Even if you’re heading offshore, spending a couple of hours at the impressive Cairns Aquarium (cairnsaquarium.com.au; adult/child $58/33) deepens your understanding of the reef and its challenges. Its vast tanks and immersive displays trace north Queensland’s ecosystems. Highlights include the giant ocean tank, shark tunnel and reptiles – big and small! Free talks are held throughout the day and guided twilight (adult/child $85/49) and after-dark (adult/child $85/49) visits shine a different light.
There's an excellent restaurant here with its own aquarium.
