Cairns ‘shark sleepover’

This item appears on page 65 of the November 2017 issue.

Holding more than 15,000 native saltwater and freshwater species, the Cairns Aquarium (163 Abbott St., Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Australia; phone +61 7 4044 7300, www.cairnsaquarium.com.au) opened in September. 

One feature is an acrylic tube in which visitors can sit and watch sharks and rays swim overhead. The tube leads to the Oceanarium, a 528,000-gallon, cylindrical acrylic tank full of sea life and encircled by a walkway. Aquarium hours are 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. AUD42 (near $33) adult, AUD34 senior or AUD28 child. 

Starting in December 2017, visitors can join a “Group Shark Sleepover” at the Oceaniarum, with dinner, breakfast and sleeping equipment included. Fifteen guests, minimum. AUD199 (near $156) adult or AUD149 child. Scheduled to start in 2018 are “Shark Snorkels & Dives,” with visitors actually entering the Oceanarium (cost not posted as of press time).