MUSEUM OF UNDERWATER ART
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| Type of dive: |
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Underwater sculpture gallery |
| Snorkelling: |
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Yes, mesmerising! |
| Scuba: |
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Open Water |
| Access: |
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Boat only (Day trips from Townsville) |
| Depth: |
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5 – 16 metres (15-50’) |
| Visibility: |
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8 – 25 metres (25-80’) |
| Water temperature: |
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22 – 29°C (72-84°F) |
| Seasonal: |
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No, but August & September best |
The sensational Museum of Underwater Art is the first underwater art museum in the southern hemisphere.
The Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA), opened in 2020, follows two other wonderful Queensland underwater innovations; the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island established between 1963 and 1984, and Morton Bay’s Curtin Artificial Reef, 1968 to 1998.
The art museum features three works by world-famous British underwater sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor; Ocean Siren, Coral Greenhouse and Ocean Sentinels.
Ocean Siren is located above water on the Strand promenade in Townsville and the Coral Greenhouse and Ocean Sentinels are underwater at John Brewer Reef, just over 70 kilometres (43 mi) northwest of Townsville, in water 5-16 metres (15-50’) deep. John Brewer Reef is part of the central section of the Great Barrier Reef.
The 165-ton Coral Greenhouse features 20 sculptures and holds the Guinness World Record for the largest underwater art structure. It is made from stainless steel, zinc, pH neutral cement, basalt and aggregates.
The Ocean Sentinels comprise of eight 2.2 metre (7’) sculptures that are a synthesis of human figures and natural marine forms, all made from high-grade, low carbon Earth Friendly Concrete reinforced with marine grade stainless steel.
The dive site also offers a marvellous array of tropical marine life typical of the Great Barrier Reef.
Snorkellers and scuba divers can visit the MOUA installations at John Brewer Reef either by day trip or live aboard.
The Museum of Underwater Art is a worthy addition to Australia’s 50 Great Dives!
Special thanks to Paul Crocombe of Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive.
Copyright © 2024 Steve Sinclair
Other great dive sites to visit while you are there:
Wreck of the SS Yongala, Davies Reef, Wheeler Reef, Orpheus Island,
Lodestone Reef, Stanley Reef and Myrmidon Reef.
Local dive services:
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ADRENALIN SNORKEL & DIVE |
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SPIRIT OF FREEDOM |
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PRODIVE MAGNETIC ISLAND |
Other services:
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Need somewhere to stay? |
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BLAST EXPERIENCES |
OTHER INFORMATION
LOCATION
State or Territory:
Queensland
Nearest City:
Townsville
Nearest Regional City:
Not applicable
Nearest Town:
Not applicable
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Cairns
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Townsville
Road:
Cairns to Townsville:
4 hours (350 km/220 mi) via National Highway A1 and Bruce Highway
Bus:
From Cairns, Airlie Beach or Brisbane
Train:
From Cairns, Proserpine or Brisbane
Ferry:
Not relevant
THINGS TO DO
Snorkel & scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef
Magnetic Island
Fishing
Skydiving
Sea Kayaking
Quad Biking
Aboriginal Tours
Wakeboarding
Rain Forest