Top Queensland Aquariums

Discover Two Worlds in One Day: Tomb of the Pharaohs & Cairns Aquarium Immerse yourself in two unforgettable experiences in the heart of Cairns. Step back in time at the Tomb of the Pharaohs, where you’ll explore life-sized recreations of 11 ancient Egyptian tombs, complete with detailed hieroglyphics, burial treasures, and over 450 museum-quality replicas. Then, dive into the wonders of Tropical North Queensland at the Cairns Aquarium, home to over 16,000 marine creatures from the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding ecosystems. From mummies to marine life, this unique cultural and natural journey is perfect for families, history lovers, and curious explorers alike—all within walking distance in the city center.

As the sun goes down on the Great Barrier Reef, a whole new world awakens. Corals glow, colourful reef fish seek shelter and predators begin their night hunt. At the same time, coastal forests stir with life, as reptiles, amphibians and insects emerge from their burrows to seek out food in the safety of the shadows. Night at the Aquarium gives you a glimpse into the unique world of the region’s nocturnal creatures and their behaviours as they move about in the darkness.

Observe how Cairns’ marine wildlife behaves at night in this after-hours tour of the Cairns Aquarium. Enjoy exclusive evening entry to the aquarium after closing time and benefit from your ecologist guide's insights insights into the nighttime behavior of reptiles, amphibians, insects that make their home in Cairns.

Guarantee your entry to Cairns Aquarium, by booking your admission ticket in advance. Family-friendly and fun, Cairns Aquarium is home to 70 different exhibits that house over 16,000 marine and land animals life from the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland's Wet Tropics Rainforest.

Not only do you have general admission to the Cairns Aquarium, this ticket also provides a tour of the Turtle Hospital. Here rescue turtles are cared for by experts. The hospital experience lasts around a half hour, but you are free to take as much time as you like in the aquarium. There are tens of thousands of Great Barrier Reef species to learn about.

Take a leisurely river cruise from Brisbane to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary on this two-in-one, time-saving tour. This half-day tour departs from bustling Southbank and cruises along the Brisbane River with views of iconic landmarks on the way to Lone Pine. Upon arrival, enjoy ample time to view the animals, from koalas and platypus to kangaroos and more.

To visit the Cairns Aquarium without the crowds, get special after-hours access. You can take your time without jostling with others for the best views of the sharks, rays, and tropical fish. The glass viewing tunnel is a highlight. Learn more about the creatures you see from your personal guide. After the tour, top off your night with dinner at Squire's Loft.

Bundaberg Rum is one of Australia’s most famous spirits, produced in the Queensland town of Bundaberg since 1888. On this tour, explore behind the scenes of the working rum distillery and sample the legendary rum on a guided tour. See the Molasses Well, peek into the Barrel House, and learn the secrets of how rum is made, plus enjoy access to the interactive Bundaberg Rum Museum.

Enjoy a close encounter with Australia's native animals at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the Gold Coast. Your ticket includes admission to the park plus daily keeper presentations and animal shows. Admire critters such as the kangaroo, Tasmanian devil, koala, wombat, echidna, and reptiles that live in natural-style bush and rainforest habitats. Walk through the stunning 5-acre forest of the Lost Valley and see unique flora and wildlife such as lemurs, red pandas, capybaras, and other exotic reptiles.

Get set for a wet and wild adventure as you hurtle down the Mulgrave River on a giant tube! Hang on tight as you navigate small rapids and then soak up the scenery as you drift through the rainforest. This fun-filled morning tour includes hotel pick-up and round-trip transport from Cairns, plus around 2 hours of tubing. Best of all: there’s no experience necessary, so everyone can give it a go!

Experience one of the wonders of the natural world up close and personal on this snorkeling and diving cruise on the Great Barrier Reef. Climb aboard a superyacht in Cairns and set sail to two different outer reef locations. Explore the colorful world underneath the water, and snorkel or dive for a closer look. A delicious barbecue lunch and light refreshments are included.

Make exploring the Great Barrier Reef simple on this full-day tour from Cairns, which offers snorkeling or diving experiences from two different reef locations. You can choose between different options for this experience based on your snorkeling or diving levels. While out on the water, keep an eye out for marine life, including fish, rays, and turtles, and immerse yourself in the UNESCO–listed scenery.

Cairns Aquarium is one of the city’s top attractions, but to learn more about its residents—and its conservation work—a behind-the-scenes tour is the way to visit. A wildlife educator takes you around, giving you access to parts that the general public usually can’t enter. Visit the turtle hospital, handfeed cownose rays, and get insider insights at the reptile breeding facility. Learn more than you would on a regular visit.