Local dive sites

 

The following section shows our fabulous dive sites on the east coast of Australia.

 

Moreton Island

 

FLINDERS REEF

Depth Range : 3 - 16m
Visibility averages 15m in summer and 30m in winter

 

Nearest true coral reef to Brisbane zones a marine park in 1998. Has more than 175 fish species. There are more species and varieties of corals in this one area than any other single reef on the Great Barrier Reef.

 

The diverse amount of marine life include schools of Wrasse, Sweetlip, Trevally, Parrot, Bat, Surgeon, turtles and tropical fish. Manta Rays, Wobbegongs and Leopard Sharks are among the larger creatures that reside here. Sightings of Whaler sharks are sometimes seen on the eastern side of Flinders. During the months of June to September, Humpback Whales can be seen on the surface as they pass by.

 

CURTIN ARTIFICIAL REEF

Depth Range : 12 -30m
Visibility averages 10m

 

For the wreck enthusiasts, on this site inside Moreton Bay lies over 22 scuttled wrecks. Scattered around this site you will also come across concrete pipes and steel pontoons, tyres and car bodies. The artificial reef has come a long way since the sinking of its first vessel in 1968. Its popularity is due to the variety of diving it offers. For the wreck divers some of the wrecks offer full penetration and for divers who are not into wrecks, large schools of marine life including Queensland Groupers, Cod, Kingfish, Turrum, Red Emperor, Trevally, Tuskfish and the list goes on. This site is best dived on slack high, for those wanting more excitement and the chance to see almost all the wrecks it is good to drift dive.

 

SMITHS ROCK

Depth Range : 6 - 20m
Visibility averages 20 - 30m

 

Smiths Rock is often frequented by the large species of marine life. Often prone to currents is best dived at slack water. This site has great potential for exploration with caves and swim-throughs which are alive with crayfish. Smith Rock is notorious as a shipping hazard claiming ships as they attempt to navigate around Cape Moreton.

 

AAHRUS (Sank 1894)

Depth Range : 20 - 25m
Visibility averages 20 - 30m

 

Lying on a sandy bottom, the 640 tonne sailing baroque grounded hard on Smiths Rock three times before sinking in just 12 minutes. The Aahrus is mostly covered by sand with sections still remaining. Large schools of big eyes cover some sections of the remains and often frequented by schools of pelagics.

 

HUTCHISON SHOALS

Depth Range : 3 - 30m
Visibility averages 15 - 30m

 

Surrounded by deep and spectacular drop-offs, caves and ravines, its waters are alive with pelagic fish, whilst the reef has a good cover of tropical growth and smaller marine life. Weather conditions must be almost perfect to dive the shoals.

 

ST PAUL (Sank 1919)

Depth Range : 30 - 42m
Visibility averages 15 - 30m

 

A French freighter became the second victim of Smiths Rock. The remains of the boilers greet you as you first approach the remains of the St Paul. Amongst the twisted handrails and superstructure lies hidden treasures of time gone by.

 

MARIETTA DAL (Sank 1950)

Depth Range : 12 - 14m
Visibility averages 20m

 

The Marietta Dal was a British Freighter that ran aground on Smiths Rock. Her cargo of oils, chemicals, machinery and tractors sand along with the Marietta Dal. Scattered cargo is amongst small bommies and rocky outcrops. The hull rests in 13 metres of water flat on the ocean floor and still providing a great opportunity to explore.

 

BRENNAN & ROBERTS SHOALS

Depth Range : 12 - 25m
Visibility averages 20m

 

Roberts Shoal, just east of the Cape Moreton Lighthouse, and Brennan Shoal north of Roberts form the southern limits of a line of shoals. Both sites are very similar in terrain with pinnacles and big caves. Fish life at these sites is quite prolific with schools of big pelagics and the largest of wobbegong sharks. Currents are generally not a problem, but big swells can make it quite uncomfortable.

 

THE PINES

Depth Range : 10 - 18m
Visibility averages 10m

 

The Pines consists of a wall of coffee rock and scattered bommies. This site is best dived on a drift dive as its gives you the opportunity of covering a large section of this site. Only 100 metres off the beach inside Moreton Bay it travels north to south with encounters with turtles, rays, lionfish and large schools of fish.

 

TANGALOOMA WRECKS

Depth Range : 6 - 12m
Visibility averages 8m

 

Just north of Tangalooma Resort lying half under the surface, old Harbours and Marine Department Steam-driven Dredges and Barges. Beneath the surface walls of steel, large propellers make home to large schools of fish, wobbegong Sharks, Lionfish, Stonefish, Moray Eels and lots of tropical fish. This site offers small penetration for the wreck divers. It is best dived on slack high or on an outgoing tide for a drift dive.

 

HENDERSON ROCK & CHERUBS CAVE

Depth Range : 12 - 30m
Visibility averages 20m

 

This is one of Brisbane's best and least frequented dive sites. Henderson Rock and just North, Cherubs Cave is an extensive granite outcrop on the ocean side of Moreton Island. Few divers have the chance to dive because of the distance and is dived more frequently in winter due to westerly winds and calm seas. As you leave the surface you will notice extensive kelp beds full of lots of hidden treasures, sea horses, pipe fish and nudibranchs. The terrain is spectacular with deep ledges, overhangs and caves to explore. Long deep gutters to the east of the pinnacle offers promise of unexpected encounters. In the winter you can expect sightings of Grey Nurse Sharks. The marine life here is enough to get your heart racing with large schools of pelagic fish and batfish. Around many of the gutters and caves you will find Wobbegongs Sharks, Gummy Sharks and resident Queensland Groupers.

 

WRECK OF THE CEMENTCO (Sunk deliberately in 1985)

Depth Range : 16 - 30m
Visibility averages 15m summer 30 winter

 

Formerly named the Crusader, lies near the north-eastern tip of Flinders Reef. The wreck has become home to Queensland Groupers and schooling fish are also abundant. The wreck lies upside down with most areas easily accessible. For those with wreck and penetration experience many sections of the Cementco can be discovered with floors carpeted with crayfish.