Diving in Northeast Australian Shelf
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Northeast Australian Shelf's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Northeast Australian Shelf, province. This region features 82 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Northeast Australian Shelf has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in Northeast Australian Shelf (1)
Popular Spots in Northeast Australian Shelf (82)
Agincourt Reefs
Agincourt Reefs is a dive site situated within a group of reefs known as Agincourt Reefs, accessible exclusively by boat. The site features a maximum depth of 16 meters, with visibility ranging from 10 to 30 meters, averaging around 15 meters. Divers can explore a patch reef characterized by a diverse range of corals, including large plate corals that serve as ambush points for various species of grouper.
Alma Bay
Alma Bay features a shallow fringing reef on both sides, with a sandy bottom that gently slopes. The maximum depth at this site reaches 9 meters, while the average depth is around 5 meters. The area experiences minimal water movement, making it suitable for divers of varying experience levels. Notable marine life includes turtles, wobbegong sharks, epaulette sharks, tawny nurse sharks, and various species of rays such as blue spot mask rays, cow tail rays, and shovelnose rays. A key highlight of Alma Bay is the presence of over 50 different species of nudibranchs, contributing to the site's biodiversity.
Anemone Bommies - Lady Elliot Island
Anemone Bommies at Lady Elliot Island offers divers the opportunity to explore a vibrant underwater ecosystem. The site is characterized by colorful anemones that provide habitat for clownfish. Divers can also observe a variety of marine species, including sea turtles. The entry to this dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to experience the rich marine life and coral formations in the area.
Bashful Bommie
Bashful Bommie is located on South Opal Reef, rising approximately 18 meters from the sandy bottom. This site features two distinct underwater environments: the southern reef edge, which provides habitat for smaller coral reef fish, and a deeper ocean channel on the opposite side. At the base of the reef wall, divers may find numerous crevices where barramundi cod can be observed. The walls are adorned with sea fans, adding to the site's ecological diversity.
Black Island “WONDERWALL“
Black Island, known as 'Wonderwall', features a drop-off with visibility ranging from 5 to 10 meters. The current at this site varies based on tidal movements. Divers can expect to encounter numerous schools of fish, including bait fish, fusiliers, damselfish, butterflyfish, wrasses, parrotfish, and angelfish. Additionally, sightings of soft and hard corals, anemonefish, and turtles are common. Squid can also be found here, though they are often difficult to spot.
Blue Pearl Bay 2
Blue Pearl Bay 2 offers a diverse underwater landscape featuring bommies and a wall, ideal for training dives up to 18 meters. The site showcases a rocky environment with visible signs of cyclone damage, yet the reef is in a state of recovery, attracting numerous batfish. Divers may also encounter large groups of stingrays and turtles. The area is populated with damselfish and a variety of nudibranchs, alongside a mix of hard and soft corals. Anemones and their resident clownfish can also be observed here.
Butterfly Bay “KEYHOLE“
Butterfly Bay, known as 'Keyhole', features a shallow reef shaped like a keyhole, accessible primarily from the shore. The site is characterized by vibrant coral beds, including blue and red staghorn corals. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, such as resident anemonefish, large barracuda, and several species of butterflyfish and damselfish. Additionally, there is a possibility of encountering wobbegong sharks and blue-spotted stingrays in the area.
Cathchers Mitt - Tijou Reef - GBR
Catchers Mitt at Tijou Reef offers a diverse underwater environment characterized by intricate coral formations and abundant marine life. Divers can expect to see schools of colorful reef fish and the occasional sighting of rays. The site is accessible by boat, providing a convenient entry point for divers looking to explore this vibrant ecosystem.
Central, Breaking Patches
Central, Breaking Patches features a shallow wall that is easy to navigate, with sandy patches ideal for practicing skills and macro diving. The western section of the wall provides greater depth but is known for stronger currents. The site showcases a diverse array of hard and soft corals, including notable displays of Gorgonian fan corals along the exterior wall. Marine life includes giant clams, sea turtles, clown anemonefish, unicorn fish, and feather seastars.
cockatoo point
Cockatoo Point features a gradual drop-off with depths ranging from approximately 1 meter to 20 meters. The site may experience low to strong currents depending on the tidal flow, making it suitable for both snorkeling along the soft coral shelf and for divers exploring larger hard coral formations. The area is rich in marine life, including abundant soft corals such as mushroom and elephant ear varieties, as well as hard corals like staghorn, plate, and boulder corals (including brain, mosaic, and lunar types). Divers and snorkelers may also encounter green and hawksbill turtles, along with a variety of small reef fish that graze on the corals.
