Australia

Queensland

Townsville

Attractions

Reef HQ

Experience the world's largest living coral reef aquarium. No other aquarium in the world maintains a living coral reef ecosystem on such a scale. Reef HQ is a must see attraction in the Townsville region. With many amazing exhibits to explore, it’s the ultimate reef experience.

Reef HQ opened in Townsville in June 1987 and was built as a Bicentennial Commemorative project. Reef HQ was the brainchild of Dr. Graeme Kelleher, who wanted to create an example of the Great Barrier Reef on land, thereby making the reef accessible to everybody at a low cost, while aslo gaining community support for the protection of “the real thing”. Today, over 100, 000 people visit Reef HQ each year to get up close and personal with the reef, while staying dry.

Coral Reef Exhibit

The coral reef exhibit is the world’s largest coral reef aquarium and is home to over 130 coral species, 120 fish species and many hundred species of sea-stars, sea-urchins, sea-cucumbers, brittle stars, feather stars, snails, worms and sponges.

Predator Tank

Come face to face with reef sharks while giant stingrays gracefully glide above you as you walk through the predator tank at Reef HQ. The Predator Tank at Reef HQ is home to reef sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and large predatory fish such as Giant Trevally and Humphead Maori Wrasse. If you look past this amazing marine life you will see a replica bow section of the SS Yongala which is one of North Queensland’s most famous shipwrecks.

Reef Zone Exhibit

Begin your Reef HQ experience at the Reef Zone. Watch the big screen as it provides interesting facts and the latest information about the reef. The Reef Snapshot and Mangrove exhibits are special features of this zone, linking the land to the sea.

Water Zone Exhibit

Explore the Water Zone and discover the watery wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Find out how the sun and moon create tides, how waves influence the shape of coral formations, how currents mean survival for many of the reef's animals and a whole lot more.

The Water Zone will also give insight to the special equipment used by humans to explore the alien environment that is the deep blue sea. Also find out more on the intertidal zone and listen to underwater sounds of various marine animals.

Light Zone Exhibit

Sunlight is vital for the Great Barrier Reef to survive, beginning with tiny plants called zooxanthellae which live in the coral and use light to make substances that help the coral to survive and grow. Light is also important to reef animals which use their vibrant colours to commnuicate with other creatures. The Light Zone will help you appreciate the beauty of many colourful marine creatures.

Night Zone Exhibit

Experience night at the reef. When night time falls and the light disappears, many daytime animals rest, seeking shelter where they can, and sometimes occupying the same areas that are used by their nocturnal counterparts during the day.

Reef HQ Night Zone allows you to discover what mysterious nocturnal reef creatures get up to when the lights go out.

Food Zone Exhibit

Competition for food is a way of life on the Great Barrier Reef, and there are many mouths to feed. It is about eating and being eaten. Reef animals employ a variety of methods to avoid being eaten, and for obtaining their share of available food in this very competitive environment.

Reef creatures can be classified through the following feeding behaviours including: Herbivores, Omnivores, Corallivores, Carnivores and Planktivores. Find out more at Reef HQ.

Interactive Island Exhibit

Venture up to the 2nd floor of Reef HQ and discover a tropical island experience with full of hands-on exhibits designed to stimulate and excite people of all ages. The Interactive Island Exhibit allows you to discover, explore, touch and play, from above the waterline to below with a fish-eye view. Using reef vision, you can take a virtual dive, allowing you to get even closer to the Great Barrier Reef. You can also unravel some of the mysteries of life in the ocean by participating in our interactive experiments.

Hot Topics Exhibit

The Hot Topics area introduces the Venomous Creatures exhibit which displays dangerous animals including sea-snakes, stonefish and the lionfish.

Data Zone Exhibit

Another very important exhibit is the Data Zone which allows you to learn how the Great Barrier Reef is under pressure from human-induced and natural phenomena. Learn how we can help play a part in ensuring the Great Barrier Reef is protected for future generations.

Related Attractions

• The Great Barrier Reef

• Palm Islands

• Magnetic Island

Information

Best time of year to go

Open Times: 9.30am to 5.00pm
All year round except Christmas Day.

What to take

• Camera

Useful information

• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Reef HQ is within easy walking distance from Flinders Mall or the Magnetic Island ferry terminal.

Downloads

DOWNLOAD
Reef HQ Location Map

Facilities

Toilets

Disabled facilities

Bus and taxi service

Parking

Children's playgrounds

Cafe

Information available

Contact Details

Reef HQ Townsville

+61 (0)7 4750 0800

+61 (0)7 4772 5281

info@reefhq.com.au

2-68 Flinders St, Townsville QLD 4810

www.reefhq.com.au

Location

View Larger Map

Reef HQ is located at 2-68 Flinders St. Townsville QLD 4810 Australia. It is next to the Museum of Tropical Queensland and is in easy walking distance from Flinders Mall or the Magnetic Island ferry terminal. Reef HQ is approximately seven kilometres from Townsville Airport.

DOWNLOAD
Reef HQ Location Map

About

Reef HQ allows you to immerse yourself underwater to discover the beauty and wonders of the Great Barier Reef. Reef HQ has many impressive displays and exhibits which allow you to admire and learn about different aspects of the Great Barrier Reef.

The largest exhibit is a 2½ million-litre tank, home to over 130 hard and soft coral species, 120 fish species and many hundred species of sea stars, sea-urchins, giant clams, sea-cucumbers, brittle stars, feather stars, snails, worms and sponges. The tank environment is designed to simulate a natural reef ecosystem.

One of the more popular exhibits is the 750,000-litre Predator tank which is bisected by an Underwater Discovery Tunnel allowing you to get up close to reef sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and large predatory fish such as Giant Trevally and Humphead Maori Wrasse.

There is much more at Reef HQ....

• Many Exhibits

• Impressive Displays

• Interactive Displays

• Touch Tanks

• Thousands of marine animals

• Full daily programme of talks and tour

• Waterside cafe

• Children's Playground

• Children's Craft Activities

• School Holiday Programs

• Reef education Programs

• Reef Sleep, (View the Reef at Night)

• Gift Shop

• Disabled Access

Gallery