Cairns Aquarium (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Cairns Aquarium?
What makes it 92% Kids-Friendly: Kids up to 12 can handle sea stars at supervised touch tank, follow lively shark talks, use family tickets and pram-friendly paths; all exhibits are indoor and climate-controlled.
Positives:
- Stroller-friendly layout: Wide ramps, lifts, and smooth paths make it easy to push prams through every gallery.
- Air-conditioned exhibits: Keeps kids comfortable during Cairns’ tropical heat.
- Central location: Steps from major hotels and public transport in Cairns city centre.
- Educational engagement: Interactive talks and touch tanks spark curiosity in ages 3–12.
Challenges:
- Age restrictions: Some tours require children to be at least 3 years old.
- Peak-hour crowds: Midday is busiest; galleries can feel tight around popular tanks.
- Outdoor heat: Waiting in line or walking between entrances may get hot in summer.
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 kids?
- Hands-on touch tank sessions excite young explorers.
- Reef tunnel offers close-up views of sharks and rays.
- Daily talks make learning fun and interactive for 3–12 year-olds.
- Turtle hospital tour shows real-life conservation in action.
- Air-conditioned, stroller-accessible layout keeps everyone comfortable.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Covers all nine exhibit zones, daily talks, and the touch tank at a relaxed pace for young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Cairns Aquarium
Reef Tunnel walkthrough:
Walk under a 10-metre glass tunnel filled with sharks, rays, and coral
Tip: Go early to beat the crowd and snap clear photos without reflections.
Marine Touch Tank:
Handle sea stars, sea cucumbers, and carpet sharks under supervision
Tip: Visit between 10 am–3 pm when staff run the touch sessions.
Daily wildlife talks:
Watch educators present on sharks, rays, reef fish, and river monsters
Tip: Check the schedule on arrival and arrive 5 minutes before start for front-row spots.
Turtle Rehabilitation Centre Tour:
Join a 30-minute behind-the-scenes tour of the on-site turtle hospital
Tip: Book at the ticket desk on arrival; children must be with an adult.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Cairns Aquarium
- Arrive at opening: Get in at 9 am to explore exhibits before visitor numbers rise.
- Pre-book tours: Reserve the turtle hospital tour online or at the desk to secure your slot.
- Snack break at Dundee’s: Plan lunch at the aquarium café for views into the Coral Sea gallery.
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)?
Dry season (May–October) brings cooler mornings and fewer rain interruptions. In wet season, wear a light raincoat for outdoor walkways but enjoy the fully air-conditioned galleries any time.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| General admission family pass (2 adults + 2 kids) | AUD 163 |
| Turtle Rehabilitation Centre add-on (2 adults + 2 kids) | AUD 68 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 231 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Cairns Aquarium
Address: 5 Florence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Cairns Aquarium (Great Barrier Reef Area)?
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
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇦🇺 Australia, with kids
🇺🇸 United States, with kids
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
Average price