Diving on the Reef
WHERE THE REEF BEGINS!TM
Diving the Reef Fact Sheet
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Why not learn to scuba dive at some of the most affordable courses in Queensland? The Woongarra Marine Park - famous for its turtles and fabulous diving - right on the coastline is a favourite training ground. Or take that extra step and enjoy your course whilst cruising around the outer reefs and cays of Bundaberg & the Coral Coast on a live-aboard tour. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned certified diver, the Southern Great Barrier Reef offers an array of exciting choices.
Hoffman’s Rocks is perfectly situated just offshore and is a great coral site for snorkellers and scuba divers alike. Basalt rock, extensive soft corals and some hard corals extend to both the North and South of the headland and out to about 50 metres from shore. Some scattered bombies (coral outcrops) extend further to seaward and shallow caves and ledges under the point of the headland are well worth investigating.
Barolin Rocks is also ideal for all levels of diving experience, and easily accessible just offshore. Basalt rock, extensive soft corals and some hard corals extend to both the North and South of the headland and out to about 50 metres from shore.
Lady Musgrave Island lies 51 nautical miles north of Lady Elliott and rests on the edge of a magnificent coral lagoon eight miles in circumference. Day tours offer introductory dive courses and the offshore pontoon provides a great base for exploring the spectacular marine coral gardens.
Evan’s Patch is a favourite dive site and recognised as one of Queensland’s best dive locations. It is suitable for experienced divers with a depth of 21-23 metres and is 12 nautical miles east of Burnett Heads.
The Beaufort Bomber is the site of a downed WWII aircraft that makes for a fascinating dive. It is only 9.5 nautical miles from Burnett Heads and takes about 40 mins.
Two Miles Rocks is a great site for both novice and experienced divers and is easily accessed by a short 3min boat trip from Bargara Beach.
Burkitt’s Reef is a good site for snorkellers and both novice and experienced scuba divers. The shoreline section offers an excellent drift dive from the boat ramp up to the northern end of Kelly’s beach.
Double Rock is a little harder to find and access but usually provides greater visibility and a greater variety of coral. See basalt rock, extensive soft and hard corals featuring magnificent plate and lettuce-leaf formations. Extends to about 100 metres from the shore and mainly to the North. A substantial and interesting bombie lies approximately 20 metres from the point of the seaward rock and slightly to the North.
The Artificial Reef is a must for visiting divers, situated approximately 3 nautical miles off the coast of Elliott Heads, only a fifteen-minute boat trip from Bargara Beach or a ten-minute trip from the Elliott River. Offers a variety of individual sites including; the 33 metre wreck of the 'Ceratadus II' (Sand Dredge), two Mohawk aircraft, King Air aircraft, water tower and a huge variety of specially constructed concrete modules, pipes and assorted other structures.
The Trawler Wreck is approximately six nautical miles off Elliott Heads and takes only 20 mins. It is a timber vessel that sank about 12 years ago and scattered debris has provided an excellent habitat for a great variety of marine life.
Two Mile Reef offers a great site for both novice and experienced scuba divers. It covers an area of about 5 acres and, although shallow, is relatively easy to find. Flat sandy and rubble bottom at 13 metres rise onto a large expanse of short staghorn coral at about 8 metres. This coral 'field' features small and large crater-like holes with substantial ledges that provide a home for an unbelievable variety of reef species.
