Diving in Tweed-Moreton
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Tweed-Moreton's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Tweed-Moreton, ecoregion. This region features 53 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Tweed-Moreton 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 Tweed-Moreton (1)
Popular Spots in Tweed-Moreton (53)
Amity Point
Amity Point is a shore dive best undertaken approximately 30 minutes before high tide to optimize visibility and minimize current. Divers should remain vigilant for boat traffic and should display a dive flag while also carrying a surface marker buoy (SMB). It is advisable to have a surface watch and be cautious of fishing lines in the area. The dive site offers opportunities to observe a variety of marine life, including nudibranchs, stonefish, wobbegong sharks, and schools of fish. There is also a possibility of encountering dolphins during the dive.
Anenome Bay
Anemone Bay is characterized by a boulder-strewn landscape, abundant with various species of anemones and numerous anemonefish. Divers can expect to encounter rays, turtles, and a mix of hard and soft corals. The site is also home to a variety of fish, including sharks. The entry to this dive site is from the shore.
Aussie’s Reef, Gneering Shoals
Aussie's Reef at Gneering Shoals features a reef top that rises to approximately 13 meters, with the surrounding sea floor reaching depths of around 18 meters. The site includes overhanging structures and a sandy bottom that separates these formations from the flatter coral beds. Divers can observe a rich variety of marine life, including diverse coral species and numerous fish, providing an opportunity to explore the underwater environment at eye level with the reef structure.
Barwon Banks
Barwon Banks is situated 22 nautical miles from shore, featuring a rocky reef that ascends from a depth of 40 meters to 22 meters. This site is intended for experienced divers due to its challenging conditions. The reef is characterized by a complex structure of caves, ledges, bommies, and gutters. The underwater landscape is adorned with black coral trees, soft corals, gorgonians, and sea whips, providing habitat for a diverse array of reef fish and invertebrates.
Big Plates
Big Plates features a diverse array of hard and soft corals, providing a rich environment for exploration. The dive site has an anchor located at approximately 10 meters depth, making it accessible for novice divers or those returning to diving after a break. The area includes various nooks and crannies, along with a mini cave that is not large enough for entry.
Boat Rock
Boat Rock is an advanced dive site characterized by significant currents throughout the year, making it infrequently dived, averaging only 4-5 visits annually. The depths range from 14 to 34 meters, and safe diving conditions are essential due to the strong currents. This site is known for attracting pelagic species such as barracuda and whaler sharks, along with occasional sightings of migrating whales. During specific seasons, grey nurse sharks may also be observed in the area.
Butterflies
Butterflies is a dive site characterized by its hilly terrain and overhanging structures. Divers can enter from the shore and explore the waters where they may encounter schools of butterfly fish, which the site is named after. Additionally, sightings of sweetlip, octopus, nudibranchs, and various small marine creatures are common, providing a diverse underwater experience.
Cementco Wreck
The Cementco Wreck is a 67-meter-long hopper barge that was utilized in Moreton Bay, Brisbane, primarily for transporting fossilized coral for cement production. In 1985, the vessel was intended to be scuttled off Moreton Island to create an artificial reef but sank unexpectedly in rough weather, coming to rest upside down at a depth of 25 meters. This site serves as an artificial reef, attracting various marine life and providing a unique diving experience.
Cherubs Cave
Cherubs Cave is located off the coast of Moreton Island and is accessed via shore entry. The site features a hidden underwater cave that was once marked by a small concrete cherub, which is no longer present. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including pelagic species such as barracuda, kingfish, and trevally. Additionally, turtles, gropers, and wobbegong sharks are commonly seen in the area. Grey nurse sharks can also be found gathering in the gutters of the cave, making this site a diverse habitat for underwater exploration.
Clown Reef
Clown Reef features a diverse underwater landscape characterized by rocky bottoms and sand gullies. The site is abundant with anemones, providing habitat for numerous clownfish. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life in this area, making it a vibrant spot for exploration. The entry to the site is from the shore, allowing easy access for divers and snorkelers alike.
Cook Island - North Wall
Cook Island - North Wall is a designated Marine Reserve that features a diverse array of marine life and serves as a breeding ground for seabirds. The maximum depth at this site reaches 13 meters. Divers can expect to encounter green sea turtles frequently, along with rays and mantas. During the winter months, whales are also known to visit the area. Access to the site is via shore entry.
