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.

Have your say here

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

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 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is in negotiations with the Port of Townsville Limited, regarding a new lease for the current site on which the Aquarium stands. 

  • Funding is secure. The Australian Government has invested a total of $180.1 million to redevelop the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, Australia’s National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef. 

  • The Reef Authority has secured all necessary Federal capital works approvals to deliver Australia’s National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium. We look forward to progressing this nationally significant project once all local development approvals are granted.   

  • We are working towards reopening in 2029. 

  • Federal approvals are secure and the Reef Authority is looking forward to progressing the project once all local (Port of Townsville Limited and Townsville City Council) development approvals are granted.

  • The original Aquarium (formerly Reef HQ) still exists and was not demolished. The adjacent buildings, including the iMax Theatre, Cultural Centre and office accommodation, were removed from the land between the Aquarium and the Queensland Museum Tropics.  

  • The welfare of all animals from 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. Our animals will remain here, cared for by our team of expert Curatorial staff, until such time we can bring them home, adding life to our Aquarium once again. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn to get a behind the scenes peak and regular updates on our animals.  

  • As the Reef Authority is a Commonwealth agency, it is subject to the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs) to conduct its procurement activities. The CPRs set out particular requirements to ensure that its procurement processes are appropriately competitive so the Reef Authority can achieve the best value for money outcome for the Commonwealth which includes ensuring all suppliers receive the same information. The Reef Authority uses AusTender to publish any relevant approaches to market inviting potential suppliers to participate in its procurements AusTender Website

    Alternatively please email procurement@gbrmpa.gov.au

  • For all career opportunities visit Reef Authority Careers  

    For information on Reef education programs and virtual learning experiences (webinars) email education@gbrmpa.gov.au  

    For all other general enquiries email info@greatbarrierreefaquarium.au  

  • 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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