GO8239: REEF: Tourism Operator Support Grants
The REEF: Tourism Operator Support Grants program is offering $480,000 to eligible tourism businesses operating on the Great Barrier Reef.
The grants will help them get ready for a $6 million ‘Kids for the Reef’ school excursion rebate program coming later this year.
Both programs are part of the Australian Government’s $10 million Reef Educational Experience Fund (REEF).
The $10 million fund will also: deliver $520,000 through the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators to train tourism operators in working with school groups back a $3 million international marketing and education campaign.
Program objective The objective of program is to cover up to 50% of the cost of necessary upgrades, checks or clearances for local reef tourism operators to accommodate school groups.
Program outcomesThe intended outcomes of the REEF: Tourism Operator Support Grants program are to: increase student visitor numbers to the Great Barrier Reef increase capability and capacity for operators to support and engage with student groups improve school groups’ satisfaction levels increase direct links between the Australian Curriculum and reef tourism operator activities and make it easy for teachers to identify suitable tours and experiences increase the number of Australian Curriculum linked activities offered by operators.
Grant amountsUp to $480,000 is available over the 2025–26 and 2026–27 financial years.
Applicants may apply for individual grants of between $1,000 and $15,000 (ex GST).
The applicant must match the amount of grant funding requested (e.g. for a grant request of $2,000 the applicant must also contribute $2,000 giving a total project value of $4,000).
The total value of each individual grant offered to an applicant will be determined by the total number of eligible applicants that are approved for funding and the total amount of funding each applicant applies for.
To be eligible applicants must:
- have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN)
- be registered for GST where required
- be a legal entity with capacity to enter into a legally binding agreement
- not be under insolvency administration
- be a Reef Tourism Operator currently operating within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Areas (including island-based providers)
- hold a current Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) tourism permit with daily permission to access the Marine Parks
- currently be recognised as a High Standard Tourism Operator (HSTO) by GBRMPA
- hold public liability insurance, WorkCover Accident Insurance and other compulsory and relevant licences and insurances that are current and financial
- provide evidence of access to available funding equal to the grant funding requested (matching funds)
- and agree to participate in the REEF: Kids for the Reef School Excursion Rebate program by registering with Austrade as an eligible experience provider
Applicants must maintain required accreditations/insurances while a grantee.
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Last updated: 3 March 2026