Reef HQ, QUEENSLAND
Airing Date: Feb 9th, 2004
Operated by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Reef HQ is a great way to explore the Great Barrier Reef without even getting wet. Located in the coastal town of Townsville, Reef HQ is the ultimate reef experience for both adults and kids, aimed at inspiring people to care for the reef.
Visitors to Reef HQ can explore the aquarium day and night by joining a Reef Sleep tour. This behind-the-scenes tour is specifically designed for kids but parents are welcome to tag along. It starts at 7pm and finishes the following morning, after a fun sleepover.
The Reef Sleep experience features a guided tour of the aquarium which includes the Underwater Discovery Tunnel. This colourful display is home to thousands of incredible marine animals, including coral and the creepy black tip reef sharks.
A recently developed exhibit at Reef HQ is the Nemo's Discovery Trail, featuring the cast of Finding Nemo. Visitors can meet the gang, including Nemo the Clownfish, Jacques the Cleaner Shrimp and Bloat the Pufferfish.
Most of the time marine life is off limits to humans - but not at Reef HQ. A new hands-on Interactive Zone allows kids to touch real reef creatures and learn about their biology. Kids will get the chance to feel the softness of a sea cucumber, the horns of a rhinoceros starfish and plenty more.
After exploring the nocturnal activities of the Great Barrier Reef, it's time for the kids to snuggle into their sleeping bags for a bedtime video before lights out at 11pm.
And that's not all for the world of water in Townsville. The waterfront has been redeveloped and now features a children's play area including a water playground where, unlike Reef HQ, you definitely will get wet!
The facts:
Qantas and QantasLink flies to Townsville. Flights start at $289 from Brisbane and $392 from Sydney.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
The Reef Sleep costs from $35 for kids, including dinner and breakfast, and parents are welcome to join in.
Accommodation at Aquarius on the Beach starts from $132 per double per night.
Aquarius on the Beach
Tel: 07 4772 4255
Prices correct at 09/02/04
