Cairns Aquarium Behind-the-Scenes Tour & Stingray Feeding

Explore Cairns Aquarium at your own pace, then join a wildlife educator for a shared encounter beyond the public exhibits. Go behind the scenes to discover another side of the aquarium and take part in guided animal feeding.

• Discover how sick and injured sea turtles are cared for and rehabilitated at the onsite turtle hospital

Itinerary

1. 11:30: Begin your self-guided exploration of Cairns Aquarium.
2. 12:45: Meet a wildlife educator at Cairns Aquarium for a guided tour.
3. 13:00: Handfeed the cownose stingrays with the curatorial team.
4. 13:30: Explore behind the scenes on a guided tour, feed the giant freshwater species, and visit the Cairns Turtle Hospital.
5. 15:00: Finish your experience at Cairns Aquarium.

What's Included

• Cairns Aquarium admission
• English-speaking wildlife educator and guided behind-the-scenes tour
• Turtle hospital visit
• River Monsters scatter feeding
• Cownose stingray hand-feeding, with a souvenir gift substituted for children under 12

Important details

• Children aged 0–14 require a paying adult and must remain supervised by a parent, guardian, or caregiver. Ages 0–2 go free; ages 15+ use the adult rate.
• Stingray hand-feeding is for ages 12+ and requires kneeling.
• The behind-the-scenes guided tour is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible. The self-guided aquarium areas are accessible.
• If you cannot walk onto the turtle hospital viewing deck, you can see the turtles through a viewing window.
• Companion Cards are not accepted for this experience.
• Keep your voice low, do not touch the animals or enclosure contents, and feed animals only during the guided feeding activities. Walk carefully without running; floors may be wet.
• You may be refused participation without a refund if you appear intoxicated.
• The experience runs Monday–Saturday. Arrive 15 minutes before the start time.