Cairns Aquarium
ProHighlights
- A children's birthday package covers a 1.5-hour guided treasure hunt for six children and two adults, with gifts for the birthday child
- After-hours tours at twilight or after dark can finish with dinner at Squires Loft, the aquatic-themed restaurant on site
- Function rooms in the Oceanarium and Deep Reef areas hold up to 150 guests standing, with an optional private tour
About Cairns Aquarium
Cairns Aquarium recreates the waterways of Tropical North Queensland, tracing water from the rainforest ranges through rivers, mangroves and lagoons out to the reef and the Coral Sea. Around 16,000 animals live across ten ecosystems, and a 20-metre tunnel links the 1.5-million-litre Oceanarium with a ten-metre-tall Deep Reef exhibit. Most people spend 1.5 to 2 hours inside. For children's birthdays, the party package is a 1.5-hour guided treasure hunt for two adults and six children aged 3 to 14. It comes with a birthday card, a tattoo sticker for each child, a small gift and a hidden treasure that the birthday child finds as the hunt wraps up. Parties start between 9.30am and 2pm, Monday to Saturday, and extra guests can be added. Adult groups have more options. The Aquarium by Twilight and Night at the Aquarium tours explore the exhibits after closing with a guide and can end with dinner at Squires Loft, the restaurant on site. For corporate and private functions, the Oceanarium and Deep Reef rooms take up to 150 guests cocktail style or 80 seated, the restaurant seats up to 140, and drinks packages can be combined with an exclusive guided tour, with each function quoted on request.
Inclusions & amenities
Activity type
Price range (per person)
Setting
Ages
Pricing
Party bookings need 72 hours' notice to cancel for a full refund.
Food
Beverages
Availability
What's Included
Frequently asked questions
What does the children's birthday party package include?
The $510 package covers two adults and six children on a 1.5-hour guided treasure hunt tour, plus a birthday card, a tattoo sticker for every child, a small gift and a surprise treasure for the birthday child.
Can more guests join a birthday party?
Yes. Extra adults aged 15 and over are $61 each, extra children aged 3 to 14 are $35 and infants up to two years old come free. Parties run Monday to Saturday with start times from 9.30am to 2pm.
Can the aquarium host a corporate or private function?
Yes. The Oceanarium and Deep Reef rooms suit up to 150 guests standing or 80 seated, and Squires Loft seats up to 140. Two or three-hour drinks packages are offered, with an optional exclusive after-hours tour.
Is there an evening experience for adult groups?
Yes. Aquarium by Twilight is a two-hour guided after-hours tour starting at 3.15pm, Monday to Saturday, with an optional three-course dinner. Night at the Aquarium runs from 6pm to 7.30pm and is followed by dinner.
Is there a dress code?
Visitors need to wear a shirt and footwear at all times. Pets are not allowed inside, although service animals are admitted with legal documentation and an identification jacket.
Where we are
Suitable occasions
Lisa's Reviews
3 weeks ago
This is the best aquarium experience! It didn't smell (most do) was really clean, informative and there was a lot to see. Give yourself a good couple of hours to go through.
Nilakshana De Silva
a month ago
Had a wonderful visit to Cairns Aquarium with my wife. We really enjoyed exploring the aquarium and seeing the amazing marine life up close. Everything was beautifully presented, clean and well maintained, and there was…
Rebecca Knox
4 months ago
Did the Night at the Aquarium tour 13/7/26. Shem was our guide and she was so knowledgeable! The tour was great - very informative, and it was special to see the sea life after hours. I’d definitely recommend, but not fo…
Heath Gow
4 months ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We recently visited the Cairns Aquarium and took part in the Night at the Aquarium guided tour, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience. The tour was incredibly informative, with knowledgeable guides providi…
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