Non-profit organization
Great Barrier Reef Legacy & Forever Reef Project
Port Douglas is home to Forever Reef, the world's first living coral biobank devoted to Great Barrier Reef corals, where guided tours lead past tanks holding more than 225 species.
The story
The non-profit Great Barrier Reef Legacy, led by CEO Dr Dean Miller, operates Forever Reef as a publicly accessible facility building a living ark of coral diversity. It already holds more than half of the Great Barrier Reef's coral species. They are preserved so that future generations have what they need to restore and rebuild reefs. The work draws on more than 35 years of expeditions and reef science. Tours open with a presentation on the reef and the project's research. The group then moves between the tanks, seeing corals in their full colours up close and putting questions to the marine biologists and volunteers. The visit works as preparation for a day on the reef or as an alternative for anyone not diving, and it suits adults and children alike. Supporters can also adopt a coral.
Good to know
TAGGG AI- ✦Book the tour before heading out to the reef, as it adds real depth to your time on the water.
- ✦Tours combine a presentation with plenty of time to explore the tanks, take photos and ask questions.
- ✦The visit suits all ages and abilities and makes a good alternative if you are not going diving.