MONSOON AQUATICS CORAL FARM

Welcome to Monsoon Aquatics Coral Farm

Welcome to Monsoon Aquatics Coral Farm, Australia’s largest coral-farming facility. Located on the scenic Burnett River, just 20 minutes from Bundaberg, this innovative farm is helping protect coral reefs through sustainable aquaculture. Spanning two hectares of waterfront space, the farm is served by an oceanic pipeline capable of delivering over 20,000 litres of seawater each day, sustaining 1500 square metres of indoor coral aquaculture and 250 square metres reserved for coral propagation.

During the tour, guests will gain a deep appreciation of the facility’s commitment to ethical, sustainable aquaculture, including its dedicated programs for giant clam cultivation and cutting-edge coral propagation, known as fragging, and spawning. Monsoon Aquatics Coral Farm’s focus on research and development, backed by multiple grants from the Australian government, aims to refine aquaculture methods with the long-term goal of supplying fully aquacultured ornamental species and contributing to reef restoration initiatives.

Recognised as a Reef Guardian Fisher by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Monsoon Aquatics Coral Farm proudly upholds the highest standards of environmental stewardship and operational excellence. 

Our Story

Founded in 2008 by marine enthusiast Daniel Kimberley, Monsoon Aquatics has grown from a small backyard setup to an acknowledged world-leader in coral cultivation. Expanding from Darwin to Bundaberg and Cairns, the company has pioneered sustainable reef restoration and discovered new coral and fish species along the way.

Starting out with a small boat and running tanks from underneath his suburban home, Dan soon uncovered unique Northern Territory corals, including the now-celebrated branching hammer coral. Determined to share this natural wonder, Monsoon Aquatics initially supplied corals to Australian retailers, before becoming the first company to export Northern Territory coral internationally in 2011. The launch of the Croc Island scoly in 2017 – a newly identified button coral that was later listed by Reef Builders as one of the top 10 new corals of 2017 – further cemented Monsoon Aquatics as a pioneer in the field.

Key to the company’s story is the work of Tim Green, skipper and part-owner of the business, who collected specimens of two new species of wrasse: the monsoon fairy-wrasse (Cirrhilabrus hygroxerus and the sunset fairy-wrasse (Cirrhilabrus greeni), named in his honour. In collaboration with the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Monsoon Aquatics helped formally describe and publish these species in the Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. By 2016, the company’s operations had broadened further with the establishment of a clam aquaculture farm, producing Tridacna squamosa and Tridacna maxima.

Continual innovation and responsible practices form the foundation of Monsoon Aquatics’ ethos. This drive for improvement prompted the company’s expansion to Cairns in 2017, offering an even wider range of coral species. Two years later, Monsoon Aquatics unveiled its flagship facility in Bundaberg: 1000 square metres of temperature-controlled space designed for both wild-caught specimens and advanced aquaculture methods. Today, Monsoon Aquatics stands at the forefront of responsible marine collection and cultivation, working tirelessly to supply the world with some of the most remarkable coral, doing so with unwavering respect for our ocean’s future.

The Tour

Join a one-hour guided tour of Australia’s largest coral farm, where you’ll see over 70,000 corals and 200 marine species up close. Learn about coral cultivation, reef restoration, and even participate in interactive experiences like coral feeding. For guests with low vision, our guides provide detailed descriptions of coral textures, shapes, and colours. You’ll also have the opportunity to safely touch live corals and their skeletons, making this a truly hands-on experience.

As you move through the farm’s state-of-the-art facilities, your guide will explain the art and science of coral cultivation, showcasing the cutting-edge techniques used to propagate and nurture these fragile animals. From watching live demonstrations of coral feeding and propagation to exploring the research under way to aid future reef restoration, you’ll enjoy an up-close look at how Monsoon Aquatics is pushing the boundaries of responsible marine aquaculture. You’ll also learn about the fish breeding program and the integral part coral spawning plays in preserving coral reefs for generations to come. 

The tour is a multisensory journey of discovery: you’ll hear the gentle sounds of flowing water, smell the subtle scent of fresh saltwater, and have opportunities to participate in interactive elements like feeding farmed corals, an experience that offers a tangible, unforgettable connection to life beneath the waves. Whether you’re a passionate reef enthusiast, a curious newcomer or a family seeking a unique educational experience, this immersive, behind-the-scenes journey into a working, world-leading coral farm promises to evoke wonder among guests of all ages and abilities.

Accessibility

Monsoon Aquatics Coral Farm aims to make the tour as inclusive as possible, while acknowledging there are a few limitations to be aware of. The venue is on one level with a 91-centimetre doorway that’s wide enough for standard wheelchairs. However, there’s a three-centimetre concrete lip leading to the open veranda where the tour begins. The clown fish breeding area is currently not accessible for wheelchair users, but we plan to install a ramp to improve access for all visitors.

There’s accessible parking near the main entrance, but the surface is gravel, which may pose challenges for some guests with limited mobility. An accessible bathroom is located within the main building. For those not self-driving, bus number 609 from central Bundaberg drops you at Marina Drive near Buss Street hail ’n’ ride, about 200 metres from the venue.

Service and assistance dogs are welcome. A grassy area suitable for dog toileting is located adjacent to the tour’s start and finish points. Handlers are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs.

Visitors with sensory sensitivities should be aware that the coral sheds can be noisy, and the lighting is primarily blue. A seat is available outside for guests who need a break from these conditions.

Although our staff have not yet received formal accessibility training, they are committed to adapting the tour as needed to enhance each guest’s experience. Please contact us prior to arrival to discuss your individual needs as we are keen to make sure everyone can enjoy this unique, behind-the-scenes reef experience.