Cairns Aquarium

Cairns Aquarium is a large public aquarium in Cairns City, Queensland, dedicated exclusively to the habitats and species of Tropical North Queensland. Opened in 2017 on Florence Street in the central business district, it houses over 16,000 animals across 10 ecosystems representing the Great Barrier Reef, Wet Tropics rainforest and northern savannah. Notable for its deep reef tank, touch tanks and research facilities, it functions as both a visitor attraction and conservation centre.

Visitors can explore two levels of indoor exhibits representing 10 distinct ecosystems from freshwater rivers and rainforest to the Great Barrier Reef. Expect large oceanarium and reef tanks, tunnel walkways, touch tanks with marine invertebrates, turtle rehabilitation displays, and scheduled keeper presentations and feeding talks. The facility is fully indoors, air-conditioned, with interpretive signage, guided tours and a cafe and retail shop on site, located in central Cairns within walking distance of the Esplanade.

Purpose-built aquarium opened in December 2017 after approximately three years of construction. Developed as the largest aquarium in Queensland to showcase the biodiversity of Tropical North Queensland and to support marine research, education and turtle rehabilitation in partnership with local conservation programs.

Presents the ecological and cultural connection of Tropical North Queensland's environments, including interpretation of Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics ecosystems that are significant to the region's identity and tourism, with educational focus on conservation of reef and rainforest habitats.