Cod Hole - Ribbon No 10 Reef - GBR
Cod Hole, located approximately 96 kilometers north of Cairns, is part of the Ribbon Reefs. This dive site is renowned for its population of friendly potato cod, which can weigh up to 100 kilograms and have become accustomed to divers over the past three decades. The site is characterized by a diverse marine ecosystem, featuring colorful corals, a variety of tropical fish, sea turtles, moray eels, reef sharks, and manta rays. The entry to this site is by boat, making it accessible for divers looking to explore its rich underwater life.
Coral Gardens - Lady Elliot Island
Coral Gardens at Lady Elliot Island is a shore entry dive site characterized by a diverse array of corals and marine life. Divers can expect to encounter sea turtles and various species of tropical fish. The site is also known for sightings of reef sharks. The underwater landscape is rich with vibrant coral formations, providing an engaging environment for divers.
Crowded Garden - Great Detached Reef - GBR
Crowded Garden is a dive site located at coordinates -11.706700, 143.972900, accessible by boat. This site features a diverse array of coral formations and is home to numerous species of tropical fish. The underwater environment is characterized by a rich ecosystem, showcasing the interactions among various marine organisms. Divers can expect to observe a variety of marine life, contributing to the site's reputation as a vibrant reef ecosystem. The conditions here can vary, and divers should be prepared for potential currents.
Entrance Bommies
Entrance Bommies is situated at the entrance of Lady Musgrave Lagoon, reaching a depth of 18 meters. This site features a variety of large bommies topped with vibrant plate corals. Additionally, divers can observe foliose coral, commonly referred to as lettuce leaf coral, which has thin, plate-like structures resembling flower petals. The bommies are teeming with baitfish, which in turn attract larger pelagic species, enhancing the dive experience.
Evolution, Saxon Reef
Evolution at Saxon Reef consists of a series of coral bommies, providing a diverse underwater landscape. This site is suitable for divers of all experience levels. In the shallower areas, divers can observe a variety of marine life, including clownfish residing in anemones, Spanish dancers, and flatworms. Other notable species include painted crayfish, moray eels, diagonally banded sweetlips, and sting rays.
Fingers, Norman Reef
Fingers at Norman Reef is a shallow cove that provides protection from the elements, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. The site is named for its unique shape, resembling the fingers of a hand when viewed from above. The fingers extend to the southwest and can reach significant depths. Marine life commonly observed here includes resident Maori Wrasse, Giant Clams, White Tip Reef Sharks, Moray Eels, Cuttlefish, Octopus, and both Green and Hawksbill Sea Turtles.
Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island offers shallow rocky reefs with an average depth of 15 meters (50 feet), suitable for beginner divers and snorkelers. Common sightings include colorful reef fish, stingrays, crabs, shrimps, and sea stars. For those diving deeper, a variety of hard and soft corals can be found.
Flynn Reef
Flynn Reef features a diverse array of coral formations, including both branching and boulder corals. The reef supports a variety of marine life, such as whitetip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, batfish, clownfish, coral trout, bassets, nudibranchs, and octopuses. This site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers to explore its underwater ecosystem.
Flynn Reef - 2 Gordon's
Flynn Reef - 2 Gordon's offers a maximum depth of 22 meters and visibility typically around 15 meters. The site features a variety of smaller bommies, with notable swim-throughs and overhangs. Divers can observe a range of hard corals, including brain, plate, and honeycomb corals. The marine life is diverse, with species such as oriental sweetlips, triggerfish, sergeant majors, butterfly fish, and wrasse present in the area. Entry to the site is from the shore.
Flynn Reef - Coral Gardens
Flynn Reef, located 20 kilometers east of Green Island off the Cairns coast, features the Coral Gardens dive site on the outer reef. This site is known for its excellent visibility, often reaching up to 30 meters. Divers can encounter a variety of large pelagic species, including dogtooth tuna, mackerel, and barracuda, as well as whitetip reef sharks. The entry to this dive site is from the shore.
