Great Barrier Reef Aquarium

Great Barrier Reef Aquarium Great Barrier Reef Aquarium is currently closed for transformation. Please visit our website for information.
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One of the richest, most complex and diverse ecosystems in the world, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park begins at the tip of Cape York in Queensland and extends south to Bundaberg. The area is larger than Victoria and Tasmania combined and stretches more than 2300km along the north-east coast of Australia. Located on Flinders Street East, Reef HQ Aquarium is an easy walk from Townsville's C*D, The Strand and Magnetic Island ferry terminal.

Once a year, the Great Barrier Reef puts on one of nature’s most remarkable displays. Following cues from rising water t...
14/10/2026

Once a year, the Great Barrier Reef puts on one of nature’s most remarkable displays.

Following cues from rising water temperatures, lunar cycles and sunset, many corals release tiny bundles of eggs and s***m into the water at the same time. The bundles float towards the surface, where fertilisation can take place and the next generation of coral begins.

Usually occurring over several nights in late spring or early summer, coral spawning can transform the water into an underwater snow globe.

The spectacle may be brief, but it plays an important role in the Reef’s renewal, resilience and biodiversity.

10/10/2026

The impact of education isn’t always visible in the moment.

Sometimes, it reveals itself years later through a familiar face, a chosen career or someone who remembers the moment their curiosity became a passion.

We’re so proud to be a part in shaping the future.

As summer approaches, some very special visitors will begin making their way onto beaches along the Great Barrier Reef 🐢...
09/10/2026

As summer approaches, some very special visitors will begin making their way onto beaches along the Great Barrier Reef 🐢

Female marine turtles return to the region where they hatched, hauling themselves above the high-tide line to dig a nest and lay their eggs before returning to the sea.

Nesting generally occurs from October through to March, with tiny hatchlings emerging later in the season and making their first journey towards the ocean.

It’s an incredible cycle that has continued for millions of years and an important reminder to give nesting turtles plenty of space, keep beaches clean and limit artificial light near nesting areas.

06/10/2026

The impact of education isn’t always visible in the moment.

Sometimes, it reveals itself years later through a familiar face, a chosen career or someone who remembers the moment when their curiosity shifts to a passion with a side of purpose.

Like Julie, we’re so proud to be a part of shaping the future and inspiring the next generation of Reef guardians.

And if you haven't met Julie yet, scroll back to meet one of our longest standing team members.

Today is World Animal Day, a time to recognise the extraordinary animals with whom we share our planet and the role we a...
04/10/2026

Today is World Animal Day, a time to recognise the extraordinary animals with whom we share our planet and the role we all play in protecting them.

From the smallest organisms to the largest marine creatures, every animal contributes to the balance and biodiversity of our natural world.

By learning more about animals, respecting their habitats and making thoughtful choices, we can help create a future where wildlife and people thrive together.

Growing the future of tropical reef education 🎓 🪸 Behind the scenes, young corals are being carefully monitored and care...
02/10/2026

Growing the future of tropical reef education 🎓 🪸

Behind the scenes, young corals are being carefully monitored and cared for as they develop into larger, more complex colonies, ready to bring the redeveloped Great Barrier Reef Aquarium to life.

Look at the growth of this little fella!

What a month it's been celebrating Biodiversity! 🌏 Did you know Australia is one of only 17 'mega-diverse' countries on ...
30/09/2026

What a month it's been celebrating Biodiversity! 🌏

Did you know Australia is one of only 17 'mega-diverse' countries on the planet? That means we're part of an elite club covering less than 10% of Earth's surface but home to a whopping 70% of the world's biodiversity!

Take our stunning Great Barrier Reef – from tiny, microscopic plankton to massive coral bommies bigger than cars, every single species plays a starring role in keeping this underwater wonderland thriving!

Whether you're big, small, scaly, furry, or have fins... every species matters!

Thanks for celebrating with us this Biodiversity Month. Let's keep protecting our incredible planet's precious diversity all year round! 🐢🪸

27/09/2026

Many people know the Aquarium. Julie helped shape it.

As one of our longest-serving team members, Julie has seen the Aquarium evolve through many chapters, with her own role growing and changing along the way. 🥰

Our animals are thriving! 🐠🏡💙Since moving our fish and corals from the Coral Reef Exhibit to custom-built systems at the...
26/09/2026

Our animals are thriving! 🐠🏡💙

Since moving our fish and corals from the Coral Reef Exhibit to custom-built systems at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, we're thrilled to report that our little creatures continue to be happy and healthy thanks to the dedicated care from our expert Curatorial team. 🌊✨

Tell us, what was your favourite animal to see at the Aquarium?

The clown unicornfish (Naso lituratus) is absolutely slaying with those looks🔥Those bold orange lips aren't just for sho...
23/09/2026

The clown unicornfish (Naso lituratus) is absolutely slaying with those looks🔥

Those bold orange lips aren't just for show. They're actually a signature feature exclusive to this species, making them easy to spot in the wild. 💋

Definitely one of our favourites.

Address

2-68 Flinders Street
Townsville, QLD
4810

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 9pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 10am - 9pm
Saturday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Sunday 9:30am - 5:30pm

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