Indo Pacific Marine

More About Indo Pacific Marine

Visitors to Indo Pacific are able to experience, learn and marvel under expert guidance and in full safety, the beauty of the marine environment in a man made exhibit. The beauty of the marine environment is inspiring. Visit the centre and see for yourself.

HISTORY
Indo Pacific exhibit began in 1971 as a privately funded project. Its goal was to collect and establish onshore marine ecosystems; highlighting the unique features of the coral reefs which abound in Darwin waters. At this time very little was known of this underwater "wildlife" at that time, or that it even existed. A property was bought to house the first exhibition of its kind in the world. It was however wiped out by Cyclone Tracy in 1974, only ten days after its official opening. They began rebuilding but it wasn't until 1977 that Indo pacific Marine reopened. It has relocated twice to progressively larger and improved premises as public demand increased for the facility.

EXHIBITION FEATURES TODAY
Indo Pacific Marine is the longest established man made marine exhibit tourism facility in the Northern Territory. We have received industry recognition for excellence over many years. This marine exhibition is unique because this is a land based living marine centre where each system is totally self supporting. There is no feeding, filtration or water changing at the exhibit. Most importantly, the experience here can take place without any impact on the natural environment.

MARINE WILDLIFE
As the marine displays are contained eco systems, rare and unusual species can be observed with ease. Even skilled scuba divers in the open sea would be unlikely to see as much as we offer.

DAY AND NIGHT TOURS
Visit during the day to tour the exhibit, which will enlighten you on the amazing natural eco-system of the coral reefs of the Darwin Harbour. Showcasing displays of living coral ecosystems and the diversity of animals associated with coral reefs, such as sea horses, clown fish and butterfly fish. Once you arrive you'll see a short film followed by a guided tour on the spectacular living marine exhibition centre.

As part of the evening experience visitors will get a torch. This enables them to see and observe the nocturnal world of the reef environment, and this can include corals spawning or fluorescing in a spectacular display of light. For an even more close-up experience, magnifying sheets are placed against the glass walls of the displays to observe minute organisms as they go about their business, as they would in an ocean environment. This a unique experience because it all happens indoors, no matter what the weather does!

At the night tour you'll also enjoy superb NT cuisine served either in house or outside garden deck overlooking Darwin Harbour. Whilst you are dining the lights are turned off in the exhibition allowing the animals and plants to assume their night time roles. You are then returned to the displays, which are now in darkness, where the rare and beautiful phenomena of fluorescing corals and animals can be seen and enjoyed. The night is then concluded with a torch light tour of the nocturnal reef world.