Cairns Aquarium (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Cairns Aquarium?
What makes it 77% Baby-Friendly: Infants enter free, venue accepts strollers and has change tables in accessible toilets, yet no nursing room and baby cannot join touch tank, so plan short visit and bring supplies.
Positives:
- Stroller-friendly paths: Wide ramps and lifts let you push a stroller through all galleries.
- Air-conditioned comfort: Enjoy cool exhibits even on hot or humid days.
- Central location: Located in central Cairns near major hotels and public transport.
Challenges:
- No dedicated nursing room: Use accessible toilets with change tables for feeding and changing.
- Touch tank age limit: Infants cannot join touch tank shows; they can only watch.
- Locker and luggage fees: Check on arrival for any small locker or luggage storage charges.
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 with baby?
- Air-conditioned exhibit with 9 reef and rainforest ecosystems
- Stroller-friendly layout and baby-change facilities on each level
- Interactive marine touch tank shows (10 am–3 pm) for families
- Free viewing of turtle rehabilitation without booking
- Café with aquarium views offers baby-friendly seating
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: A visit lasting 2 to 3 hours is enough to see all main exhibits and fit in baby breaks.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Cairns Aquarium
Reef Tunnel:
An underwater tunnel where sharks, rays and reef fish swim overhead.
Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds and let your baby watch without jostling.
Wet Tropics Rainforest Zone:
A fully air-conditioned rainforest habitat with frogs, reptiles and tree kangaroos.
Tip: Push your stroller on wide paths and pause often at viewing windows.
Marine Touch Tank Show:
Guided sessions where you can gently touch sea stars, urchins and carpet sharks.
Tip: Shows run from 10 am–3 pm; hold your baby securely at the edge for a clear view.
Turtle Rehabilitation Viewing:
Watch rescued turtles being cared for through a clear viewing window.
Tip: Tours need age 3+, but you can observe turtles any time for free.
Dundee’s Café with Aquarium View:
Enjoy fish & chips or coffee beside floor-to-ceiling tanks.
Tip: Choose a corner table for stroller access and panoramic views.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Cairns Aquarium
- Arrive at opening: Begin at 9 am to catch the first daily talk before crowds build.
- Use family facilities: Plan baby changes around 10:30 am in the accessible toilets to avoid peak times.
- Stay hydrated: Bring a refillable bottle to use free water fountains.
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)?
During Cairns’ wet season (Nov–May), bring a rain cover for your stroller. The aquarium is air-conditioned year-round.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| General admission (2 adults) | AUD 116 |
| Snacks at Dundee’s café | AUD 30 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 146 |
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 7300Average price
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