Cairns Aquarium

Cairns Aquarium connects visitors with the natural wonders of The Great Barrier Reef, The Wet Tropics, The Gulf Savannah and Cape York regions. With over 16,000 animals and unique opportunities to move up close to some of the world’s most fascinating, elusive or deadly creatures, every visit is unforgettable.

Follow the journey of a drop of rain as it descends from the mountain ranges down into rivers and streams, through the rainforest, across the mangroves, into the shallows of the reef and finally into the depths of the Coral Sea. 

Travel through ten amazing North Queensland ecosystems with over 70 different habitats showcasing the stunning diversity of the species from two world heritage listed areas – the wet tropics rainforest and the great barrier reef.  Guests will have guaranteed interaction with the spectacular beauty of over 15,000 aquatic animals without the need to get wet or even leave the city!

Ticket Inclusions

• All day admission to Cairns Aquarium 
• 10 Tropical North Queensland eco systems and 71 habitats
• River Monsters, Denizens of the Deep, Life of Sharks & Rays and Curious & Coloured Presentations 
• Habitat Talks, Animal Feeds and Terrestrial & Marine Encounter Touch Tanks

Cairns Aquarium ​Times

​Hours of operation:  

Open daily from 10am-3pm with last admission at 2pm.

The Cairns Aquarium is located in the very heart of Cairns, there are many ways of getting to the Aquarium: you can walk, bike, bus, or drive to the facility with ease. 5 Florence St Cairns, Queensland, Australia

Getting To the Cairns Aquarium

On Foot

Cairns Aquarium is within easy walking distance of most accommodation. We are one block from The Esplanade, two blocks from the Lagoon Pool and an easy 5 mins walk from the Cruise Terminal.

Driving & Parking

The Cairns Aquarium is easily accessible by car however there is no onsite parking. Car parking is available in the surrounding streets, also hourly and daily fees may apply for metered parking.

Bus Drop off

Tour and school buses can drop off passengers in front of The Cairns Aquarium on Florence Street. Please ask our Reservations Coordinator for details when making arrangements for your group.

Public Transport

We have bus services 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.

Daily talks and presentations

Enjoy daily talks and presentations provided by our very knowledgeable and entertaining AquaNuts - we call them that because they are crazy about all things aquatic and when you meet them you’ll see and hear that for yourselves!

River Monsters – 10.15am & 12:30pm
River Monsters Amphitheatre (Ground Floor)

Denizens of the Deep – 10:30am & 1:00pm
Deep Reef Amphitheatre (Level 1)

Life of Sharks & Rays  – 11:00am & 1:30pm
Oceanarium (Ground Floor)

Curious & Coloured  – 11:30am
Coral Sea Amphitheatre (Ground Floor)

Marine Touch Tank –10:00am – 3:00pm
Marine Touch Pools (Level 1)