About Us

Reef HQ is the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium and is a must see attraction in the Townsville region. Reef HQ was built as a Bicentennial Commemorative project and opened in Townsville on 24th June 1987.

Reef HQ is the Reef Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. The mission of Reef HQ is “to inspire all to care for the future of the Great Barrier Reef.”

Reef HQ Aquarium is proud to be recognised as an Eco-certified operator with Ecotourism Australia. Ecotourism is ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.

The Aquarium was the brainchild of Dr. Graeme Kelleher, a former chairperson of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, who wanted to create an example of the Great Barrier Reef on land. Making the reef accessible to everybody at a low cost and thereby gain community support for the protection of “the real thing”. Today, over 100 000 visitors come to Reef HQ each year to get up close and personal with the reef, while staying dry.

Reef HQ has been recognised on many occasions as being an tourism industry leader that provides a high quality reef experience to all who visit and enjoy the beauty and wonder of the Great Barrier Reef.