Aus Ships Group has been awarded the contract to design and build Reef Magic IV, a new state-of-the-art passenger catamaran for leading Cairns-based marine tourism operator Reef Unlimited, part of Experience Co.
The new vessel will form the centrepiece of Reef Unlimited’s flagship Reef Magic experience and represents a significant investment in the future of Great Barrier Reef tourism. Design work is now underway, with construction scheduled to commence later in 2026 and vessel delivery targeted for the last quarter of 2027.
Purpose-built to transport guests to Reef Unlimited’s renowned Reef Magic pontoon, Reef Magic IV will provide a more comfortable, accessible and environmentally conscious journey to one of Australia’s most iconic natural attractions.
The 32-metre catamaran will accommodate up to 385 passengers and incorporate a range of advanced features designed to enhance the visitor experience. These include wheelchair accessibility, an inter-deck lift, world-class audiovisual systems, expanded onboard display capabilities for multilingual interpretation and broadcasts, and additional family-friendly amenities to ensure guests of all ages can enjoy the reef experience.
The project, which is estimated to cost around $10M, has been supported by a $4 million Queensland Government Tourism Icon Investment Fund Grant, reinforcing the importance of continued investment in Queensland’s tourism infrastructure and marine capability.
“Reef Magic IV is a turning point for the future of reef tourism in Australia,” said John O’Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of Experience Co.
The vessel has been designed with a strong focus on operational efficiency, sustainability and future-ready tourism experiences, supporting the continued growth of reef tourism while maintaining high environmental standards.
For Aus Ships Group, the award represents another significant milestone in the company’s growth as a leading Australian vessel designer and builder.
“Being selected as the shipyard of choice for such a significant new build for Queensland, designed and built right here in Queensland, is a testament to the work Aus Ships Group and our team have continued to deliver over the past eleven years,” said Director Tommy Ericson for Aus Ships Group.
“We are excited to work alongside the team at Experience Co and Reef Unlimited as this exceptional vessel takes shape and progresses toward commissioning in late 2027.”
The project will support local jobs, strengthen Queensland’s sovereign shipbuilding capability and showcase the state’s expertise in advanced marine design and construction.
For more information, visit ausships.com
