Family observing sharks during Night at the Aquarium tour.
Colorful fish illuminated during Night at the Aquarium tour.
Visitors observing marine life during a Night at the Aquarium guided nocturnal tour.
Spotted stingray swimming in aquarium during nocturnal tour.
Dining area at Dundees Restaurant inside Cairns Aquarium with large fish tank at night.

Cairns Aquarium Night Tour with Optional Dinner

Cairns
Guided Tours
Google Verified Seller

Duration: Varies (2 hours to 3.5 hours)

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Meals included
Meals included
Guided tour

Expert local tour guide

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Explore Cairns Aquarium in an beautiful twilight tour, where you'll witness how marine life transforms under the night sky. After-hours access allows for a distinct experience guided by wildlife experts, and if chosen, conclude your journey with a delightful 2-course dinner at Squires Loft Restaurant, offering views into the main reef tank. This evening adventure is set in Cairns, Australia's celebrated aquarium.

Experience a unique underwater journey on this 1.5-hour guided tour through Cairns Aquarium This after dark, featuring ten tropical ecosystems ranging from mountain streams to the Great Barrier Reef.

Witness how nocturnal predators such as sharks, rays, and moray eels transition into their nightly hunt in an entirely new setting during your visit.

Learn from expert wildlife educators while observing the fascinating glow of coral and elusive rainforest species that come alive at night.

Entry for a 2-hour guided night tour

Access to the After-hours entry of Cairns Aquarium This

Use of an English-speaking wildlife educator

One 2-course dinner at Squires Loft Restaurant (as per option selected)

Individual Costs

Family observing sharks during Night at the Aquarium tour.

Family observing sharks during Night at the Aquarium tour.

Your Experience

Experience an exclusive, guided twilight exploration of the Great Barrier Reef and witness how marine life transforms after sunset. This unique tour offers a serene atmosphere free from daytime crowds at Cairns Aquarium Night Tour with Optional Dinner.

Getting Started

Arrive at Cairns Aquarium outside regular hours to check in using your mobile or printed ticket. Staff will direct you to your group and introduce the wildlife educator who'll guide you through this adventure. If you’ve opted for an upgrade, enjoy a 2-course meal served after the tour at Squires Loft Restaurant, offering stunning views into the main reef tank.

What to Expect

The award-winning Cairns Aquarium showcases marine and rainforest life in its nocturnal form during this special event. Located near iconic attractions like the Great Barrier Reef, it offers a unique perspective on wildlife after dark.

Features

  • Awarded with After-hours access: Enjoy an undisturbed exploration once daytime visitors have departed.
  • Twilight transitions observed: Marvel at the shift from vibrant reef fish settling to nocturnal predators like sharks, rays, and moray eels coming alive.
  • Guided by an expert wildlife educator through 10 distinct ecosystems ranging from mountain streams to the Coral Sea.
  • An optional dinner: Conclude your visit with a leisurely 2-course meal at the aquatic-themed Squires Loft Restaurant, enhancing your experience.
Colorful fish illuminated during Night at the Aquarium tour.

Colorful fish illuminated during Night at the Aquarium tour.

Visitors observing marine life during a Night at the Aquarium guided nocturnal tour.

Visitors observing marine life during a Night at the Aquarium guided nocturnal tour.

Spotted stingray swimming in aquarium during nocturnal tour.

Spotted stingray swimming in aquarium during nocturnal tour.

Packing Essentials

    A valid ticket and a camera capable of capturing low-light images are necessary to bring along.

    Prohibited Items

      Bringing pets, outside food and drink, commercial photography without permission, flash photography, or smoking in non-designated areas is not permitted.

      Accessibility Details

        The tour accommodates wheelchair users with available ramps and elevators.

        Additional Information

        Service animals are allowed if accompanied by legal documentation and an ID vest. There's on-site luggage storage for a fee, and children under 3 enter free of charge. Children aged 14 or younger must be with an adult over the age of 18. Presentation times might vary slightly depending on group size or animal behavior.

        • The on-site restaurant will undergo renovations; however, Squires Loft Restaurant is set to open its doors on September 20th, 2025.

        Only available at the specific time of 5:45pm.

        Dining area at Dundees Restaurant inside Cairns Aquarium with large fish tank at night.

        Dining area at Dundees Restaurant inside Cairns Aquarium with large fish tank at night.

        Book your tour at least a day in advance during peak season to ensure availability and avoid disappointment due to sold-out sessions.

        Arrive with both a valid ticket and a camera equipped for low-light conditions so you can capture the unique beauty of marine life after dark without any issues.

        Plan your visit by starting at Cairns Aquarium, as it is wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators available to ensure everyone in your group has an enjoyable experience.

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        Operating hours

        Cairns Aquarium

        Monday
        9:30am - 3:30pm • last entry 2:30pm
        Tuesday
        9:30am - 3:30pm • last entry 2:30pm
        Wednesday
        9:30am - 3:30pm • last entry 2:30pm
        Thursday
        9:30am - 3:30pm • last entry 2:30pm
        Friday
        9:30am - 3:30pm • last entry 2:30pm
        Saturday
        9:30am - 3:30pm • last entry 2:30pm
        Sunday
        9:30am - 3:30pm • last entry 2:30pm
        • Timings are displayed in the venue's time zone.

        By proceeding with any booking via Staybook, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to all the .

        FAQs

        Flash photography is prohibited. Commercial use of photos requires permission.
        You need a valid ticket and a camera that performs well in low-light conditions to capture the unique nighttime scenes of marine life.
        Yes, you can upgrade your experience with a 2-course meal at the Squires Loft Restaurant after completing the aquarium visit.
        Pets are not allowed, but service animals with legal documentation and an ID vest can accompany you.
        Luggage storage facilities are available at Cairns Aquarium to keep your belongings safe while you explore.
        You'll observe nocturnal predators such as sharks, rays, and moray eels starting their nightly hunt along with glowing corals and elusive rainforest species.
        Yes, ramps and elevators are available throughout the aquarium to ensure accessibility for all visitors.
        The tour lasts for 2 hours, including a guided night exploration through various tropical ecosystems.
        Arrive at Cairns Aquarium after public hours using your mobile or printed ticket to check in at the entrance, where staff will guide you to your group.
        The experience includes a guided night tour through ten tropical ecosystems, after-hours access to the aquarium, insights from an English-speaking wildlife educator, and optionally, dinner at Squires Loft Restaurant if selected.

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