Flynn Reef - Little Tracy's
Flynn Reef, located at coordinates -16.731000, 146.266800, is one of the outermost reefs near Cairns. This site features a variety of dive experiences, including wall dives, sloping coral gardens, and sandy lagoon holes with coral bommies. Little Tracy's is a notable dive area within Flynn Reef, showcasing diverse marine life such as eels, vibrant reef fish, large pelagic species, Titan triggerfish, sharks, and rays. The site is characterized by large plate corals, some reaching the size of dining tables. Divers can expect excellent visibility, making it suitable for a range of skill levels.
Forty Five - Lady Elliot Island
Forty Five at Lady Elliot Island is a shore entry dive site characterized by its diverse marine life and coral formations. Divers can expect to see vibrant coral gardens and various species of sea fans. The site is known for the presence of sea turtles and schools of tropical fish, providing a dynamic underwater experience. The conditions are typically favorable for divers, making it accessible for various skill levels.
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef, located directly in front of Cairns, serves as a collective dive site featuring various undeveloped areas. This site showcases a stunning patch reef characterized by a diverse range of corals. Notably, large plate corals create ideal ambush spots for various species of grouper. The entry to this site is from the shore, allowing easy access for divers.
Hardy Reef
Hardy Reef, located on the Great Barrier Reef near Airlie Beach, features a diverse array of marine life including Trevally, Coral Trout, Snapper, and smaller species. Notable residents include the Giant Maori Wrasse and a two-meter-long Giant Queensland Groper, which are often seen during feeding times. The reef is characterized by abundant hard corals and is home to yellowtail fusiliers, various Wrasse, and trevally. Crustaceans such as hermit crabs can also be observed in this ecosystem. The site is accessible from the shore.
Hastings Reef - Coral Gardens
Hastings Reef - Coral Gardens features a large wall with various entry points, leading divers to an area known for its diverse coral formations and the presence of giant clams. The site includes several bommies, showcasing coral trees that are part of reef restoration efforts. Marine life commonly observed here includes clownfish, pufferfish, pipefish, nudibranchs, elephant ear corals, eels, Moorish idols, wobbegong sharks, Sweetlips, and Maori wrasse.
Hastings Reef - Fish Bowl
Hastings Reef - Fish Bowl is located at the southern edge of Hastings Reef and features a prominent coral wall. This site is characterized by a diverse array of marine life, particularly at shallower depths, which contributes to its name. The area is home to various reef fish, including sweetlips and snappers, as well as giant clams that are often found adorned with coral growth. Divers may also encounter giant moray eels on occasion. The easy navigation along the wall makes this site suitable for both novice and experienced divers. Entry to the site is from the shore.
Hastings Reef Blue Lagoon
Hastings Reef Blue Lagoon features a wall that descends to depths of 20 meters, with a shallower area on top. Divers can explore a sandy patch populated with numerous sea cucumbers. This site is ideal for spotting small marine life, including mantis shrimp, leopard sea cucumbers, pineapple sea cucumbers, decorator crabs, nudibranchs, and raccoon butterfly fish.
Heart Pontoon - Hardy Reef
Heart Pontoon at Hardy Reef offers divers a wall dive that descends to depths of 30 meters. The site features vibrant soft and hard corals, including staghorn and plate corals, which create habitats for various marine species. Divers can expect to see a variety of colorful fish such as butterflyfish, clown triggerfish, and angelfish, along with larger species like mackerel, trevally, and reef sharks along the wall. This location is ideal for drift diving, providing an engaging underwater experience.
Heron Island
Heron Island is a coral cay situated near the Tropic of Capricorn within the southern Great Barrier Reef. It is located approximately 80 kilometers northeast of Gladstone Park in Queensland, Australia, and about 460 kilometers north-northwest of Brisbane. The site offers shore entry for divers, providing access to diverse marine life and coral formations. The underwater environment features a variety of coral species and is known for its rich biodiversity, including opportunities to observe turtles and various fish species. The conditions are generally suitable for divers of varying experience levels, with visibility often reaching up to 20 meters.
