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Wildlife & Nature Experiences in Cairns City & Inner Suburbs

Dolphin Swims, Animal Encounters and Eco Tours

See what's on offer for wildlife & nature experiences, then reach out – free, direct.

Category: Wildlife & Nature ExperiencesLocation: Cairns City & Inner SuburbsListing: 1

Compare Cairns City & Inner Suburbs Wildlife Experiences

Choosing an Animal Encounter

For a wildlife outing without leaving the city centre, Cairns Aquarium recreates the waterways of Tropical North Queensland under one roof. Around 16,000 animals live across ten ecosystems, from rainforest streams to a ten-metre-tall Deep Reef exhibit.

It works for three quite different groups: a child's birthday, an adults' evening, and a corporate or private function.

How the aquarium handles each kind of booking:

  • Children's birthdays run as a 1.5-hour guided treasure hunt for six children aged 3 to 14 and two adults.
  • The birthday child gets a card, a small gift and the hidden treasure at the end, and every child receives a tattoo sticker.
  • Parties start between 9.30am and 2pm, Monday to Saturday, and extra guests can be added.
  • Adult groups can take the Aquarium by Twilight or Night at the Aquarium tour and finish with dinner at Squires Loft.
  • Visits are listed from $61 per person, and functions are quoted on request.
Cairns City & Inner Suburbs Wildlife & Nature Experiences
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A treasure-hunt party at the aquarium

  • The hunt is guided, so a staff member leads the children through the exhibits rather than parents running it.
  • The 20-metre tunnel between the Oceanarium and the Deep Reef is part of the building the children explore.
  • With a base package for six children, ask the per-child cost of adding more friends.
  • Most people spend 1.5 to 2 hours inside, so plan any cake or food stop around that.

Evening functions beside the tanks

  • The Oceanarium and Deep Reef rooms take up to 150 cocktail style or 80 seated.
  • Squires Loft, the aquatic-themed restaurant on site, seats up to 140.
  • Drinks packages can be combined with an exclusive guided tour for your guests.
  • Being indoors, it is a sound wet-season choice when outdoor wildlife plans look shaky.

Common Questions About Meeting the Animals

What ages suit the Cairns Aquarium birthday package?

The treasure hunt is for children aged 3 to 14, with six children and two adults in the base package.

Can adults book an after-hours visit?

Yes. The Aquarium by Twilight and Night at the Aquarium tours run after closing with a guide, and can end with dinner at Squires Loft.

How many guests can a function in the Oceanarium take?

The Oceanarium and Deep Reef rooms hold up to 150 cocktail style or 80 seated.

Which days do the kids' parties run?

Monday to Saturday, with start times between 9.30am and 2pm.

Occasions perfect for wildlife & nature experiences

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