Great Barrier Reef Aquarium
The Great Barrier Reef Aquarium (the Aquarium) is currently being transformed into a global destination for tropical reef education.
The Aquarium is nestled in the city of Townsville, Queensland and is the Australian Government’s National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef. The Aquarium highlights the intrinsic cultural, natural and heritage values of this world heritage listed natural wonder. It is also home to a leading marine turtle rehabilitation hospital.
The Aquarium boasts the world’s largest living coral reef exhibit and features an open roof environment, allowing the thousands of charismatic creatures that call the coral reef exhibit home to mirror the cycles of the Reef and experience natural phenomena, such as coral spawning.
Built in 1987, the Aquarium provides everyone with an opportunity to enjoy the wonders of the Reef. A recent decision has been made for the Aquarium to undergo a transformation and work is underway to design a new state-of-the-art multi-million dollar attraction.
The transformed Aquarium will include living exhibits, cultural connection, sustainability, as well as multi-sensory immersive and bespoke experiences that invoke emotion, creates a connection to the Great Barrier Reef and leaves guests with a lifetime of memorable moments.
Serving as the window to the Reef, the Aquarium stands as a key pillar of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s outreach and education programs, allowing guests to learn about the Reef, it’s management and conservation.
Stay up to date with our transformation.
High Standard Tourism Operators
When choosing a tourism operator for your guest itinerary to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, consider selecting a High Standard Tourism Operator who operates ecologically sustainably, delivering high-quality reef experiences.
These operators help to protect and present the Marine Park to a consistently high standard. They are recognised by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority for their commitment and dedication to showcasing and preserving the Reef.
These operators are independently certified by environmental certification schemes, Ecotourism Australia and Earth Check, as part of the High Standard Tourism Operator program requirements.
Master Reef Guides on the Great Barrier Reef
Master Reef Guides strive to be the world’s leading reef guides and interpreters, sharing the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
As reef ambassadors, they impart up-to-date scientific and management information about the reef and explain what people can do to make a difference.
There are currently 102 Master Reef Guides located across the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, from the Ribbon Reefs in the north to Lady Elliot Island in the southern Great Barrier Reef. Master Reef Guides are located throughout the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and information about their locations and professional expertise is profiled here.