Heron Island - Blue Pools
Blue Pools at Heron Island is an accessible dive site that features a sloping coral reef with various gutters, ledges, and caves. While it is a favored location for snorkelling, divers can explore beyond the sheltered cove to discover the diverse underwater landscape. The site offers opportunities to observe a range of marine life in a relatively calm environment, making it suitable for divers of varying experience levels. The entry to the site is from the shore, allowing for easy access to the water.
Heron Island - Gorgonia Hole
Gorgonia Hole at Heron Island offers divers the opportunity to explore a site rich in marine life. The area is characterized by numerous cracks and crevices where various species can be observed. Common sightings include turtles such as green, loggerhead, and hawksbill, often found hiding among the rocks. Additionally, divers can encounter painted crayfish and lionfish. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers to enter and explore the underwater environment.
Heron Island - North Bombie
North Bombie, located at Heron Island, features a prominent bommie that serves as a habitat for various marine species. The site is populated with glass and cardinal fish, which are often preyed upon by coral trout, coral cod, and barramundi cod. This bommie also functions as a significant cleaning station, attracting large manta rays and turtles. The dive site is accessible by boat.
Heron Island - Pams
At Heron Island - Pams, divers can begin their descent by following the mooring line, which leads to an area populated with a variety of colorful reef fish. The dive site features a significant expanse of staghorn coral, guiding divers towards a bommie that is home to healthy coral formations. While exploring the bommie, divers may encounter batfish, white-tipped reef sharks, nudibranchs, and a range of typical reef fish species.
HMS Pandora - Pandora Entrance - GBR
The HMS Pandora wreck site offers divers an opportunity to explore the remains of a historic naval vessel. The site is characterized by diverse marine life and coral formations that have developed around the wreckage. The entry to this dive site is by boat, and it is located at coordinates -11.373800, 143.983600. The underwater environment provides a unique perspective on maritime history, with the wreck serving as a habitat for various species. Visibility can vary, and divers should be prepared for changing conditions.
Honeymoon Cay - Derry Reef - GBR
Honeymoon Cay at Derry Reef offers divers a chance to explore a vibrant underwater ecosystem characterized by colorful corals and diverse marine life. The site is known for sightings of tropical fish and sea turtles, making it an engaging dive location. The entry is from the shore, providing easy access to the reef. The conditions are generally suitable for divers of varying experience levels, with visibility that enhances the underwater experience.
Horseshoe Bay
Horseshoe Bay is a shallow dive site that is best accessed during high tide due to its extremely shallow conditions. The site is easy to navigate and typically experiences minimal current. Divers can expect to see a variety of reef fish congregating around the rocks on the side facing the current. Additionally, numerous nudibranchs can be found among the small coral blocks, adding to the site's biodiversity.
Jeff’s Edge
Jeff's Edge is situated on the outer reef within Lady Musgrave Lagoon, characterized by significant water movement, ideal for drift diving. Divers can utilize the current to navigate through the site, allowing for an extensive exploration of the underwater environment. The dive site is known for its diverse marine life, including various species of sharks such as whitetip, blacktip, and grey reef sharks, as well as eagle rays, sting rays, and bull rays. These encounters contribute to the site's appeal for divers seeking to observe a range of pelagic species. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to experience the dynamic conditions of the outer reef.
Keeper Reef
Keeper Reef, situated off the coast of Townsville, features a dive site that reaches a maximum depth of 16 meters. The area is characterized by intricate coral gardens interspersed with ridges and bommies, creating a complex underwater landscape. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including schools of fusiliers, coral trout, rabbitfish, batfish, turtles, whitetip reef sharks, sweetlips, and barramundi cod. Additionally, the reef is home to crayfish, rock cods, squirrelfish, and shrimp.
Lady Musgrave Aquarium
Lady Musgrave Aquarium is accessed via the channel from Lady Musgrave Lagoon. The site has a maximum depth of 8 meters and features an array of marine life including anemones, hard corals, and clams. Divers can frequently observe green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, and various species of reef sharks, including white and black tip reef sharks. Additionally, blue spotted lagoon rays and anemone fish are commonly seen in this area.
