'Reef School' hits a milestone in Queensland

Great Barrier Reef Education Experience Program

More than 30,000 Queensland primary and secondary students have participated in subsidised 'Reef School' excursions through the Great Barrier Reef Education Experience Program, which launched in June 2021.

The program turns the Great Barrier Reef into Queensland's biggest and most beautiful classroom and was born as part of the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan. Since it started, there have been 621 reef trips, benefiting regional economies, tourism operators, students and the environment.

The Queensland Government's $3.5 million program provides subsidies up to $150 per student, supporting reef tourism operators by promoting education-based tourism. Key achievements include more than $16.6 million in excursion spending and 345 trips covering more than 499 kilometres.

The program delivers unique learning opportunities for students and positive impacts for students and operators. 

EXPLORE THE PROGRAM