A staff member at the Cairns Aquarium information desk shows a map to two visitors, with all three people smiling whilst discussing Aquarium Admission and exploring the attractions within Cairns Aquarium.
Back Highly recommendedVerified as Loop's Top 10Last reviewed October 2026

Cairns Aquarium Admission

from A$61
5 hours
Cairns
All Ages (0+)
Free Cancellation (48 hours prior)

Spend about two hours following the water from rainforest streams to the Coral Sea at Cairns Aquarium, right in the city centre. Walk the 20 metre underwater tunnel, stand beside the 10 metre Deep Reef Tank and catch a daily animal presentation among more than 16,000 creatures.

  • A staff member at the Cairns Aquarium information desk shows a map to two visitors, with all three people smiling whilst discussing Aquarium Admission and exploring the attractions within Cairns Aquarium.
  • A woman stands in an aquarium tunnel at Cairns Aquarium, looking at a large fish and various sharks swimming above her, with coral and marine life in the background.
  • People dine at tables beside a large aquarium tank filled with various fish at Cairns Aquarium, whilst a woman points at the fish.
  • A woman stands in front of museum exhibits labelled Nursery Grounds and Mangrove Forests with plant displays behind glass at the Cairns Aquarium, a highlight for anyone enjoying Aquarium Admission in Cairns.
  • A scuba diver at Cairns Aquarium interacts with two large stingrays surrounded by various fish in an underwater setting with rocky formations.
  • A staff member at the Cairns Aquarium information desk shows a map to two visitors, with all three people smiling whilst discussing Aquarium Admission and exploring the attractions within Cairns Aquarium.
  • A woman stands in an aquarium tunnel at Cairns Aquarium, looking at a large fish and various sharks swimming above her, with coral and marine life in the background.
  • People dine at tables beside a large aquarium tank filled with various fish at Cairns Aquarium, whilst a woman points at the fish.
  • A woman stands in front of museum exhibits labelled Nursery Grounds and Mangrove Forests with plant displays behind glass at the Cairns Aquarium, a highlight for anyone enjoying Aquarium Admission in Cairns.
  • A scuba diver at Cairns Aquarium interacts with two large stingrays surrounded by various fish in an underwater setting with rocky formations.

Quick read before you book.

  • Walk beneath sharks and rays in the 20 metre underwater tunnel
  • Australia's only 10 metre Deep Reef Tank
  • A 360 degree Oceanarium and Australia's largest freshwater exhibit
  • Crocodiles, pythons and emerald tree monitors from the Wet Tropics
  • Easy city centre location, one block from the Esplanade

What people say about this operator.

Google Reviews
4.6 Stars|7,501 reviews

What could be better?

Honestly, not much. Give yourself a couple of hours so you can catch the talks and feeds without rushing.

Summarised by AI, verify on Google Business Profile before booking

Included in this tour.

  • Self guided general admission to Cairns Aquarium on your booked date
  • Access to all 11 zones and 9 ecosystems
  • Daily ecosystem talks, animal presentations and touch tank shows

Commonly asked questions.

Cairns Aquarium is open every day of the year, including public holidays, from 9:30am to 3:30pm. Last admission is at 2:30pm, so arrive by then to give yourself the full two hours.

You'll find it at 5 Florence Street in Cairns City, one block from the Esplanade and within walking distance of most city hotels. Free on street parking for up to three hours is close by, along with metered bays, a drop off zone and accessible parking near the main entrance. Staying car free? Here's our guide to getting around Cairns without a car.

Cancel more than 48 hours before your visit for a refund. Inside 48 hours a 100 percent cancellation fee applies, although the aquarium may offer to move you to a new date or issue a gift card for the booking value instead.

Yes, it's an all ages attraction. Children under 3 enter free, child tickets cover ages 3 to 14, and anyone 14 or under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Yes. There are lifts, ramps and escalators between levels, even floor surfaces, accessible toilets and change tables, and Companion Cards are accepted for general admission. Accredited assistance animals are welcome with proof of certification.

It's one of the best. The exhibits are inside the building, so a wet afternoon in the city is the perfect time to visit. For more ideas, see our list of things to do in Cairns.

Small lockers are available for a small charge, and bags may be checked on entry. Leave scooters, skateboards and balloons behind, and switch off your camera flash so the animals aren't disturbed.

Yes. Guided twilight tours run Tuesday to Saturday afternoons, and you can pair one with a three course dinner on the Cairns Aquarium twilight tour and dining experience.

More about this tour.

Two blocks back from the Esplanade, Cairns Aquarium packs the whole of Tropical North Queensland under one roof. You start in the mountain streams and rainforest of the Wet Tropics and work your way down through mangroves and rivers to the reefs of the Coral Sea, meeting more than 16,000 animals across 9 ecosystems and 11 zones on the way.Plan on about two hours at your own pace. Stand at the foot of the 10 metre Deep Reef Tank, walk the 20 metre underwater tunnel while sharks and rays glide overhead, and look out for pythons, emerald tree monitors and crocodiles in the rainforest and river zones. Daily ecosystem talks, animal presentations and touch tank shows run through the day, so grab the schedule when you arrive.Add a Cairns Turtle Hospital tour to see injured sea turtles being cared for before release, or come back on a Tuesday to Saturday afternoon for the after hours Aquarium by Twilight guided tour.Explore the zones that suit your crew, check availability for your date, then book your entry and keep the afternoon free for the Esplanade.

Additional info.

  • Open daily 9:30am to 3:30pm, last admission 2:30pm.
  • Show your ticket and the credit card used to book at the admissions desk, 5 Florence Street.
  • Children under 3 enter free; under 15s need an adult (18+) with them.
  • Allow about two hours.