MOUA – a Great Barrier Reef Marvel

A world-renowned gallery of sunken sculptures lies submerged beneath the waves off the tropical north Queensland coast – a tribute to both creativity and ecology that has tourists flocking from all over the country.

About 2 hours from Townsville or 90 minutes from Magnetic Island, you’ll find MOUA – the Museum of Underwater Art.  It’s the Southern Hemisphere’s only underwater art museum and it’s situated on John Brewer Reef, part of the extraordinary wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef.

Pro Dive Magnetic Island is among only 3 operators taking tourists to the dive site. The full day adventure includes spotting other marine wildlife on the way to the site; dives on the gallery and the reef – plus a delicious packed lunch catered by the island’s Stuffed on Seafood. There’s also free use of snorkel gear, fins, masks, wetsuits and stinger suits.

MOUA is strongly themed towards ocean and reef conservation – but it’s also about preserving the history and culture of First Nations peoples.

An 8-week training program to bring First Nation culture to tourism in the tropics has delivered indigenous guides skilled in reef restoration and general marine studies.

Seeing MOUA for yourself is a unique and unforgettable experience – and the perfect base for your adventure is Townsville.

The city’s iconic Sugar Shaker tower is home to Hotel Grand Chancellor – with stylish rooms overlooking the CBD, Coral Sea and Ross River.

Enjoy a ‘reef’ sized buffet breakfast in the hotel’s Sugar Shaker Restaurant – or return after your day of touring to an a la carte dinner, featuring locally sourced produce.