Curtin Artificial Reef
Curtin Artificial Reef is a notable dive site featuring over 25 intentionally sunk vessels located at depths ranging from 15 meters to 25 meters. This site is ideal for drift diving and is also frequented by anglers, so divers should be cautious of fishing lines. The reef supports a diverse array of marine life, including turtles, octopuses, Queensland groupers, barracudas, moray eels, and nudibranchs, among others.
DC3 Undercarriage (Wreck)
The DC3 Undercarriage dive site features remnants of a DC3 aircraft, including its wing assembly, wheel, and propeller components. This aircraft disappeared in the mid-1940s and was relocated by a trawler in the 1990s. The rest of the aircraft and its six occupants have not been found as of 2019. The wing assembly serves as a habitat for large wobbegong sharks, along with various shrimp and crayfish, providing an interesting environment for divers. The site is accessible from the shore.
Fish Soup N/W Rock
Fish Soup N/W Rock is located just north of North Solitary Island and features a rock outcrop that provides an excellent diving experience. The maximum depth reaches approximately 15 meters, with an average depth of around 10 meters. It is advisable to dive here during lower swell conditions. Divers can explore a split in the rock formation that leads to large boulders and various swim-throughs, which are home to a diverse array of fish species. Common sightings include large schools of bream and goatfish, as well as grey nurse sharks, jewfish, mangrove jack, giant cod, and other pelagic species.
Flat Rock - Blue Corner
Flat Rock - Blue Corner is an advanced dive site located on the ocean side of Flat Rock, with depths ranging from 25 to 45 meters. This site is suitable for technical divers and experienced recreational divers due to its challenging conditions. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including bull sharks, sandbar whaler sharks, humpback whales, spinner sharks, Queensland groupers, turtles, barracuda, eagle rays, and cownose rays. The site is particularly noted for its population of bull and sandbar whaler sharks, making it a prime location for observing large pelagic species.
Flat Rock - Nursery
Flat Rock - Nursery is situated about 2.5 nautical miles north of Point Lookout, specifically on the southwestern edge of the reef. This site is the shallowest among the Flat Rock dive locations, making it ideal for observing smaller marine creatures. Unlike other nearby sites that attract larger fish and rays, the Nursery focuses on the diverse smaller life forms that inhabit the area. The entry to this dive site is from the shore, providing easy access for divers.
Flat Rock - Shark Alley
Flat Rock - Shark Alley is a dive site primarily suited for advanced divers, featuring a maximum depth of 28 meters, with the reef rising to 12 meters on either side of the alley. This location serves as a seasonal aggregation area for endangered Grey Nurse sharks, also known as sand tiger sharks. Divers can also encounter various marine species including wobbegong sharks, eagle rays, cownose rays, humpback whales, groupers, barracuda, and nudibranchs. The site is located offshore, making it an ideal spot for observing larger pelagic marine life such as whales.
Flat Rock - The Pinnacles
Flat Rock - The Pinnacles is situated on the western side of Flat Rock, with depths that vary from 12 meters to 35 meters. This dive site is designated for advanced divers due to its depth and conditions. Marine life commonly observed here includes turtles, eagle rays, cownose rays, leopard sharks, grey nurse sharks, and nudibranchs. Additionally, migrating humpback whales can be seen during certain seasons. The entry to this site is from the shore.
Flat Rock - Turtle Cave
Flat Rock - Turtle Cave is situated on the northern side of Flat Rock, offering a dive site that accommodates divers of all experience levels. The site features a small cave located at a depth of 10 meters, with the reef extending down to a maximum depth of 30 meters. This location is ideal for drift diving along the periphery of Flat Rock, where divers can observe a variety of large pelagic species that inhabit the area. Marine life commonly seen here includes grey nurse sharks, eagle rays, humpback whales, whaler sharks, turtles, groupers, and large schools of tropical and sub-tropical fish, along with nudibranchs and barracuda.
Flinders Reef
Flinders Reef is located within Moreton Bay Marine Park, recognized as Brisbane's only true coral reef and a fully protected marine sanctuary. Divers can explore a diverse range of marine life and coral formations. A notable feature of this site is the turtle cleaning station, where green turtles can be observed resting on the corals in shallow waters, receiving cleaning from surgeonfish and cleaner wrasse. The site is accessible via shore entry, making it convenient for divers of all levels.
