Great Barrier Reef Aquarium

Australia’s National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef

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. Stay in the loop on all the latest news here.

A revitalised Aquarium will provide:

  • An iconic identity within Townville city: The building will stand as a landmark destination in Townsville's CBD - an enduring symbol of its history, beloved reputation and source of pride for the community.  

  • 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 international 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

  • 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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