The Ultimate Cairns Aquarium Guide: 7 Things to Know before You Go

Wondering what to do in Cairns? You don’t have to go diving to discover the best of what the Tropical North has to offer. Delve into the wonderful underwater world of Cairns Aquarium and visit different ecosystems, see fascinating marine animals, and even get a chance to feed the creatures yourself!

Before you grab the kids, here’s everything you need to know about the Cairns Aquarium for a stress-free visit with the entire fam.

Cairns Aquarium prices differ, depending on the kind of experience you want. The most affordable is the general admission ticket, which costs $44 for adults and $29 for children aged 3 to 14. It includes all-day admission, so you can take your sweet time admiring the underwater wildlife  and taking photos for the ‘Gram. There’s also a lunch option which costs $74, so you don’t have to cut your visit short and you can enjoy the view as you’re dining!

You also have the option of taking your visit to the next level with the Marine Life Encounter. Along with an expert guide, you’ll be taken behind-the-scenes to see how the aquarium takes care of the animals and their homes. It also includes a visit to the Cairns Turtle Hospital, where you’ll meet sea turtles under medical care. Plus, you’ll also get a chance to feed dangerous creatures like sawfish and stingrays. This is one of the most unique things to do in Cairns!

Short on time? Explore the Cairns Aquarium and discover the city’s highlights in one day. Start the day by getting a glimpse of two of the region’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics, at the aquarium. After getting a close look at the native marine animals, a local guide will take you through the defining sights of the city. 

The average visit to the 7,800 square metre Cairns Aquarium takes around two hours. The good news is that you can take your time — the general admissions ticket allows all-day access.

Wondering where to stay in Cairns? Take a look at the best family-friendly accommodation in the city.

To showcase Tropical North Queensland’s diverse marine life, the Cairns Aquarium has five different ecosystems where you’ll see the native animals.

At the Freshwater Streams & Rivers, you won’t just see eel tail catfish and freshwater stonefish but also pig-nosed turtles, red claw crayfish, and more! Then, keep your eyes peeled for pythons, Boyd’s Forest dragons, crocodiles, and geckos at the Wet Tropics Rainforest.

You’ll spot the most adorable baby fish at The Mangroves, where marine animals prepare before leaving for the Great Barrier Reef. There are also colourful upside down jellyfish, Rabbitfish, Giant mud crabs, and Estuarine crocodiles.

Afterwards, you’ll reach the star of the show: the Great Barrier Reef!  Find out what makes the reef one of the seven wonders of the natural world  and admire the diverse creatures that call it home—from the famed clownfish and starfish to the fascinating sea snakes, sharks, and Moon Sea jellies.

To end your visit on a high note, you’ll pass by The Coral Sea and see rays, trout, and sharks of different colours framed by vibrant corals.

The Cairns Aquarium is open daily from 10am until 3pm, with last admission at 2pm.

No matter what day you visit, you’re bound to catch a fascinating talk by the aquarium’s very own team of animal experts thanks to the daily presentations at the Cairns Aquarium. Here’s the schedule and the location for each presentation:

In accordance with the government restrictions, Cairns Aquarium only allows entry for visitors, who are aged 16 and above, that have been fully vaccinated. For a hassle-free entry, it’s best to add your COVID-19 digital certificate to the Check In Qld app or print a copy of your vaccine certificate and show an ID.

There are hand sanitisers in place throughout the aquarium as well as capacity limits for each area.

Check out what people have said about their visit to the Cairns Aquarium: 

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