Gold Coast Offshore
Gold Coast Offshore is located approximately ten minutes from the shore, featuring open water that reaches depths of around 40 meters. This site is suitable for freediving line training and courses. Divers may encounter various migratory and pelagic species, with humpback whales being the most commonly sighted during the Winter and Spring seasons.
Gold Coast Seaway
Gold Coast Seaway is a popular shore dive site located at coordinates -27.936700, 153.425500. The site is home to over 400 marine species, providing a diverse habitat for various aquatic life. Notable species include moray eels and scorpion fish. The optimal time for diving is approximately 15 minutes before high tide, as visibility tends to be best during this period.
Hanging Rock
Hanging Rock is characterized by a significant rocky overhang that extends above a sandy trench. This unique feature provides an excellent opportunity for photographers, particularly under the overhang where sun corals can be observed feeding in the gentle ocean currents. Divers should be cautious as small moray eels can be seen peeking out from the numerous crevices. The site is also home to a variety of tropical fish, making it an engaging location for underwater exploration.
Hendersons Rock
Hendersons Rock features a cave system located beneath a prominent circular bommie on its north-west side. The cave has four entrances that are often obscured by kelp, making them challenging to locate. Inside, light filters through the openings, which assists with navigation. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including a significant population of Grey Nurse Sharks, various Cod and Grouper species, as well as Anemones and Clown Fish. This dive site is accessed from the shore.
HMAS Brisbane (Wreck)
The HMAS Brisbane was intentionally sunk in July 2005 to serve as an artificial reef near Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast. Surrounding the wreck is a designated Conservation Park. Divers can observe over 300 fish species and more than 200 coral species thriving on the structure. The wreck is home to various marine life, including resident turtles, groupers, rays, and numerous large pelagic fish. Entry to the site is by boat.
Julian Rocks - Cod Hole
Julian Rocks - Cod Hole is a dive site suited for experienced divers, featuring a small underwater cave at the northern tip. The cave begins at a depth of approximately 15 meters and descends to 21 meters. This site serves as a habitat for grey nurse sharks during the winter months, along with large moray eels, wobbegongs, and schools of large pelagic fish.
Julian Rocks - Hugos Trench
Julian Rocks - Hugos Trench offers divers a unique experience with its steep walls that create a habitat for a variety of small marine life. Expect to encounter nudibranchs, Spanish dancers, crayfish, and mantis shrimp among the crevices. Larger species such as moray eels, Ghostfish, pineapple fish, and bubble snails can also be spotted. Additionally, divers may see larger animals like bull rays and wobbegong. This site is accessible by boat.
Julian Rocks - Needles
Julian Rocks - Needles is situated at the southern end of Julian Rocks and features prominent bombies that rise to shallow depths ranging from 5 to 15 meters. The site experiences currents, which contribute to a diverse marine ecosystem visible throughout the year. It serves as a feeding station for manta rays and is frequented by leopard sharks during the summer months. Divers can also observe large schools of fish, as well as turtles, bull rays, and eagle rays consistently throughout the year.
Julian Rocks - Nursery
Julian Rocks - Nursery is a dive site ideal for both novice and experienced divers, as well as snorkelers. The site features a protected shallow area with depths ranging from 5 to 12 meters. It is home to over 500 species of fish, including numerous juvenile species. This area serves as a common shelter and feeding ground for various turtle species, including green sea turtles, Hawksbill turtles, and Loggerhead turtles.
Julian Rocks - Split Bommie
Julian Rocks - Split Bommie features a series of large, scattered bombies with a distinctive crevice, reaching depths of up to 15 meters. This dive site is accessible year-round and accommodates divers of various skill levels. The area is populated with a variety of marine life, including schooling bullseye fish, large wobbegong sharks, and numerous marine invertebrates. During the winter months, grey nurse sharks are often observed patrolling the waters around this site.
Main Beach Wreck - Tassie III
Main Beach Wreck - Tassie III is a shallow dive site accessible from the shore, featuring the wreck of the Tassie III along with remnants of an old jetty and a significant seaweed garden. This site is suitable for beginner divers while still providing opportunities for experienced divers to encounter diverse marine life. Common sightings include turtles, Shovel nose rays, octopus, nudibranchs, eels, and crayfish.