Lighthouse Bommie
Lighthouse Bommie is a notable underwater feature located off the reef at a depth of 85 feet, with the top reaching approximately 10 feet below the surface. The bommie has a diameter of around 30 feet. It is adorned with a variety of marine flora and fauna, with vibrant colors becoming more pronounced as divers ascend towards the surface. Mantis shrimp can be observed near the bottom, contributing to the site's biodiversity.
Lighthouse Bommie - Lady Elliot Island
Lighthouse Bommie at Lady Elliot Island features a diverse marine ecosystem with vibrant coral formations and a variety of marine species. Divers can expect to see sea turtles and a multitude of colorful fish species. The site is characterized by its rich biodiversity, making it an ideal location for observing marine life in their natural habitat. The entry to this dive site is from the shore, providing easy access for divers.
loadstone reef
Lodestone Reef is located approximately 1.5 hours by boat from Townsville. The site features a depth range from 3 meters to 45 meters, accommodating divers and snorkelers of varying experience levels. Visibility typically varies between 5 and 20 meters, influenced by weather conditions. The reef is home to diverse marine life, including large plant corals, cowtail rays, and white tip reef sharks. During the winter months, sightings of manta rays and humpback whales are more frequent.
Luncheon Bay “WEST“
Luncheon Bay 'WEST' features a series of walls and bommies that create a trench-like system for exploration. The dive site allows for varying depths, with some areas sloping downwards, making it suitable for training purposes. Divers can ascend on top of the bommies towards the end of their dive to conduct a safety stop. Marine life commonly observed includes white tip reef sharks, turtles, moray eels, and various species such as damselfish, anemonefish, batfish, and yellow boxfish.
Manta Bommie
Manta Bommie is located off the southern end of Lady Musgrave Island and serves as a cleaning station for Manta Rays. The dive site features a bommie that lies at depths of 18-20 meters, with its peak reaching 14-16 meters. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including Manta Rays, Groupers, Green Sea Turtles, Reef Sharks, Wrasse, Coral Trout, as well as various species of damsel and anemone fish. This site is accessed by boat.
Manta Ray Bay
Manta Ray Bay is known for its resident Maori wrasse named George, along with large schools of fusiliers, giant trevallies, and batfish. The dive site offers shallow exploration around a series of bommies, with depths ranging from 14 to 16 meters. For those looking for deeper dives, the slope descends to 30 meters, where there is a chance to encounter whitetip reef sharks. The area is also home to various nudibranchs and a diverse range of reef fish, including moray eels. Notable features include Manta Ray statues that enhance the diving experience.
Maori Wrasse Bommie - Lady Elliot Island
The Maori Wrasse Bommie at Lady Elliot Island is a notable dive site characterized by its vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life. Divers can expect to see the prominent Maori wrasse, along with various reef fish and sea turtles. Reef sharks may also be spotted in the area. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers to explore the underwater ecosystem.
Milln Reef - The Whale
Milln Reef - The Whale offers divers and snorkelers a chance to explore shallow coral gardens and swim-throughs. The site is known for its excellent visibility, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels. Marine life includes species such as rock cod, red bass, chevron barracuda, and various anthias in vibrant colors. Divers may also encounter tomato clownfish and juvenile royal blue tangs among the staghorn corals, as well as reef sharks in the area. The entry to the site is from the shore.
Mull of Kintyre - Wilson Reef - GBR
Mull of Kintyre - Wilson Reef offers a diverse underwater ecosystem characterized by vibrant coral gardens. Divers can expect to encounter various tropical marine species and may spot elusive reef sharks. The site is accessible by boat, providing a convenient entry point for divers. The biodiversity here is notable, making it a significant location for underwater exploration.
Museum of Underwater Art, Coral Greenhouse
The Museum of Underwater Art's Coral Greenhouse is an artificial reef structure designed to support coral growth. Constructed from stainless steel and pH-neutral materials, it weighs over 158 tonnes and features 20 reef guardians that aid in coral propagation, emphasizing the importance of reef conservation. The site is located at John Brewer Reef within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which offers some natural protection from weather conditions. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 15 meters, and the area is characterized by natural coral walls and a flat sandy base, making it accessible for divers. Entry to the site is from the shore.
