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Bargara Sites
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2 MILE ROCKS
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DEPTH12-15 Metres
VIZ: 10 Metres
Boat Dive
Situated approximately 1.5 nautical miles off Bargara, this site can be accessed by a short three minute boat trip from Bargara Beach or twenty minutes from Burnett Heads.
This site is like an oasis in the desert, it's a small reef approx 2-3mtrs high and around 100-150mtrs long surrounded on all sides by sand. To say the fish life is prolific is an understatement! This is a great site and easily accessed from Bargara Beach which is why it is so popular amongst the local fishermen particularly during the mackerel season. A few smaller rocks surround the main ones and all of these are worthy of a good look. It is theorised that the rocks were thrown out to sea when the now long extinct Hummock volcano erupted centuries ago.
Although easily accessed, the site is subject to periods of poor visibility when affected by the outflow of the Burnett River to the North. For those athletic divers, a dive on the site followed by a long drift dive to the end of Burkitt's Reef is great, however check your tidal currents to gain all the assistance that you can.
The site is very close to the Shark Drum Lines deployed by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and although many sharks are caught in the area each year, they are, to the disappointment of most, very rarely sighted. There has never been a reported shark attack in the Coral Coast area.
This site is residence to a wide variety of reef species and in particular to a large family of cod which haunt the caves and ledges under the main rocks. Most local reef species are resident with frequent sightings of moray eels, olive sea snakes wobbegong sharks, giant trevally, mackerel, loggerhead and green turtles, banded coral shrimps and cuttlefish to name but a few.
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4 MILE REEF
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DEPTH: 8-13 Metres
VIZ: 14 Metres
Boat Dive
The site is accessable by boat and is situated approximately 6 nautical miles South East of Elliott Heads and 3 miles offshore from Coonarr Creek, this is an amazing site offering easy diving with extended bottom times.
This site offers great diving in a defined reef area and although only offers shallow diving it is great for both novice and the more experienced. The reef covers an area of about 5 acres, is relatively easy to find and is large enough to justify two dives. The bottom time provided by the shallow depth is a definite advantage for those looking for longer dives.
The bottom is made up of a flat sandy and rubble bottom at 13 metres rising 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 lead back under the coral and which provides home for an unbelievable variety of reef species. The surrounding rubble is also home to many other species.
NOTE: Sharks that divers have sighted have always been cruising around the edge of the reef. Spearfishermen have reported being 'buzzed' by whalers and scuba divers should consider this fact before entering the water if spearfishing is taking place nearby.
Many divers who have visited this area cannot believe the diversity of the marine life in one relatively small location. Most local reef species are represented here and many take up residence in specific 'craters'.
Divers can swim from one 'crater' to the next sighting completely different species in each. Coral trout, pineapple fish, banner fish, cod and many varieties of angel fish and butterfly fish are resident on this reef. It is not uncommon to sight several different turtles and rays including bull rays and mantas during a single dive. Huge schools of trevally (golden and silver) frequent the area and often circle divers to such an extent that they can create a vortex.
The area is rumoured to be patrolled by sharks, particularly tigers and whalers. Although divers have sighted the occasional shark, it is believed that the area's reputation has been acquired through occasional sightings by people involved in spearfishing activities in the area
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BAROLIN ROCKS
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DEPTH:5-9Metres
VIZ: 10 Metres
Shore Dive
Situated approximately 15 minutes drive South of the Bargara Shopping Centre.
Reached by driving South along Woongarra Scenic Drive from Bargara, turning right into Rifle Range Road, left into Back Windemere Road and then left into Innes Park Road to travel back towards the coast. Drive past the Innes Park General Store and then take the next right into The Esplanade. Continue South until reaching the elevated headland and parking area.
This extremely popular site features a more pronounced headland than some of the others and therefore usually provides a little more protection during poor weather and unfavourable seas.
Because the area is so easily accessable to divers of all skill levels and is dived by many people, it is important that novice divers pay particular attention to correct buoyancy and finning techniques to keep the reef in a healthy condition for others to enjoy.
The site can be accessed from locations to either the North or South of the headland. A steep embankment from the top of the headland to the rocks requires cautious negotiation.
During choppy sea conditions some protection can be attained on the leeward side of the point.
In calmer conditions either side can be utilised and with a tidal current running a drift dive around the headland can be both relaxing and enjoyable. A partially enclosed pool (known as ‘the moon pond’) is located immediately to the South of the headland and provides an excellent entry/exit point during mid to high tides.
