Great Barrier Reef Aquarium

Australia’s National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef Aquarium is on track to open in 2029.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is committed to redeveloping the National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef and continue to offer people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to access the Reef on land with the world’s largest living tropical reef aquarium.

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Have your say

For more than three decades, the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium has welcomed millions of visitors from around the world and just around the corner, to experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef.

Now the Aquarium is undergoing a once-in-a-generation redevelopment, and we invite you to have your say.

If you could design an interactive exhibit that celebrates the Reef and its unique creatures, what would it be?

Contact us and share your ideas on what you would like to see, hear, and feel in the new Aquarium.

An exciting new era

Redeveloping the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, first opened in June 1987, will bring numerous benefits to Townsville North Queensland. The iconic facility will be a place maker in the heart of our CBD, serving as an enduring symbol of Townville’s rich history and international reputation for Reef education and source of great pride for the community. 

Visitors can look forward to world-class living exhibitions and immersive, interactive experiences that will educate and inspire action to protect the Reef.

The project is being designed with operational efficiency and sustainability in mind, ensuring a contemporary facility and strong return on investment for the Australian public.

Additionally, the project will enhance employment prospects, marine science education opportunities and various career pathways for the people of Townville and North Queensland.   

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

  • The new-look Great Barrier Reef Aquarium is on track to open in 2029 however we're taking all necessary steps to fast track that timeline where possible. We will be providing regular updates as key milestones are reached.

  • The welfare of all animals that lived at the Aquarium remains our highest priority. We worked with several industry partners across Queensland to rehome some of the larger animals, and we've relocated fish and corals from the Coral Reef Exhibit to purpose-built systems located on site at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, where they will remain, cared for by our team of expert Curatorial staff, until such time we can bring them home again to bring the Aquarium’s new exhibits to life. For a sneak peek behind the scenes on our animals please follow our social media channels.

  • Plans are being developed, however as a Commonwealth agency we must gain approval for designs and how we plan to spend public funding first. We hope to receive this approval by the end of 2025. Plus, just like building a new house or putting up a few extensions we need to seek development approval from the Council. Commencing construction will be a very exciting milestone, and we’ll be sharing key dates and updates with our stakeholders and the community as we progress.

  • Our goal is to ensure designs reflect both our vision for Australia’s National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef and incorporate learnings we've taken on board from the original Aquarium including your feedback.

    We've undertaken considerable market research, and that knowledge is valuable to the design process.

    We're also investigating what can be repurposed from early works we’ve already done to support sustainability and drive cost effectiveness. Once finalised, we will release further concepts.  

  • Caring for sick and injured marine life has always played a critical part of our work at the Aquarium and our conservation efforts for the Reef. We're looking at ways to incorporate a Turtle Hospital into designs to ensure this important work continues. 

  • 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. 

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