Reef HQ Aquarium was opened June 14, 1987 as part of the Bicentennial Commemorative Project and in 1999, change its name to Reef HQ Aquarium. In 2009, the Aquarium has gone back to its original name by renaming the aquarium to Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium.

Reef HQ Aquarium was the brain child of Dr. Graeme Kelleher, former chairman of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. His mission was to create the Great Barrier Reef on land, making the reef accessible and economical while at the same time spreading the message and obtaining public support for the preservation of the 'real thing'.