Cairns Aquarium (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Cairns Aquarium?
What makes it 81% Couple-Friendly: Couples can enjoy quiet viewing tunnels, add romantic after-hours Twilight tour with optional 3-course dinner, but limited privacy when school groups visit.
Positives:
- Romantic Ambiance: Dundee’s offers intimate seating by glowing tanks for couples
- Central Location: Located next to major hotels for easy walk-in access
Challenges:
- Pre-booking Required: Special tours fill up quickly; reserve online to avoid disappointment
- Cool Interiors: Exhibits are air-conditioned; bring a light jacket
- Low-Light Zones: Some tanks use dim lighting – adjust your eyes before taking photos
What is Cairns Aquarium?
- An aquarium in the heart of Cairns that presents the biodiversity of North Queensland’s marine and rainforest ecosystems, including the Great Barrier Reef
- Home to more than 16,000 specimens organized into nine exhibit zones representing 71 distinct habitats
- Housed in a purpose-built facility with fully air-conditioned galleries that recreate environments from mangrove forests to deep coral reefs
What is so special about Cairns Aquarium for couple trip?
- Explore nine North Queensland ecosystems with 15,000+ creatures
- Experience hands-on marine touch tank sessions
- Join a romantic after-hours twilight tour & dinner
- Go behind the scenes at the turtle rehabilitation centre
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can explore exhibits at a relaxed pace and enjoy a twilight dinner tour within this time
Couple-Friendly Activities in Cairns Aquarium
Reef Tunnel Exhibit:
Walk through a 20-metre underwater tunnel surrounded by tropical fish and rays.
Tip: Visit mid-morning for clearer viewing and fewer reflections on the glass
Aquarium by Twilight Tour & 3-Course Dinner:
After-hours guided tour through ten ecosystems followed by a meal at Dundee’s with lit-up tanks.
Tip: Book at least two weeks ahead to secure a window-side table
Marine Touch Tank Show:
Handle sea stars, sea cucumbers and small sharks under staff supervision.
Tip: Arrive by 10 am to join the first session and avoid crowds
Turtle Rehabilitation Centre Tour:
Go behind the scenes at the on-site turtle hospital to see rescue and release efforts.
Tip: Join the 11:30 am or 12:30 pm tour and ask about volunteer opportunities
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Cairns Aquarium
- Book Online: Secure entry time and skip the ticket queue
- Time Daily Talks: Check the talk schedule at arrival to plan your route
- Early Arrival: Beat the crowds by starting your visit at opening time
Reviews of Cairns Aquarium
Aidy Aaward
We did the Twilight tour and if you want to see the aquarium with a guide and be the only people in the aquarium, this is the way to go. We had 9 people plus our guide, Marine Biologist Neve, and she showed us everything! We learned a ton and got to ask as many questions as we wanted. There are plenty of fish and of course the sharks and rays, but also so many reptiles. And everyone has a great na...
Jae Jang
Great experience at the Cairns Aquarium. Location : Centrally located, walking distance to most accommodations in the city. Curation : plenty of local sealife. Very suitable for children, my 3 year old niece had a ball. Recommend getting tickets in advance so you can skip the queue.
Liam Miles
AMAZING 🤩 The Cairns Aquarium is a great place for all ages it has lots of fish, lizards and snakes. The tickets are a bit pricey ($58 for adult pass) but they are the money's worth. Make some time for a good hour in the aquarium and exit through the gift shop afterwards. If you get in at opening times there is not much of a wait but after that you can be waiting for a half hour.
Jim Kim
Night toor was amazing! Felt like we had the place to ourselves. The exhibits are really great and our guides Cameron and Ruby were so knowledgeable and enthusiastic! Thanks a lot guys!
Keri Keightley
Fantastic set up, loads of different creatures. Staff very friendly and helpful. Beautiful aquarium and worth every cent. Before we entered we thought it was a bit pricy but once we were inside we definitely got more than our moneys worth.
When is the best time to visit Cairns Aquarium (Great Barrier Reef Area, Australia)?
Visit in the dry season (May–October) for drier mornings. In the wet season (November–April), use the aquarium as a rainy-day activity and book online to guarantee entry.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| General Admission for 2 adults | AUD 116 |
| Twilight Tour & Dinner for 2 adults | AUD 358 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 474 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Cairns Aquarium
Address: 5 Florence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
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About Cairns Aquarium
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+61 7 4044 7300Explore Popular Things to Do
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