MythBusters: Debunking common myths swirling about the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium

The Great Barrier Reef Aquarium closed its doors to the public in February 2021 to undergo a significant redevelopment. In the wake of the closure, a number of myths have circulated. Here are the facts to bust some of the common myths and update you on what's really happening behind the scenes. 

Myth 1: The Aquarium was demolished, and the site is abandoned. 

Reality: The original 38-year-old Aquarium building remains standing on Kelleher Place and has not been demolished, nor abandoned. 

What has been removed are adjacent structures—buildings located on the former Wonderland site, including the IMAX Theatre, office spaces, and the Cultural Centre. These were cleared to improve visitor access during early works. The Aquarium itself remains intact and is central to the exciting redevelopment plans now in motion. 

Myth 2: They still need more money, and it will never reopen. 

Reality: The Aquarium has funding security and on track to be delivered in 2029. As a publicly funded capital works project, the facility is subject to rigorous planning, approvals, and accountability. 

While the process may appear slow, we can reassure you that all steps are being taken to fast track the redevelopment project where we can, while also ensuring public funds are managed responsibly and effectively. 

The road to reopening is an exciting one, filled with transformation, innovation, and a deep commitment to deliver a world-class Aquarium the Townsville community can be proud of. 

Myth 3: Nothing is happening behind the scenes.  

Reality: A lot is already underway—even if it's not yet visible to the public. While full-scale construction hasn’t begun, key groundwork is progressing steadily. Planning, design development, and necessary government approvals are critical first steps in a major public infrastructure project like this. 

Now with funding certainty, thanks to the latest funding under the Townsville City Deal, the Aquarium team is currently working closely with technical experts and various stakeholders to finalise designs. These foundational efforts are what will make the physical build possible and successful.  

Myth 4: The animals are gone and relocated permanently. 

Reality: Animal welfare remains the top priority for the team at the Aquarium. When operations paused, a detailed and carefully planned effort was made to ensure every animal and coral received ongoing expert care in a new location. Larger animals were rehomed through partnerships with leading Queensland facilities, while smaller fish and corals from the Coral Reef Exhibit and Colours Tank were transferred temporarily to purpose-built systems at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). 

These creatures are under the watchful care of the Aquarium’s skilled curatorial staff, and the long-term plan is to propagate corals and breed fish to commission new exhibits once the facility is ready. This temporary arrangement ensures not only their survival but their thriving—ready to amaze visitors once again in the future. 

So, while the myths abound, the truth is even better—the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium is coming back stronger, smarter, and more spectacular than ever connecting all visitors to the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef.