We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 93 Cairns Attractions »

Cairns Wildlife Dome

35 - 41 Wharf St, Cairns, Queensland 4870, Australia
07 40 317 250
Ranked #18 of 23 attractions in Cairns
3.5 of 5 stars 72 Reviews
Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Activities: Backpacking, Dining, Hiking, Snorkelling, Biking, Drinking, Scuba diving, City walk sightseeing, Group tours/train, Shopping
Traveller Description: Cairns Wildlife Dome is an all-weather wildlife exhibit enclosed by a 20 metre high glass dome on top of Cairns' iconic Reef Hotel Casino. You’ll be... more »
Useful Information: Activities for young children
Update attraction details
Write a Review

72 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    15
    24
    23
    9
    1
Date Rating
Townsville, Australia
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 May 2012

Loved the Wildlife Dome. Kids thought it was great. Very tranquil and great experience. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by Melissakmh for Cairns
Adelaide
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

This is a very small area with a few Australian animals. It is probably more aimed at international tourists who haven't seen a Koala or Crocodile. The entry ticket is good for 3 consecutive days so we popped in each day to catch one of the set shows such as the the bird show or the snake talk. You'd be... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by MonicaAdelaide for Cairns
Brandywine, Maryland
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2012

We took a quick tour around the Dome. It was an opportunity to be up close and personal with the wildlife as most of the animals (except the crocodile) were free. Saw so many pretty exotic birds. And the highlight of the trip, the koala cuddling experience for a small fee. Loved it!! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
North Bay ON
2 reviews
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2012

We went to the dome to see some of Australia's animals and birds. The birds were free flying which was nice as we got to feed them up close, but overall the Dome is a bit sad. It's small, it was being renovated when we were there, and some of the enclosures are small and dingy. We did get to... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Chantilly, Virginia
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 April 2012

We were able to join the guide while she fed the birds. Nice to be able to hold a Koala for a photo without spending the whole day away. You only need one hour (at most) to explore the dome. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by tinchantilly for Cairns
Melbourne
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 April 2012

Thought what a wonderful idea - see some wildlife in central Cairns. Very dissapointing! The koala enclosure looked very sad indeed - while they may live in trees a hard, bare concrete floor does nothing to enhance the enclosure. Thought it was over-priced for what it was. The whole place needs a total upgrade and SOON! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by Pamela P for Cairns
Ben Woodward, Manager at Cairns Wildlife Dome, responded to this review
23 April 2012

We’re sorry to hear some disappointment expressed with the Dome. We are in the process of upgrading the attraction – the Dome is currently closed whilst construction work is being undertaken for the Cairns ZOOm, our new ropes adventure course opening in mid-2012. We envisage that the inconvenience caused by the current construction will be short-lived and worth it when... More

Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 April 2012

great in middle of cairns to see koala and croc etc, but very run down and a bit expensive at $22 each adult More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by David W for Cairns
Pensacola, Florida
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 April 2012

The wildlife dome is somewhat small but it would be an excellent place to take children. You can get your picture taken with a Koala. They also have talks on different animals, allow you to feed the birds and touch snakes. Younger children would love this place. It is a great rainy day activity and the admission ticket allows for... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by DebP123 for Cairns
Sydney. Australia
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2012

On entering the dome I was taken back. Firstly there was construction that appeared to be underway for a long time. The whole place looked dirty and very tired and all the animals looked very sad. The main birds were pigeons and the poor lizards were in very small glass boxes. the croc was way too big for it enclosure... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Ben Woodward, Manager at Cairns Wildlife Dome, responded to this review
25 April 2012

We're sorry to hear of your disappointment with the Cairns Wildlife Dome. We are in the process of upgrading the attraction, with construction work is being undertaken for the Cairns ZOOm, our new ropes adventure course opening in mid-2012. We envisage that the inconvenience caused by the current construction will be short-lived and worth it when this exciting new activity... More

england
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2012

Worth a visit if it is raining as you are indoors. Ticket allows you to re enter another day. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by waddi for Cairns

Travellers who viewed Cairns Wildlife Dome also viewed

Cairns Esplanade Swimming Lagoon
4.5 of 5 stars 328 Reviews
Cairns, Cairns Region
Atherton Tablelands
4.5 of 5 stars 83 Reviews
Cairns, Cairns Region
 
Tablelands, Waterfalls, and Spanish Castle
5 of 5 stars 25 Reviews
Cairns, Cairns Region
Kuranda, Coach, and Skyrail Tour
4.5 of 5 stars 11 Reviews
Cairns, Cairns Region
 

Been to Cairns Wildlife Dome? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Cairns Wildlife Dome, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing