Great things are happening on the Great Barrier Reef

Ocean Sentinels

The second stage of the southern hemisphere’s first underwater gallery, the Ocean Sentinels at the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA), opened in May 2023. Ocean Sentinels is artist Jason deCaires Taylor’s latest installation at John Brewer Reef off the coast of Townsville. Each of the eight sculptures are modelled off a leading marine scientist or one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most passionate advocates/conservationists and can be experienced by snorkelling or diving. MOUA is a series of large-scale underwater artworks that first opened in 2020 with the aim to connect art, conservation, science and tourism.

Earlier this year the world’s first publicly accessible living coral biobank facility, the Forever Reef Project, launched at Cairns Aquarium. Dedicated to preserving Great Barrier Reef coral biodiversity, the biobank is named after of John Rumney, Great Barrier Reef Legacy co-founder, conservationist and eco-tourism leader. Visitors to the aquarium can book a behind the scenes tour of the biobank to learn about coral conservation efforts on the Great Barrier Reef and see firsthand the world’s largest collection of hard corals. Meanwhile, just a 45 minute jaunt across the water, visitors to Fitzroy Island Resort, can help care for injured turtles while also contributing to Great Barrier Reef monitoring programs and the Reef Restoration Foundation’s coral restoration work. Also in Cairns, Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel have launched a monthly citizen science initiative called ‘Reef Recovery Days’ which sees guests assist marine biologists and Indigenous guides to assemble and attach the MARRS Reef Stars at Hastings Reef, promoting new coral growth.

2023 is the Year of Accessible Tourism in Queensland, and Quicksilver Dive in Port Douglas has become the first PADI Adaptive Service Facility in the state, and the only facility of its kind on the Great Barrier Reef, to hold this accreditation. Quicksilver Dive’s state-of-the-art diver training centre and PADI Adaptive Service Facility opens the world of diving to ocean-lovers of all abilities.

Whitsunday Explorer

The luminous waters of the Whitsundays has welcomed a new multi-day cruising experience on Explore Group’s Whitsunday Explorer. Ticking off a handful of the 74 island wonders plus iconic attractions, like Whitehaven Beach, the two-night experience includes overnight accommodation in one of 30 air-conditioned hotel sized rooms with private ensuite, all meals and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, use of water sport equipment and the opportunity to explore further with guided excursions from the boat.

Travellers wanting to turn up the adrenaline dial should head to the Capricorn coast where Funtastic Cruises high-speed boat, The Kraken, darts across the alluring waters of Keppel Bay. Whip across the waves, weaving through sandy channels, past secluded bays, and pristine beaches. Bookings open from November.

* Tourism and Events Queensland