The Great Barrier Reef (Reef or the Reef) is a globally significant socio-ecological system, where human wellbeing is deeply intertwined with ecological health. An adaptive management approach underpins, and shapes coordinated management of the Reef and social science is essential to making this approach effective. To examine how social science is currently applied in Reef management, and to identify barriers and enablers to its effective integration, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 Reef managers and social science practitioners. Findings revealed support for social science but uncertainty concerning its application and significance beyond simply supporting biophysical science. We propose a soft systems approach to understand and address the uncertainties limiting social science, with the aim of elevating its role in critical Reef management decision-making. Specifically, we suggest that Reef governance would benefit by incorporating more flexibility and socio-ecological understanding in the way it approaches problems. Adopting a more flexible, learning-focussed, soft systems governance approach would enable social science to contribute meaningfully to Reef management. By linking our empirical findings with governance literature, we demonstrate the benefits of soft systems thinking for enhancing the credibility, relevance, and influence of social science in environmental decision-making and adaptive management. We conclude with recommendations to support this transition towards more resilient and inclusive management of the Reef.