Cairns Aquarium, at 5 Florence St in the city centre, follows Tropical North Queensland’s waterways from rainforest streams to the Coral Sea. Its 10 ecosystems and 71 habitats are home to more than 16,000 specimens, including reef fish, sharks, rays, turtles and reptiles. Walk through the underwater tunnel and see the 360-degree Oceanarium, then check the schedule for talks and feeding sessions. Touch pools and tours at the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre add close-up encounters and a chance to learn about the animals’ care.
From rainforest streams to the Coral Sea
The aquarium’s route follows water through the landscapes of Tropical North Queensland. It begins with freshwater habitats, then moves through rainforest, rivers and mangroves before reaching reef shallows and the Coral Sea. Displays cover 10 ecosystems and 71 habitats, with more than 16,000 specimens from the region.
This sequence gives the exhibits a clear sense of place: the animals are linked to the waterways and habitats around Cairns, from inland streams to offshore reef. The aquarium opened in 2017 and was the first public aquarium built in Australia in 18 years.
Tunnels, tanks and touch pools
The 20-metre underwater tunnel brings you beneath a large tank, where sharks and rays swim overhead. The 360-degree Oceanarium gives a different view of marine life, while the Deep Reef Tank reaches 10 metres in depth. Across the exhibits, look for reef fish, turtles and other marine animals, as well as reptiles and amphibians.
Touch pools let visitors feel selected marine life. Daily talks, animal presentations and feeding sessions provide more context about the species and their habitats. Check the schedule on arrival if you want to fit a particular talk or feed into your visit.
Tours and turtle rehabilitation
Guided tours add detail about the animals, their habitats and the work involved in caring for them. The Turtle Rehabilitation Centre tour focuses on sea turtles being rehabilitated and the dangers they face. Behind-the-scenes tours can also explain how the aquarium looks after its animals and how to spot species that are easy to miss in the exhibits.
Twilight and night tours give you a different way to see the displays, with guides explaining marine life after regular daytime visits. Some visitors choose an evening tour for the smaller-group format and the chance to observe nocturnal species. These tours involve more detailed commentary, so families with young children may prefer to explore during general opening hours.
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What can you see at Cairns Aquarium?
The exhibits cover Tropical North Queensland habitats, from rainforest waterways to the Coral Sea. Look for sharks, rays, turtles, reef fish, reptiles and amphibians.
Is Cairns Aquarium suitable for children?
Yes. Children can explore the tanks, touch pools and animal presentations. General opening hours let families move through the exhibits at their own pace.
Can you take a guided tour?
Yes. The aquarium has guided tours, including twilight or night tours and tours of the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. Booking ahead is advisable because some sessions can sell out.
Where is Cairns Aquarium?
It is at 5 Florence St in Cairns city centre, a short walk from the Esplanade.
