In addition to the wonderful aquarium, the Centre also showcases one of the premiere aquatic research institutes in Australia. The proximity of the city of Cairn to the Great Barrier Reef makes the Centre the perfect site to coordinate the majority of aquatic research in the area. Scientists from the around the world utilize our facilities as a jumping off point for onsite reef research, as well as more experimental and academic pursuits.

The Centre also provides elaborate and detailed resources for any teachers of Reception, Primary and High school students of the Queensland area.