Cairns Aquarium
A tropical aquarium in the city centre showing North Queensland’s aquatic ecosystems, from rainforest streams to the Great Barrier Reef and the deep Coral Sea.
Cairns Aquarium opened in 2017 on Florence Street in the city centre. Its exhibits follow water from its source to the sea: rainforest streams, mangroves and estuaries, Great Barrier Reef corals, and the deep waters of the Coral Sea. It displays hundreds of local species, including freshwater crocodiles, archerfish, sharks, rays and sea turtles, and the large ocean tanks have seating for long viewing. Visitors can book a behind-the-scenes tour or join a biologist in feeding the animals. It is a good choice for learning about reef ecology before a boat trip, or as an alternative on rainy days or when seasickness keeps you off the water. Tickets are required, and a visit takes about 2 hours.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Cairns Night Markets
- Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
- Rusty's Markets
- Cairns Botanic Gardens
- Crystal Cascades
- Rainforestation Nature Park
- Barron Gorge & Barron Falls
- Kuranda / Skyrail Rainforest Cableway