Manta Bommie
Manta Bommie is situated a short boat ride from Point Lookout and features a maximum depth of 15 meters. This dive site is accessible to divers and snorkelers of all experience levels. The underwater landscape consists of substantial rock and reef formations interspersed with sandy areas, providing a habitat for a diverse range of marine species. Notable marine life includes seasonal sightings of Manta Rays and Leopard Sharks, along with Guitar Sharks, Whiptail Rays, Nudibranchs, Cownose Rays, and Wobbegong Sharks.
Marietta Dal (Wreck)
The Marietta Dal is a 7500-tonne liberty ship that was constructed in the United States in 1944. This wreck, measuring 140 meters in length, is located off the coast of Brisbane. On May 15, 1950, it ran aground on Smith Rock while transporting a cargo that included sulphur, oil, tractors, and various general goods. Currently, the remnants of the Marietta Dal are scattered across depths ranging from 10 to 18 meters, providing an intriguing dive site for those interested in maritime history.
MKVI
MKVI is characterized by a diverse array of healthy hard and soft corals. The anchor is located at a depth of approximately 10 meters, making it suitable for novice divers or those returning to diving after a break. The site features numerous nooks and crannies to explore, along with a small cave that divers cannot enter.
Mudjimba Island Reef SW
Mudjimba Island Reef SW features a shallow wall that descends from approximately 3 to 6 meters down to depths of 8 to 15 meters. The site is known for its diverse marine life, where divers and snorkelers can observe various colorful corals and fish species. Notable encounters may include shovel nose rays, wobbygong sharks, and turtles. The entry point is accessible from the shore.
Nine Mile Reef
Nine Mile Reef features a depth range starting at approximately 10 meters and descending to 30 meters. The reef is characterized by a variety of hard and soft corals, providing habitat for numerous reef fish in the shallower areas. Pelagic species, including sharks, turtles, stingrays, and eagle rays, can be observed around the reef. Notably, wobbegong sharks inhabit the area year-round, while leopard sharks are present during the summer months and grey nurse sharks during winter.
north solitary islands
The North Solitary Islands are accessed via boat and offer diverse marine environments. The dive site features a variety of depths, with notable areas ranging from shallow reefs to deeper waters. Divers can expect to encounter a range of marine life, including schools of tropical fish, larger pelagic species, and possibly even sightings of dolphins and turtles. The underwater topography includes rocky outcrops and coral formations, providing habitats for various marine organisms. Conditions can vary, so divers should be prepared for potential currents, making this site suitable for those with some experience.
Nurse Rock
Nurse Rock features two prominent boulders positioned closely together, creating a narrow gap filled with various bait fish. At the base of these rocks, divers can explore two tight swim-throughs. The area is home to large cod, crayfish, moray eels, and wobbegongs. During the winter months, grey nurse sharks are often present, adding to the site's biodiversity.
Pinnacles
The Pinnacles is a notable dive site located within the Mooloolaba Coral Reefs, featuring two distinct pinnacles that ascend from the seabed at a depth of 24 meters. One pinnacle reaches a height of 16 meters, while the other rises to 14 meters. The site is characterized by its navigable layout and is home to a variety of corals and tropical fish species, making it an engaging environment for divers.
Sevens Reef
Sevens Reef is a deep dive site characterized by significant currents, making it appropriate only for technical divers or highly skilled recreational divers. The depths range from 30 meters to 50 meters, necessitating training and equipment for decompression diving. This open ocean location is notable for its diverse marine life, including bull sharks, sandbar whalers, Great White sharks, Tiger sharks, Humpback whales, Minke whales, Queensland Groupers, Barracuda, and various large schooling fish, as well as turtles.
Shag Rock - Coral Gardens
Shag Rock is a rocky reef located approximately 6 to 8 minutes by boat from the nearest beach launch point. This site is well-protected and provides reliable diving conditions, especially when other locations may be less favorable. The reef features two distinct sides, both offering excellent dive opportunities. A notable feature of the site is a swim-through cave that connects the two sides, presenting an engaging experience suitable for divers of all skill levels.
