Marine Life Encounter at Cairns Aquarium

Join a guided Marine Life Encounter at Cairns Aquarium, with exclusive animal feedings and behind-the-scenes access in a 3-hour tour.

Getting started

Check in at the Cairns Aquarium admission counter at 11:30am. Meet your Wildlife Educator Guide in the front foyer for a brief introduction before beginning your escorted front and back of house tour.

What to expect

Cairns Aquarium

Cairns Aquarium is a leading marine and freshwater wildlife centre, known for its focus on conservation and education. The facility showcases diverse aquatic habitats and supports rehabilitation efforts for native species.

Features

• Wildlife Educator Guided Tour: Explore both public exhibits and restricted back-of-house areas, learning about animal care, food preparation, and water filtration systems.

• Turtle Hospital: Visit the onsite turtle hospital to see how sick and injured sea turtles are treated and rehabilitated.

• River Monsters Scatter Feed: Watch as river-dwelling species are scatter-fed, highlighting unique feeding behaviours and adaptations.

• Hand-Feeding Cownose Sting Rays: Experience the rare opportunity to hand-feed gentle cownose sting rays under expert supervision.

• Reptile Breeding Facility: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the aquarium’s reptile breeding operations, supporting species conservation.

Know before you go

What to bring

• Wear shorts or trousers and closed toe shoes for safety and comfort during the experience.

• Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at check-in.

What’s not allowed

• Do not touch the animals or the contents of their enclosures at any time.

• Loud noises are not permitted; please be mindful of your noise level throughout the tour.

• Running is not allowed inside the aquarium, as there may be water on the floor.

• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

• Companion Cards are not accepted for this experience.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair and pram access is available for the self-guided walk through the aquarium.

• The behind-the-scenes guided tour is not wheelchair or pram accessible.

• Lifts, escalators, and accessible toilets are available throughout the attraction.

• If you are unable to walk onto the turtle hospital viewing deck, turtles can be seen through a viewing window.

Additional information

• Children must be supervised at all times and cannot attend without a guardian present.

• You will be required to kneel down when feeding the rays.

• Children must be 12+ years to hand feed rays; a souvenir gift is provided for younger children. Closed-toe shoes and appropriate attire are required.

• Check in at the Cairns Aquarium admission counter at 11:30am; the tour starts at 11:45am and concludes at 2:45pm.

• Please tread carefully as floors may be wet in some areas.

• The experience is suitable for ages 3 and above.