Cairns Aquarium: Entry Ticket & Rainforest to Reef Journey

Summary

See rare reef creatures up close in Cairns with hands-on moments

You’ll wander from rainforest creeks to vibrant reef tunnels inside Cairns Aquarium, coming face-to-face with sharks and rare creatures—even getting hands-on at the marine touch pool. Listen to local guides share stories during live feeding shows and conservation talks. There’s a quiet thrill in seeing these animals up close—it stays with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You know, most locals never get to see a sawfish this close,” our guide grinned as we peered through the thick glass at something that looked part prehistoric, part cartoon villain. I’d barely stepped into Cairns Aquarium when the air shifted from humid street to that cool, slightly salty tang you get near big tanks. Kids pressed their noses to the glass, and honestly, I was right there with them—there’s something about watching those stingrays glide overhead that makes you forget you’re technically indoors.

I didn’t expect to feel so…tiny? Walking under the tunnel in Queensland’s largest oceanarium, sharks drifting above like they owned the place (which they probably do), it got weirdly quiet for a moment. The guide—can’t remember if her name was Mel or Melly—told us how every drop of water here traces a path from rainforest creek down to the Great Barrier Reef. She pointed out tiny flashes of color darting between coral, naming species I’d never heard of. I tried repeating “arowana” and got it wrong; she laughed and said most people do.

The touch tank was a surprise. I thought it’d be just for kids but ended up poking a sea cucumber anyway—soft and kind of squishy, not what I expected at all. There was this faint earthy smell near the reptile area, like wet leaves after rain. At one point a school group passed by and everyone started whispering because a diver slid into the tank for the shark feeding show. It felt like time slowed down while we watched him hand-feed these huge rays—my palms actually got sweaty just watching.

I still think about that moment standing inches from an endangered sawfish, wondering how many people ever get that close without getting wet. You leave Cairns Aquarium with your head full of colors and facts you’ll probably forget but somehow it sticks with you anyway—maybe because it’s not just fish behind glass but this whole story about where water goes and what lives in it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cairns Aquarium exhibits

• Follow journey of a drop of rain
• See live coral displays
• Watch diver shark feeding
• Visit marine and reptile touch tanks
• Enjoy ecologist talks
• Discover 70 different habitats
• Stand near sharks and stingrays
• View giant sawfish and turtles

Top questions

Is Cairns Aquarium suitable for young children?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Prams and strollers are allowed throughout.

What are Cairns Aquarium opening hours?

The aquarium is open daily from 9:30am to 3:30pm, with last entry at 2:30pm.

Are there live feeding shows at Cairns Aquarium?

Yes, there are live ray and shark feeding shows included in your ticket.

Is Cairns Aquarium wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas are fully wheelchair accessible including transportation options nearby.

What animals can I see at Cairns Aquarium?

You can see over 15,000 marine and land animals including sharks, rays, turtles, sawfish, pythons and tropical fish.

Does admission include any guided talks?

Yes, admission includes daily animal presentations and conservation talks by ecologists.

Can I touch any animals at Cairns Aquarium?

Yes, there is a hands-on marine touch tank experience included.

Is public transport available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the aquarium entrance.

What’s included

Your day includes general admission to Cairns Aquarium with access to conservation talks and presentations by local ecologists; encounters with elusive rainforest and reef creatures; interactive time at the marine touch tank; entry into Queensland’s largest oceanarium featuring an underwater tunnel; Australia’s only Deep Reef Tank; plus live ray and shark feeding shows—all indoors in central Cairns.