Shag Rock - Horseshoe
Shag Rock is an exposed rocky reef located approximately 6 to 8 minutes by boat from the nearest beach launch point. This site is known for its protection from adverse conditions, making it a reliable option for diving when other locations may not be suitable. The reef features two distinct sides, both offering excellent diving opportunities. Divers can explore a notable swim-through cave that connects the two sides, providing an engaging experience suitable for divers of all skill levels.
Shag Rock - Sanctuary Cove
Shag Rock at Sanctuary Cove is a dive site suitable for divers of all experience levels. It is recognized for being one of the most sheltered locations in the vicinity, making it ideal for macro photography. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including frogfish, peacock mantis shrimp, leopard sharks, wobbegong sharks, stingrays, cownose rays, and various schooling fish. The site is accessed via shore entry, providing convenient access for divers.
Shag Rock - Sunken Reef
Shag Rock is a rocky reef located approximately 6 to 8 minutes by boat from the nearest beach. This site is well-protected and provides reliable diving conditions, especially when other locations may be less favorable. The reef features two distinct sides, both offering excellent dive opportunities. Divers can explore a notable swim-through cave that connects these sides, presenting an engaging challenge suitable for divers of all experience levels.
Shag Rock - Swim Through
Shag Rock is a rocky reef located approximately 6 to 8 minutes by boat from the nearest beach. This site is well-protected, making it a reliable choice for diving when conditions are unfavorable at other locations. The reef features two sides that provide excellent diving opportunities, connected by a notable swim-through cave that presents an engaging challenge suitable for divers of all experience levels.
Soup Kitchen
Soup Kitchen features a diverse array of healthy hard and soft corals. The dive site is accessible from the shore, with the anchor located at approximately 10 meters depth, making it suitable for novice divers or those returning to diving after a break. The area includes various nooks and crannies to explore, along with a mini cave that is not large enough for entry.
The Caves
The Caves is a shore entry dive site characterized by a prominent ledge that extends in an east-west orientation, making navigation straightforward. Divers can explore a mini cave that often attracts large pelagic species. The site is home to various marine life, including vibrant anemones, clownfish, and numerous small Christmas tree worms.
THE HOLE
The Hole is a local reef dive site that is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers. The underwater landscape features a mix of coral and sand, with some areas exhibiting slight rocky formations. The depths vary throughout the site, providing a range of exploration opportunities. Marine life is abundant, including smooth rays, eels, various schooling fish species, urchins, and nudibranchs, among others.
Tweed River
Tweed River is located at Tweed Heads, accessible from Coral Street. Divers can enter the water via concrete stairs or opt for a beach entry for drift diving. The site is suitable for beginner divers, with optimal visibility during winter months and at high tides. Marine life includes various estuary fish, such as brim, and occasional sightings of turtles, Wobbegongs, common dolphins, octopuses, and rarely, seahorses.
Wave Break Island
Wave Break Island is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates -27.931700, 153.418900. Divers can expect to encounter approximately 450 species of fish, making it a biodiverse location. The marine life includes soft corals, sponges, nudibranchs, and various shark species such as wobbegong sharks, PJ sharks, and grey nurse sharks. This site caters to both novice and experienced divers, with conditions suitable for a range of skill levels.
Wobby Rock, Gneering Shoals
Wobby Rock at Gneering Shoals features a series of boulders that create a reef structure, with the top reaching approximately 13 meters and the seafloor ranging from 15 to 18 meters. The area contains numerous gaps and holes, providing shelter for various marine species, including a small cave. Common sightings include Wobbygong sharks, while groupers may occasionally be seen emerging from their hiding spots. During the cooler months, Grey Nurse sharks are known to congregate in this location, along with trumpet fish and other species.
Wonder Reef On The Gold Coast
Wonder Reef is an innovative buoyant reef featuring nine distinct spiral structures. These structures are anchored to the ocean floor and exhibit movement similar to that of a kelp forest, responding to oceanic energy. The dive site offers a depth range from 8 meters to 30 meters, accommodating divers of all skill levels. It presents a unique underwater experience that divers should consider exploring.
Wonderland
Wonderland features a diverse array of both hard and soft corals, providing a habitat for various marine life. The dive site begins at a depth of approximately 10 meters, making it suitable for novice divers or those returning after a break. The area includes numerous crevices and a small cave, which is not accessible for entry. Marine species commonly observed here include Nudibranchs, Pipe Fish, Clownfish, and Anemones, making it an excellent location for macro photography.