The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority) has launched a call for architects, designers and engineers to help build the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium - a Townsville landmark set to rival the best in the world.
The Reef Authority is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from designers to create Australia's National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef, blending marine science, education, sustainability, culture and innovation in one world-class facility.
Inspired by the Great Barrier Reef itself, the vision is to build a global destination for excellence in tropical reef education, conservation and research - showcasing the Reef's beauty, resilience and importance to future generations.
"The Great Barrier Reef is one of Earth's most extraordinary living systems - and this project will give it the contemporary showcase on land that it deserves," Reef Authority CEO Josh Thomas said.
"We're inviting creative and engineering minds to come forward and help progress designs that will deliver an outstanding aquarium for Australia."
Reef Authority General Manager of Major Projects Fred Nucifora said the opportunity to redevelop the original facility in Townsville, North Queensland will push boundaries in innovation, sustainability and design excellence to strengthen its reputation as housing the world's largest living coral reef aquarium.
"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a national asset that champions reef science, education and conservation and enables people of all ages and abilities the chance to connect with the Reef without getting wet," he said.
The aquarium will feature the world's largest living coral reef exhibit and deploy digital technologies and interactive experiences that connect visitors to the Great Barrier Reef.
The Expression of Interest (EOI) invites those with proven experience in major civic, cultural, scientific or marine architecture to register to be a supplier across 16 service packages ahead of a (to be recorded) industry briefing in Townsville on November 12.
For access to expression of interest documentation visit AusTender .
Expressions of Interest open now and closes at 5.00pm AEST, December 1, 2025.
