Australia isn’t short on stunning natural beauty, jaw-dropping beaches and incredible adventures, and now we have another dreamy spot to add to your ever growing travel bucket list.
Dig out your swimmers and make tracks to Townsville, because an incredible new snorkel trail has just been anchored in the depths of the Great Barrier Reef, joining the Museum of Underwater Art's (MOUA) Coral Greenhouse in being a reason to head below the waves.
Installed in May 2023, the underwater art trail features eight earth-friendly, green-concrete sculptures created by international sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. Representing a synthesis of a human figure and natural marine form, each 2.2 metre high statue has been modelled on an Australian whose work in the field of marine science and marine conservation has been influential in our understanding of reef protection.
Best of all, the new trail is located adjacent to the first of MOUA's underwater installations, the Coral Greenhouse. After opening in 2020, the 20 original art pieces (also by eCaires Taylor) have slowly been welcomed and transformed by the reef, with new coral growing on the statues and art pieces, as was always intended.
A beautiful and innovative blend of art, science, culture and conservation, the museum is so much more than just an Insta-worthy viewing experience. At MOUA it’s about sharing the stories of the reef, and the culture of its First Nations people (especially the Manbarra and Wulgurukaba People), as well as sparking meaningful conversations about reef conservation. Now that’s something we can absolutely get behind.
To view this incredible creation, divers guide small tours underwater (the sculptures are about five metres down) for an up close and personal experience. Sculptor DeCaires Taylor says he hopes his work will advance education and offer opportunities for scientists, and tourists alike to engage in action-based learning.
“The Museum of Underwater Art aims to create a (kind-of a) portal or an interface into our underwater world. A way to explore the Great Barrier Reef. To tell stories of the Great Barrier Reef and for people to understand what a fragile, beautiful and sacred space it really is,” he says.
To book yourself a truly unforgettable underwater tour, head here.
After more holiday inspo? Check out Queensland's dreamiest islands.
Image Credit: MOUA, Jason deCaires Taylor