Norman Reef - Caves
Norman Reef - Caves offers a variety of swim-throughs suitable for experienced divers, along with shallower areas that are accessible for beginners. The site features a significant drop-off and is rich in marine life. Divers can expect to encounter species such as white tip sharks, octopuses, stingrays, clownfish, anemones, nudibranchs, and both green and hawksbill turtles.
Norman Reef - Playgrounds
Located on the southern section of Norman Reef, Playgrounds is designed for beginner divers. This site features a variety of coral reefs and bommies, providing an opportunity to observe marine life such as baby reef fish and cuttlefish. The area is relatively calm, making it suitable for novice divers. Nearby, Shark Mountain is known for its presence of grey reef sharks and schools of Bumphead Parrot Fish that rest here at night. The entry to Playgrounds is from the shore.
Norman Reef Pontoon
Norman Reef Pontoon offers a shallow dive experience characterized by several bommies that contain small caves. This site is accessible via boat and is suitable for divers of all levels. The surrounding reef is rich in marine life, particularly in the shallower areas. Common sightings include eels, white tip sharks, green turtles, Moorish idols, cuttlefish, clownfish associated with anemones, hard corals, pufferfish, shrimps, and crabs.
Norman Wildside - Central
Norman Wildside - Central offers a wall dive that reaches depths of 25 meters. The site is ideal for macro photography, particularly in the shallower areas where divers can conduct safety stops while observing Epaulette sharks. Marine life includes clownfish, mantis shrimps, various crab species, nudibranchs, parrot fish, and hard corals.
Oh My Bommie - Great Detached Reef - GBR
Oh My Bommie is a dive site located at the Great Detached Reef, featuring a rich array of marine life including diverse corals and schools of tropical fish. The site is accessible by boat and offers a unique opportunity to explore the underwater ecosystem. The vibrant colors and dynamic marine diversity make it an engaging dive experience. The depth and conditions are suitable for divers looking to immerse themselves in a thriving reef environment.
Perisher Blue - Great Detached Reef - GBR
Perisher Blue at the Great Detached Reef offers divers the opportunity to explore a diverse underwater ecosystem characterized by delicate coral formations and abundant schools of reef fish. The site is accessible by boat and provides a tranquil diving experience in a blue water environment. The depth and conditions are suitable for divers looking to engage with the vibrant marine life typical of the Great Barrier Reef.
Pirates Wall - Wilson Reef - GBR
Pirates Wall at Wilson Reef offers divers a unique opportunity to explore a vertical drop-off characterized by vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life. The site features colorful corals and sea fans, providing habitat for a variety of tropical fish. The dive begins at a shallow depth and descends to greater depths, allowing for a comprehensive view of the reef's ecosystem. Conditions can vary, so divers should be prepared for potential currents. This site is accessible via shore entry, making it convenient for divers looking to experience the Great Barrier Reef's underwater environment.
Rainbow Road - Great Detached Reef- GBR
Rainbow Road at the Great Detached Reef offers a diverse underwater landscape characterized by vibrant coral formations and a variety of marine species. The site is accessible by boat and features depths that vary, providing opportunities for divers to explore different levels of the reef. Expect to encounter a range of marine life, including colorful fish and other reef inhabitants. The conditions can vary, so divers should be prepared for potential currents. Visibility typically ranges from 15 to 25 meters, allowing for a clear view of the reef's intricate ecosystem.
Raine Island - GBR
Raine Island offers divers the opportunity to explore a rich marine environment characterized by diverse coral formations and frequent encounters with sea turtles. The site is known for its clear waters, allowing for excellent visibility, which enhances the experience of observing the vibrant marine life. This dive site is accessible only by boat, making it a unique destination for underwater exploration.
Reefy 2nd’s - Lady Elliot Island
Reefy 2nd’s at Lady Elliot Island offers divers the opportunity to explore a diverse marine ecosystem. The site features vibrant reefs populated with various marine life, including sea turtles and schools of tropical fish. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers. The underwater landscape is characterized by swaying sea fans and colorful coral formations, providing a rich environment for marine observation.
Rose Bay
Rose Bay is a shallow dive site located on the northern side, with depths ranging from 3 to 7 meters. The area features a combination of soft and hard corals, primarily situated on sandy substrates. Divers should exercise caution during entry due to submerged rocks. This site is suitable for leisurely dives, allowing for exploration of the diverse marine life present in the region. It is important to check tidal conditions before diving.
