Aquasearch Aquarium

Aquasearch Aquarium is a unique tropical marine aquarium and aquaculture facility located at Nelly Bay on Magnetic Island, North Queensland, making it the only marine display available for viewing on the island. Established in 1998 by marine biologist Dr Richard Braley, a world expert on giant clams, the facility combines a working marine biology laboratory and aquaculture research operation with a public display. Visitors can view tanks showcasing a colourful variety of hard and soft corals, coralliomorphs, anemones, trochus, and diverse coral reef fish. The display tanks are also used for breeding marine anemone fish and selected freshwater fish. Operating on an honesty-box entry system, the aquarium offers an intimate and unhurried experience quite unlike larger commercial facilities. Aquasearch provides a fascinating glimpse into the marine research world for visitors to Magnetic Island, complementing the island's renowned natural attractions including its coral reefs and national park wildlife.