
Night at the Aquarium Tour
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 108 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Night at the Aquarium Tour worth booking?
Night at the Aquarium Tour is a 1.5-hour experience in Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia, from $64 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 108 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (108)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $64 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- 1.5 hour guided night tour with a wildlife educator
- Exclusive after hours Aquarium entry
What you'll see and do
Cairns Aquarium
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.
Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cairns Aquarium
5 Florence Street, Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Australia
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Cairns Aquarium · 5 Florence Street, Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Australia
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cairns Aquarium
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 108 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
108 verified traveler reviews for Night at the Aquarium Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing
Our guide was lovely and very informative. The aquarium was amazing! So much to see. Was very clean and tidy. Highly recommend doing the night tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you for leaving us a five star review!
via Tripadvisor
Night at the Aquarium
The staff were friendly and the guide was amazing, she was knowledgeable and passionate. The displays were very clean and the signage was great. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you for this beautiful review we are very pleased to hear you had a wonderful time!
via Tripadvisor
Great experience
Very informative and great to be in a small group. Shame there were no octopus or larger turtles.
Response from the operator: Thank you for leaving us a review. We have sea turtles that are in care at our sea turtle hospital, they are all recovering from a variety of illnesses and injuries and are in our care until they will be returned back into the ocean!
via Tripadvisor
A great night tour
What a beautiful made aquarium. We booked the night at the aquarium tour and learned so much. The group size was small , 20 people, so it’s perfect to see the animals and listen at the same time without problems. The passion and enthusiasm of our guide Shanen (sorry if spelled wrong!) was contagious. All the animals have names - and it’s obvious the people taking care of them really care for them. If you want to find out what keystone species are and why the systems collapse without them , go and find out on a tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you for leaving us a five star review on your evening tour! We are so pleased to hear you had a wonderful time!
via Tripadvisor
Fabulous tour
What a fabulous experience on the nightime tour with such a great guide as Michael. We all learnt so many interesting facts about the sea creatures.
Response from the operator: Thank you for leaving us a five star review! We will be sure to pass on your kinds message to Micheal
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Price range
- $64 to $91
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 38
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Cairns Aquarium, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.1.
See everything Cairns Aquarium runsWhy this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Night at the Aquarium Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cairns & the Tropical North.
How much does Night at the Aquarium Tour cost?
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Prices start at $64 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cairns & the Tropical North usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Night at the Aquarium Tour take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cairns & the Tropical North is not rushed.
Is Night at the Aquarium Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 108 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cairns & the Tropical North, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Night at the Aquarium Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Night at the Aquarium Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Night at the Aquarium Tour?
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Around 38 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cairns & the Tropical North can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cairns & the Tropical North and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Night at the Aquarium Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cairns & the Tropical North within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cairns & the Tropical North?
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On Outty we rank every Cairns & the Tropical North experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Fun, Falls and Forest Day Trip from Cairns, Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran, Tully River Full-Day Rafting: Cairns, Mission Beach or Self-Drive. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cairns & the Tropical North?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cairns & the Tropical North?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Night at the Aquarium Tour?
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Included: 1.5 hour guided night tour with a wildlife educator; and Exclusive after hours Aquarium entry. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Night at the Aquarium Tour?
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The experience starts at Cairns Aquarium, 5 Florence Street, Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Australia. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Night at the Aquarium Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Night at the Aquarium Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Night at the Aquarium Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Night at the Aquarium Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cairns & the Tropical North. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Night at the Aquarium Tour?
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Across 108 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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