Florence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Google Map Directions
How do I get to Cairns Aquarium?
Cairns Aquarium is one block away from The Esplanade, two blocks from the Lagoon Pool and approximately a 5-minute walk from the Cruise Terminal. You can also easily access the aquarium by car however, there is no onsite parking facility. Metered parking is available in the surrounding street.
Can I take the bus to Cairns Aquarium?
Yes, Cairns Aquarium has a bus service running on Lake and Abbott Street, right outside the Aquarium. The Cairns Aquarium is conveniently located in the heart of Cairns, next to Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort and opposite DoubleTree by Hilton
What facilities are available at Cairns Aquarium?
Cairns Aquarium offers a wide range of facilities including free WIFI access, gift stores, rental lockers, toilets with change tables and water fountains.
Is Cairns Aquarium wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Cairns Aquarium is fully accessible with elevators, ramps, and accessible washrooms, rentals and welcome accredited Guide/Service Dogs.
Are there dining options at the Cairns Aquarium?
Yes, Dundee's restaurant is situated at the Cairns Aquarium.
Cairns Aquarium FAQs
What are the safety measures and guidelines in place at the Cairns Aquarium?
Several health measures have been implemented to ensure public safety. This includes the use of hand sanitisation with the venue, mandatory need to follow social distancing protocol and the enhancement of regiours cleaning within the aquarium to avoid the spread of any infection.
Are Cairns Aquarium tickets available online now?
Yes. In fact it is advised to book your tickets in advance before visiting the Cairns Aquarium for a hassle free experience.
What is the cancellation policy for Cairns Aquarium?
These tickets canceled, amended or rescheduled
What are the Cairns Aquarium operating hours?
Cairns Aquarium is open daily from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Last admission is at 2:00 PM
Does Cairns Aquarium tickets offer a dining experience?
Yes, the Cairns Aquarium by Twilight with a 3-Course Dinner pass and the Cairns Aquarium admission tickets offers a dinner experience.
What are the operating hours for the Dundee's restaurant situated at Cairns Aquarium?
The Dundee's restaurant is open from Wednesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM until late night.
Sunday, 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM
Do you provide any discounts for Cairns Aquarium tickets?
Yes, infants aged 2 years and below can enter Cairns Aquarium for free. Children aged 3-14 years can enjoy reduced ticket pricing.
From happy customers
Joanne
AustraliaMar, 2026
+ 2 more
The aquarium is amazing! I took so many photos, I basically ran my phone battery flat! 10/10. Highly recommended!! I went with my mother, my niece and her partner and their two small children and we all had an amazing time. We were able fi
Cairns Aquarium Tickets
Trenton
AustraliaJan, 2026
Such a wonderful experience. Begins with friendly staff who explain the journey and tips about saving information about the animals. Inside the aquarium i was surprised to how many different animals there was. I was not expecting such a large variety. I seen fish and reptiles i have never seen before. Definitely going back in the future.
Cairns Aquarium Tickets
Cameron
AustraliaJan, 2026
+ 2 more
Small group night tour with friendly informative host. Family loved it. Thoroughly recommended. Book ahead as a 'must do' when in Cairns!
Cairns Aquarium Night Tour with Optional Dinner
Mehdi
AustraliaDec, 2025
+ 2 more
Loved it. Stunning views the whole way and Kuranda is a beautiful little village with a nice, relaxed vibe. The scenic train and Skyrail were both amazing and well organised. Definitely worth doing.
Combo: From Cairns: Scenic Train & Skyrail Kuranda Tour with Transfers + Cairns Aquarium Tickets
Joyce
AustraliaMar, 2026
The tombs of the pharaoh was fascinating I enjoyed it so much The shark n rays aquarium was my favourite N both the attractions were next to each other That was a bonus
Combo: Tomb of the Pharaohs + Cairns Aquarium Tickets
Josie
Feb, 2026
The Turtle Hospital experience was a highlight, the overall experience of an opportunity to feed the turtles & photograph them up close. Our guide offered an insight into the many types of turtles as well as some of the dangers they experience. Value for money & enjoyable!
Cairns Aquarium General Admission Tickets with Turtle Hospital Tour
Jacqui
United KingdomOct, 2025
A variety of fish tanks with clear visibility of fish/ creatures. Having also snorkelled on the reef a couple of times, a great set of representations, on land.
Variety of animals, including ones from the rainforest.and river systems/ mangrove swamps...also a great section.
Loved the turtle hospital. A great facility with a lovely, friendly, passionate, informed guide. Keep up the good work!
Cairns Aquarium General Admission Tickets with Turtle Hospital Tour