What can I do in Townsville? Try the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) This is a FREE activity.

N.B. These Tours occur on Friday ONLY and start at 10am and finish at approximately 
12 Noon. Booking are essential. 24 Hrs prior. Entry is FREE.

The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) is a leader in tropical marine science.

The Institute is consistently ranked among the top one per cent of specialist research institutions internationally and is known for its unique capacity to investigate topics from broad-scale ecology to microbiology.

AIMS is committed to the protection and sustainable use of Australia's marine resources. Its research programs support the management of tropical marine environments around the world, with a primary focus on the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, the pristine Ningaloo Marine Park in Western Australia and northwest Australia.

Our mission is to generate and transfer knowledge to support the protection and sustainable use of the marine environment through innovative, world-class scientific and technological research.

AIMS:

• Conducts strategic and applied research into marine life, from microbes to whole-of-ecosystems, and the processes that sustain them
• Monitors condition and trends in health of the marine environment
• Builds models and decision support tools to assist interpretation of the data collected
• Develops a broad spectrum of enabling technologies, from molecular sciences to ocean technologies.

AIMS' research is targeted towards priorities of Commonwealth and State Governments and industry

 RV Cape Furguson

RV Solander

Location
AIMS' headquarters, about 50km from Townsville's CBD, is an international landmark in tropical marine science.
Sitting adjacent to the center of the Great Barrier Reef and surrounded by a 207 hectare national park and marine reserve, it is free from development, is bio-secure and has access to clean seawater and a protected harbour.

Where is AIMS?
Leaving Townsville on the south-bound Bruce Highway, you will find the turn-off to AIMS is signposted on the left, approximately 37 km from Townsville city center. After turning left onto the AIMS access road, follow the road for a further 16 km and you will arrive at the Institute. There is no public transport to the Institute.

Public Tours ( must be booked 24 Hrs prior)
Our public tours run on Friday mornings from March to November. The tour begins at 10:00am and ends at approximately 12 noon. It includes presentations on AIMS research and a guided walk around our research facilities.

It is a requirement that you wear sturdy footwear and bring a hat to protect against the sun. 
Bookings are essential and will close at 4:00pm the day before the tour (Thursday). Please advise us of any mobility issues when booking. 
Special tours on other weekdays can be prearranged for groups - contact us for details.
Refreshments are available for purchase on-site (during opening hours). Groups must book in advance.
More information and bookings:
E-mail reception@aims.gov.au 
Phone: +61 (07) 4753 4444 during business hours (8:00am – 4.40pm, Monday to Friday).

For more information or if your after accommodation ask at the reception at Reef Lodge Backpackers Townsville, Queensland Australia. Or, contact us through our website www.reeflodge.com.au or Phone 07 47 211 112