Experience Co. prepares to tow new $6.6 million reef pontoon to Far North Queensland's Moore Reef

A $6.6 million Great Barrier Reef pontoon – Reef Magic - anticipated to deliver enchanting underwater visitor experiences is ready to be towed to Moore Reef, 45 kilometres from Cairns. This will be the first new reef pontoon in the Cairns region for more than a decade.

Experience Co. has tapped into the extensive knowledge of Traditional Owners and local construction expertise to create the reef and cultural visitor experience.

Reef Magic features an underwater observatory, specially designed water entry and step structure, bar, and sun deck. The pontoon opens up new snorkelling experiences for visitors of all abilities.

Reef Magic will have capacity for 250 guests and support up to 59 operational jobs and is designed with underwater recreation, learning and sustainability in mind. A scientific lab is also onboard to support the important conservation work of marine biologists and Indigenous reef guides.

The three-level, 1000 square metre pontoon is predicted to contribute up to $50 million to Tropical North Queensland’s tourism-led economic recovery.

Member for Cairns and Assistant Tourism Minister Michael Healy notes “Moore Reef is one of the region’s best locations to experience Reef Magic among colourful corals and abundant marine life.

“Reef Magic pontoon was 18 months in the making and supported 40 construction jobs when Cairns needed them most.

“With its one-of-a-kind design, Reef Magic will take exploring the many wonders of the world-famous Great Barrier Reef to a completely new level.”

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe adds “Reef Magic’s completion coincides perfectly with the reopening of the international border.

“Our investment in Reef Magic recognises the importance of new, innovative visitor experiences to tourism recovery in the Tropical North.”

Experience Co. Chief Executive John O’Sullivan said Experience Co. had worked with Traditional Owner groups and Land and Sea Country Rangers for more than a decade.

“Steps have been taken to enrich visitor experiences with cultural input from Indigenous team members,” O’Sullivan said.

“We continue to provide opportunities and sustainable careers for Indigenous Australians.”

General Manager of Experience Co’s Great Barrier Reef Division Adam Jones thanked local construction partners Austal Shipyards and English Engineering for their work on Reef Magic. 

Jones advised “They have helped us construct a platform which ensures our impact to the environment is as minimal as possible so that the reef can be enjoyed by generations to come.

Experience Co. plans to tow Reef Magic to Moore Reef today, weather permitting, and entertain and inform the pontoon’s first visitors by March 2022.

Images from top: Experience Co.’s Reef Magic;  Reef Magic features an underwater observatory; cultural and reef guides; General Manager of Experience Co’s Great Barrier Reef Division Adam Jones