The Great Barrier Reef Aquarium

Australia’s National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef in Townsville, North Queensland

Since opening its doors in 1987, the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium (formerly Reef HQ) has welcomed millions of visitors from around the world to experience one of the world’s most iconic ecosystems, the Great Barrier Reef, without getting wet.

The award-winning centre has opened many hearts and minds to an amazing world filled with thousands of charismatic marine creatures, and the stunning biodiversity of the Reef thanks to the world's largest living coral reef aquarium and other exhibits replicating the Reef on the land.

The Aquarium is currently closed to the public to undergo a significant redevelopment to educate future generations about the Great Barrier Reef and how to protect it.

A revitalised Aquarium will provide:

  • An iconic identity within Townville city: Engaging way-finder architecture in Townsville’s city heart.

  • Revitalised exhibits and engaging public areas: World-class living exhibitions complemented by immersive and interactive guest experiences.

  • Efficient and sustainable operations: Maximising return on investment and activating a range of new on-site economic opportunities.

  • Tourism (including EduTourism): Increased visitation from local, regional, national and internation points-of-origin will deliver direct and dispersed economic benefits to Townsville and surrounding regions.

  • Employment: Generate improved employment and career pathway opportunities within the Townsville region.

  • Education, research and conservation: Expand Townsville’s STEM education offerings, including delivery of research and education to enhance ocean literacy and support Reef protection actions.

Marine life on the move

Relocating the Coral Reef Exhibit

The Great Barrier Reef Aquarium has successfully completed the relocation of fish and corals from the world’s largest living coral reef exhibit to the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) over several months in preparation for its redevelopment.  

These animals will be returned to the Aquarium to support the commissioning of new living exhibits and reduce the need for wild-stock collection.

Watch all the behind-the-scenes activity of moving hundreds fish and corals from the Aquarium to their temporary home at AIMS. Press play to watch the behind-the-scenes video.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Now with funding certainty the Reef Authority is aiming for full project completion within 3 to 5 years once final approvals are given. Every effort will be made to accelerate the delivery timeline where possible.

    We wish to thank the Queensland community for its support for this beloved facility and look forward to providing project updates in due course.

  • Majority of our animals have been relocated to other facilities and our partners across Queensland.

    All fish and corals from our premier Coral Reef Exhibit have been relocated to systems within the National Sea Simulator at the Australian Institute of Marine Science and will remain here until the time comes to commission the new Aquarium.

  • The original 37-year-old building has not been demolished. Adjacent buildings located on the former Wonderland site, including the IMAX Theatre, office space, and the Cultural Centre, were removed in preparation for capital works to occur.

  • The Reef Authority’s education team are hosting regular virtual learning experiences with local schools, nationally and internationally.

    The team continues to offer an extensive range of educational resources and programs, so everyone has access to information on how they can See the Reef, Love the Reef and Protect the Reef.

    Please visit the ReefEd portal to access some of the terrific education materials available.

  • If you are a member of the media and are interested in learning more about the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, please contact the Reef Authority media team on (07) 4750 0846 or email: media@gbrmpa.gov.au.