MUSEUM OF UNDERWATER ART
Inspiring Reef Conversations
Great Barrier Reef, Townsville & Magnetic Island
Installations
The are dozens of underwater art installations including the Coral Greenhouse, which holds the Guiness World Record for the largest underwater art structure, and the Ocean Sentinels at the Museum of Underwater Art on John Brewer Reef as well as the Ocean Siren statue at the Strand promenade in Townsville - enough to keep you busy for multiple days of diving and snorkelling and exploring! This is one of the top things to do around Townsville & Magnetic Island and an absolutely must see on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland.
As seen in the news
World Record
Largest Underwater Art Structure
★★★★★
“The coral greenhouse is stunning, the OCEAN SENTINELS ARE epic and the coral GROWTH and resident fishes are a delight. Cannot wait for another dive!”
Jo Stacey, Visitor
More Reviews
Secure a Spot
Space on tour boats is limited so book your spot now to not miss out!
Protect the Reef
The Great Barrier Reef holds immense ecological and economic significance as one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. It provides critical habitat for marine species, acts as a natural barrier against storms, and contributes to the economy through tourism, and fishing.
Despite being under threat from coral bleaching, pollution, and overfishing, the reef displays remarkable resilience as showcased through MOUA’s stunning underwater installations. The reef is not a lost cause, but rather a treasure worth protecting.
To contribute to the preservation of this extraordinary natural wonder, individuals can make simple yet impactful changes in their everyday lives. By conserving energy, minimising water usage, choosing sustainable transportation options, and making conscious dietary choices, we can actively fight climate change and help safeguard the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.
“[MOUA is] a living piece of art that communicates to the people how important research is, how important coral reefs are, and how all these aspects – art, science, humanity – can come together to protect the reef.”
Dr Katharina Fabricius, Ocean Sentinel
More Reviews
FAQs
-
The underwater sculptures at John Brewer Reef are public art and can be freely accessed by recreational visitors to the Marine Park. However, if tourists would like to visit the John Brewer Reef sites by vessel and have the guidance of an expert guide, there are several commercial tourism opportunities available.
-
Absolutely! Scuba diving and snorkelling are highly encouraged at the sculpture sites. They offer an excellent opportunity to witness the underwater sculptures and explore the surrounding reefs. The sites are designed to accommodate both snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts, with shallow water areas (4-6m) specifically intended for snorkelling and deeper sections (12-18m) suitable for scuba diving.
-
To ensure the preservation and respect for the underwater sculptures, we advocate a no touching policy, similar to coral reefs. We aim to promote Responsible Reef Practices and will provide interpretive manuals, training, websites, and brochures to educate visitors about the importance of not touching the artworks. Over time, the sculptures will naturally accumulate marine life as corals and other organisms attach to them. This process not only adds to their visual appeal but also integrates them ecologically into the local environment, making them even more fascinating for visitors to observe.