Reef HQ is the world's largest living coral reef aquarium and national reef education centre for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It is the only coral reef aquarium on the Queensland coast for visitors to experience the reef from a fish-eye-view.
Both a tourist attraction and an educational facility, Reef HQ boasts a range of displays and exhibits designed to stimulate visitors' curiosity so they learn about the Great Barrier Reef and leave eager to know more.
The huge aquarium acts as a window to the reef. This window reveals thousands of incredible fish and reef creatures. Even on a dive trip a visitor would rarely see so many creatures in such detail. The 20 metre long acrylic walk-through tunnel allows excellent viewing into the 750,000 litre predator exhibit. The wreck of the S.S. Yongala provides an eerie backdrop and is home to shark species such as the blacktip reef sharks; leopard and nurse sharks living together with stingrays, giant trevally and a green turtle. Watching them feed is quite a spectacle.
The tunnel also reveals a two and a half million litre coral reef exhibit (the largest in the world), with it's hard and soft corals, providing a home for the thousands of beautiful fish, giant clams, sea cucumbers, sea stars and other coral reef creatures.
Reef HQ is your opportunity to visit the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet, sunburnt or seasick.
CONTACT DETAILS
Phone:
07 4750 0800
Email: info@reefHQ.com.au
Web:
www.reefHQ.com.au
ENTRY INFORMATION
Open Times:
0930 to 1700 every day except Christmas Day.
Entry Costs:
| Entry | Cost | Valid From | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $24.75 | 01 Apr 08 - 31 Mar 09 | |
| Child (Aged 4-16) | $12.10 | 01 Apr 08 - 31 Mar 09 | Children under three years are free of charge. |
| Concession | $18.95 | 01 Apr 08 - 31 Mar 09 | Pensioners. |
| Family | $62.10 | 01 Apr 08 - 31 Mar 09 | Maximum of two adults and three children maximum |
| Student | $18.95 | 01 Apr 08 - 31 Mar 09 | Students studying full time |
FURTHER INFORMATION
Children: Special craft activities for children on weekends and school holiday programs free on admission to Reef HQ. Reef education programs available for groups all year round. (bookings necessary). Experience the reef at night with the Reef Sleep Program. Children of all ages welcome provided they are accompanied by an adult.
Disabled: Reef HQ is accessible for guests with a disability without assistance. Disabled toilet facilities and parking are available.
Entity Facilities
The waterside cafe offers a selection of light meals and coffee. The gift shop offers excellent range and value for souvenirs.
General Comments
During school holiday periods, children can join in on a range of exciting activities and programs. This is free with admission to Reef HQ. Children of all ages are welcome provided an adult accompanies them. Reef education programs are available for school groups all year round. Have you ever wondered what happens on the night shift? Experience the reef at night and find out! The Reef Sleep program is an exciting and safe way for students to observe the nocturnal habits of our reef creatures. Reef Sleep is available for groups of 20 students or more.
How to get There
Reef HQ is located in Flinders Street East, next door to the Museum of Tropical Queensland, and within easy walking distance from Flinders Mall and the Magnetic Island ferry terminals.
Reef HQ is approximately seven kilometres from Townsville Airport.
AWARDS
2006: North Queensland Tourism Awards - Visitor Enhancement Services.
ACCREDITATION & MEMBERSHIPS
