The Gold Coast’s newest attraction Wonder Reef has been officially opened
Wonder Reef has been officially opened with an underwater ribbon cutting by Mayor Tom Tate and Deputy Premier Steven Miles.
The world-class $5 million dive attraction for experienced divers is an innovative fusion of art, science and engineering design and has attracted hundreds of different marine life species in just a few short months.
Mayor Tom Tate said the experience was out of this world and he can see why this project has divers from all corners of the globe excited.
“It is just an amazing experience – the marine life is as good as what you’ll see at any other dive site. The coral is thriving, and the sculptures are just mesmerising,” Mayor Tate said.
“Renewing our tourism products and attractions is vital if we want to keep our title as Australia’s tourism capital – and believe me this is something special.”
“This unique site is already attracting global publicity and Destination GC is leveraging that publicity with a campaign to draw in more tourists who will want to experience Wonder Reef.”
The project is a joint initiative between City of Gold Coast and the Queensland Government.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Steven Miles said the $2.5 million in funding comes from the Queensland Government’s $25 million Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
“Queensland’s diving spots are up there with the best in the world,” Mr Miles said.
“I’ve seen this spectacular dive site firsthand, and the world is in for a treat when it officially opens.
“I want to thank the Gold Coast City Council for working with the Queensland Government on this project.”
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Queensland Government is focused on helping tourism destinations to build back better after Covid-19.
“The Palaszczuk Government has backed the Gold Coast’s vision of joining the world’s bucket list of top dive experiences with a $2.5 million investment in Wonder Reef,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“As a new visitor experience on the Gold Coast, Wonder Reef’s delivery is perfectly timed for rebuilding international tourism to Queensland.”
Member for Gaven and Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said Wonder Reef was a wonderful addition to Gold Coast tourism.
“Wonder Reef builds on our trademark for innovative tourism experiences that make the Gold Coast Australia’s favourite holiday destination,” Ms Scanlon said.
“This opens up an entirely new world of Gold Coast experiences that confirms our city’s place on Queensland’s global diving map.”
The reef consists of nine giant buoyant reef sculptures which have become home to hundreds of different marine life species in recent months including lobsters, octopus, tropical fish, turtles, and giant gropers.
Coral was planted at the site in late 2021 and has created a colourful experience on the reef where locals and tourists can dive to a depth of 30 metres – all within a 10-minute boat trip from the Gold Coast Seaway.
Wonder Reef has been created with the natural environment in mind and will inspire a greater appreciation of the environment as it evolves into a significant new marine habitat.
Regular dive tours will be operated by Gold Coast Dive Adventures and Queensland Scuba Diving and experienced divers with their own boat and dive equipment are able to book a public mooring. Bookings are now available for dives from Wednesday 8 June 2022 at wonderreef.com.au