Sandy 2nd’s - Lady Elliot Island
Sandy 2nd’s at Lady Elliot Island features sandy seabeds that support a variety of marine life. Divers can expect to see unique species such as nudibranchs and seahorses, alongside sea turtles and occasional rays. This site offers opportunities for underwater exploration in a diverse ecosystem.
Saxon Reef Magic Wall
Saxon Reef Magic Wall features a shallow wall that descends to approximately 15 meters, interspersed with bommies in the deeper sandy areas. The site includes numerous small caves that provide shelter for eels and octopuses. It is suitable for divers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. Marine life commonly observed here includes white tip sharks, sting rays, green turtles, blue anemones with clownfish, nudibranchs, and butterflyfish.
Scattered Bommies - Lady Elliot Island
Scattered Bommies at Lady Elliot Island features a diverse underwater landscape characterized by scattered coral formations. This site is known for sightings of sea turtles and various species of tropical fish. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers. The marine life and coral structures contribute to a rich ecosystem, providing opportunities for exploration and observation.
Severence Wreck - Lady Elliot Island
The Severance Wreck at Lady Elliot Island is a notable dive site characterized by the remains of a sunken ship surrounded by vibrant coral growth. Divers can observe various marine species that inhabit the wreck, creating a unique ecosystem. The site is accessible by boat, and it offers a distinctive opportunity to explore the interaction between marine life and the historical structure of the wreck.
Simmos - Lady Elliot Island
Simmos at Lady Elliot Island offers divers the chance to explore a rich underwater environment characterized by diverse marine life. The site features vibrant coral formations and is home to sea turtles, various species of tropical fish, and reef sharks. Divers may also encounter rays and octopuses during their exploration. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to experience this unique marine ecosystem.
Snake Pit - GBR
Snake Pit is a shore entry dive site located at the Great Barrier Reef, coordinates -14.672200, 145.572400. The site is characterized by vibrant coral formations and is known for the presence of sea snakes and various species of tropical fish. Divers can expect to encounter a diverse marine ecosystem, making it an interesting location for underwater exploration. The conditions can vary, and it is advisable for divers to be aware of their surroundings while navigating through the area.
Spiders Ledge - Lady Elliot Island
Spiders Ledge at Lady Elliot Island offers divers the opportunity to explore a diverse marine ecosystem. The site features a variety of corals and is home to sea turtles and a multitude of colorful reef fish. Divers may also encounter rays in the area. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to experience this vibrant underwater habitat.
Split Bommie, Hastings Reef
Split Bommie is situated at the southern end of Hastings Reef and is characterized by numerous bommies that are detached from the main reef structure. The site features shallow waters, making it suitable for snorkeling and novice divers. Marine life commonly observed here includes clownfish, schools of pelagic fish, and friendly black and white tip reef sharks. In the shallower areas, divers can also encounter schools of striped sergeant major fish and parrotfish.
SS Yongala Wreck
The SS Yongala Wreck is located at coordinates -19.304600, 147.624300 and serves as an artificial reef. The wreck lies at a depth that attracts a diverse array of marine life, often larger than those found on the Great Barrier Reef. It is important to note that penetration or contact with the wreck is prohibited, as it is considered a grave site. Divers should be aware of the potential for strong currents in the area, which can affect dive conditions. The vessel sank during a cyclone on March 24, 1911, while traveling from Melbourne to Cairns, resulting in the loss of all 122 passengers and crew members.
Steve’s Bommie - Ribbon No 3 Reef
Steve's Bommie is a notable dive site located on the Ribbon Reefs, characterized by a prominent pinnacle that rises from a depth of 30 meters. The site is surrounded by clear, deep waters and is home to a diverse array of marine life. Divers can observe schools of trevallies, fusiliers, and surgeonfish in the water column. Closer examination of the site's nooks and crannies may reveal stonefish and nudibranchs, adding to the site's biodiversity.
Table Top
Table Top is a prominent bommie located on Norman Reef, characterized by its extensive plate corals at a maximum depth of approximately 5 meters. This dive site typically features strong currents and is considered a deeper dive. Marine life commonly observed here includes grey reef sharks, white tip sharks, hawksbill turtles, parrot fish, titan triggerfish, nudibranchs, and various plate corals.
