Monsoon Aquatics · 145 Buss St, Burnett Heads
A guide walks you through the Monsoon Aquatics coral farm at Burnett Heads, where tens of thousands of corals grow on land. It takes an hour, runs rain or shine, and sits in the harbour town where the Bundaberg boat to Lady Musgrave departs.
Monsoon Aquatics grows coral at the Port of Bundaberg, on the Burnett River about 20 minutes from the centre of Bundaberg. The listing counts more than 70,000 corals and about 200 marine species, sourced from all along the Australian coastline. A guide takes you through the working farm, explains how the team cultivates coral, runs a live coral feeding demonstration and talks about the research behind its reef restoration work. The tour finishes at the clownfish, which the listing calls everyone's favourite.
Groups are capped at 14 people, so there is time for questions. Guests say the guides know their subject, and several reviews mention them by name. It is an easy family hour too: reviewers came with children and grandchildren, one of them aged 10. Tours run all year in any weather, and a gift shop sells Bundaberg Brewed Drinks and local macadamias.
It fits neatly around a reef day. Lady Musgrave Experience boards its Lady Musgrave boat at Bundaberg Port Marina in Burnett Heads, the same harbour town, so the farm is an easy add-on the day before or after. From Town of 1770, Bundaberg is about 1 h 25 by road. In turtle season, the Mon Repos Turtle Centre, 14 km east of Bundaberg, runs turtle encounter tours from early November to late March, and the best time to visit guide lines up the seasons.
The farm is at Burnett Heads, about 20 minutes from central Bundaberg. Wear closed, non-slip shoes: sandals, flip-flops and bare feet are not allowed.
Your guide explains how the farm grows coral, and where the corals and other species come from.
A live coral feeding, and how the team looks after the corals as they grow.
A look at the farm's research supporting reef restoration.
The tour ends at the clownfish collection. The gift shop is on site if you want a souvenir.
★★★★★We thoroughly enjoyed our tour and education. Was a fascinating hour with non stop information on coral rearing, growing, restoration and breeding. Kids enjoyed it very much.
★★★★★This tour I took my 10 year old granddaughter. Megan was our tour guide. Again a fascinating information filled hour & an extraordinary visual feast. [...] It is an amazing, wonder filled hour.
★★★★★It was very interesting to hear about and see the coral. Our guide was very informative. We took visitors from Victoria. All of us were fascinated.
★★★★★We heard so much about the Monsoon Coral Farm and it did not disappoint. All staff were super friendly and knowledgeable. [...] Highly recommend.
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At 145 Buss Street, Burnett Heads, at the Port of Bundaberg on the Burnett River. The listing puts it about 20 minutes from the centre of Bundaberg.
About one hour, fully guided. Wear closed, non-slip shoes, because the floors may be slippery: sandals, flip-flops and bare feet are not allowed.
Yes. Guests say kids enjoyed it, and reviewers brought children and grandchildren, including a 10-year-old. Groups stay small, at up to 14 people.
Easily if you go from Bundaberg: Lady Musgrave Experience boards at Bundaberg Port Marina in Burnett Heads, the same harbour town. From 1770, the Lady Musgrave Island day cruise leaves from Seventeen Seventy, about 1 h 25 by road from Bundaberg.
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An hour inside a working coral farm at Burnett Heads with a guide.
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