An exhibition detailing the history of the Coral Sea will be showing at the Sugar Wharf over five days from this Sunday.

'Our Coral Sea: The Story, The History' is an exhibition and special performance that looks at the changing perceptions towards our oceans and why, according to event organisers the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre, the Coral Sea deserves a high level of protection.

The event forms part of the Protect Our Coral Sea campaign which is calling on the federal government to establish a highly protected and expansive marine park in the Coral Sea within Australian waters.

"“The rich history contained in the remote areas of Australia’s Coral Sea remain fairly unknown in our region," said Xanthe Rivett, the North Queensland Outreach Manager for the Protect Our Coral Sea campaign.

"The Coral Sea stretches from beyond the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park out to the edge of our territorial waters contains many great stories and natural treasures. This exhibition is a timely look at the Coral Sea and the stories that link it with all Australians.”

Steve Ryan, Marine Campaigner for the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre, said there is something for everyone to learn from the exhibition and performance.

“I grew up hearing the stories of how my grandfather, a veteran WW1 naval battles, was glued to the radio during the battle of the Coral Sea; with five sons in New Guinea or nearby he knew their fate and that of Australia hinged on the outcome of that battle.

However, before I became directly involved in this project I had little knowledge of the role Matthew Flinders played in its colourful history, or of the rich array of vulnerable marine wildlife present in this amazing stretch of water and reef,” Mr Ryan said.

Visitors can find out how shipwrecks, Matthew Flinders, emus, whales, war and natural wonders combined to form the history of one of Australia's most remote and special ocean regions.

The exhibition runs between 12 and 16 February from 10am to 5pm, with the performance on 15 February from 6.30pm to 9pm. Entry is $10 and children are free. 

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