The Apartments
The Apartments is a wall dive characterized by pristine plate corals and a diverse range of marine life. The dive site has depths ranging from 12 to 22 meters, with visibility typically between 15 and 35 meters. Divers can expect to encounter various species, including sharks, turtles, and pelagic fish, alongside beautiful hard and soft coral varieties. This site is accessible via shore entry.
The Canyons
The Canyons offers a wall dive experience with depths ranging from 8 to 22 meters. Divers can expect to see a diverse array of marine life, including sharks, turtles, and various reef fish species. The site is characterized by pristine plate corals and both hard and soft coral varieties. Visibility typically ranges from 15 to 30 meters, and the dive is conducted along the outer edge of Lady Musgrave, often featuring pelagic species. Entry to the site is from the shore.
The Caves
The Caves is a wall dive characterized by numerous overhangs and crevices, providing an interesting underwater landscape. The dive site ranges in depth from 12 to 24 meters, with visibility typically between 15 and 30 meters. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including sharks, turtles, sea snakes, and pelagic species, along with diverse hard and soft coral formations. Entry to the site is from the shore.
Three Pyramids - Lady Elliot Island
Three Pyramids at Lady Elliot Island features distinct coral formations resembling pyramids, providing habitat for a variety of marine species. Divers can observe sea turtles and schools of tropical fish within this vibrant ecosystem. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers to explore the underwater landscape. Conditions typically allow for good visibility, enhancing the experience of observing the diverse marine life.
Tree Peaks - Saxon Reef
Tree Peaks at Saxon Reef is accessible from the shore and caters to divers of all experience levels. The site is named for an old submerged tree that has become a habitat for various corals. In the shallow waters, divers can observe a vibrant array of colors. Notable marine life includes Maori Wrasse, Reef White Tip Sharks, Flat Worms, Spanish Dancers, Clownfish, Stingrays, and Titan Triggerfish.
Troppos, Norman Reef
Troppos is located at the northernmost point of Norman Reef and features a shallow sandy lagoon that is suitable for beginner divers. The site includes various nooks and crannies to explore, alongside a deeper scenic reef wall that slopes down to a sandy bottom, making it appropriate for advanced divers seeking greater depths. The area is known for its diverse marine life, including Green Sea Turtles, White Tip Reef Sharks, Schooling Bump Head Parrot Fish, and Garden Eels.
Turtle Bommie
Turtle Bommie is situated approximately 10 meters from the Northern end of the Lady Musgrave Lagoon Wall. This site features a turtle cleaning station located on a sand patch, which is accessible to both snorkellers and scuba divers. Here, divers can observe green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles as they receive cleaning from cleaner wrasse.
Turtle Bommie, Saxon Reef
Turtle Bommie at Saxon Reef features a prominent bommie structure surrounded by a diverse array of hard and soft corals. The site is home to a variety of colorful fish, and the sandy bottom facilitates easy navigation along the reef wall. Night dives are particularly rewarding, as turtles are often found resting in the small shelves of the reef. Additionally, divers may encounter crustaceans, nudibranchs, moray eels, octopuses, and cuttlefish in this vibrant ecosystem.
Twin Peaks - Great Detached Reef - GBR
Twin Peaks features two prominent coral formations that rise from the seabed, showcasing a variety of marine life. Divers can expect to see an array of colorful fish and may encounter rays gliding through the water. The site offers a rich underwater landscape that highlights the biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef. The dive site is accessed by boat, making it convenient for divers to reach these unique coral structures.
Twin Peaks, Saxon Reef
Twin Peaks at Saxon Reef consists of two prominent coral formations with a combined diameter of approximately 60 meters. These peaks are connected by a narrow ridge and are surrounded by a shallow reef area to the southeast. Marine life in this location includes large schools of brassy drummers, barracuda, and both silver and big-eyed trevally. Divers may also encounter green sea turtles and clownfish during their exploration.
Yongala
The SS Yongala wreck is located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It rests at a maximum depth of 33 meters, with the top of the wreck at about 15 meters. Divers can see a variety of marine life and the structure of the wreck, which has remained largely intact since it sank in 1911 during a cyclone, resulting in the loss of 122 lives.