Cairns Aquarium Review
Cairns Aquarium is in the city centre and shows reef and rainforest waters under one roof. It has more than 16,000 animals, a 20 metre underwater tunnel and a 360 degree oceanarium. Daily talks and the touch tank are included. You can add a 30 minute tour of the turtle hospital. Plan on about two hours.
General Admission or add the Turtle Hospital
General Admission
All zones, daily talks and the touch tank. Open 9:30am to 3:30pm, last entry 2:30pm.
General Admission + Turtle Hospital Tour
Includes a 30 minute guided tour at 10:30, 11:30 or 12:30. Turtle tours at 10:30am, 11:30am and 12:30pm.
Concession tickets (seniors, students, pension or carer card) are $48, or $68 with the Turtle Hospital Tour: tell us in the notes. Infants 2 and under are free. Family tickets are for 2 adults and 2 children.
What is included on Cairns Aquarium
- Entry to all zones
- Daily educational talks and presentations
- Marine touch tank, 10:00am to 3:00pm
- Turtle Hospital Tour (only with the turtle ticket)
Is Cairns Aquarium right for you?
How the day runs
A typical visit. Talks repeat during the day.
Before you go
The full review
Libby puts it simply: a great way to spend a few hours if you cannot get out to the reef. It is just as good the day before you go, because you will recognise half of what you see underwater.
The highlights are the oceanarium, where seven species of shark swim, the tunnel and the deep reef tank. Talks run all day, with sharks and rays at 11:00am and 1:00pm. The touch tank is open from 10:00am to 3:00pm. The turtle hospital tour costs $20 more for adults and shows you rescued sea turtles in care.
It is easy for everyone. There are lifts, level floors and free wheelchair hire. It is seven minutes from the airport and has paid luggage storage, which helps on your last morning. Just note the early close: last entry is 2:30pm.
Why it earns Best Rainy-Day Attraction and a 4.6: it is indoors, in the city and open every day of the year, and it gives you the reef without a boat. It is a preview, though, not a replacement for a real reef trip.
Cairns Aquarium FAQs