The bottom consists of 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. The remaining bottom comprises mainly of flat sand with some scattered bombies.
Barolin Rocks is home to a large variety of soft corals with some hard corals interspersed. Many small to medium size species of reef fish inhabit the area with rays and some pelagics usually found on the reef’s edge with the sand. Nudibranchs, moray eels, turtles, sea snakes and wobbegong sharks always make this an interesting dive.
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BURKITT'S REEF
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DEPTH: 5-8 Metres
VIZ: 10 Metres
Boat or Shore Dive
Shoreline reef extends Northwards from Northern end of Kelly’s Beach to near the Bargara Public Boat Ramp and then seawards for approximately one kilometre in a slight arc to the North East.
The shoreline section of this reef provides for an excellent drift dive entering near the boat ramp on the incoming tide and exiting from the Northern end of Kelly’s Beach. The opposite is true for an outgoing tide.
Access to this dive from the shore is usually accessed from near the Bargara Boat Ramp (Northern end) or the Northern end of Kelly’s Beach (Southern end). Access from the rocky shoreline in between can be difficult for novices or those not used to heavy equipment.
This conveniant dive spot features basalt rock, extensive soft corals and some hard corals. The reef extends to about 20 metres from the shore and then approximately 20 metres wide as it curves to seawards. The rocks are surrounded by flat sand making the actual reef a well defined area. Sloping walls of hard corals interspersed with boulder corals give way to extensive gardens of many species of soft corals. Smaller varieties of reef fish with frequent sightings of larger pelagic species.
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DOUBLE ROCK
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DEPTH:5-9 Metres
VIZ: 10 Metres
Shore Dive
Shoreline reef extends mainly Northwards from 2 large rocks protruding from a small headland about 1.5 kilometres North of the mouth of the Elliott River. The reef extends offshore for about 100 metres. Accessed by travelling South on Elliott Heads Road and then turning left into Breusch Road near the Elliott Heads Primary School. Continue to the end of Breusch Road and turn left at The Sea Esplanade. Continue North until the road ends at a chevron roadsign. To the right is a vacant paddock that can be driven across to the headland in front of a white house.
Visitors to the region may find this site a little harder to find and access, however as a general rule of thumb the visibility is usually slightly better than the more Northern sites and offers a greater variety of corals.
This site is usually accessed from the Northern side of the rocks although a Southern entry/exit can afford protection in significant North Easterly winds.
The bottom is made up of 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 well defined edge with flat barren sand defines the reef’s seaward edge. A substantial and interesting bombie lies approximately 20 metres from the point of the seaward rock and slightly to the North.
An amazing variety of reef fish habitat the area with many residing under the ledges created by the plate coral formations. Olive sea snakes frequent the area and although docile, should be left alone. Frequent sightings of turtles and rays along with many pelagics. This site features a wider variety of hard corals than those sites to the North. The edges of these formations are extremely brittle and prone to extensive damage by wayward fins.
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EVANS PATCH
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DEPTH: 21-23 Metres
VIZ: 17 Metres
Boat Dive
The site is accessable by boat, situated approximately 12 nautical miles East of Burnett Heads. The trip takes about 45 minutes. Because this site is relatively small in area and is often visited by local fishermen, anchoring 'on top' of other boats engaged in fishing may cause ill feeling.
Evans Patch has been repeatedly dived for many years and has been the topic of many incredible stories by visiting divers. The site is a favourite for many locals who are proud that it has been recognised as being among Queensland's best dive locations. It is often the first of a two dive package, followed by a repetitive dive on the nearby Beaufort Bomber.
The bottom consists of a flat sandy bottom with occasional patches of scattered sea grass rising to well established low level coral reef.
This site is residence to a wide variety of reef species and moray eels, however the frequent visits by the larger pelagics such as the giant trevally, barracuda, mackerel, kingfish, dolphins and sharks add to the excitement of this already spectacular dive. Many cod of various sizes live under the ledges of the reef and lion fish are seen on most dives. Huge bull rays and manta rays often visit the site and make this a most memorable dive.
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HOFFMANS ROCKS
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DEPTH: 7-10 Metres
VIZ: 12 Metres
Shore Dive
Situated approximately 4 kilometres South of the Bargara Shopping Centre and adjacent to the intersection with Wilfred Street on the right. Two privately owned blocks of land adjoin the headland along with a small council park (Nudibranch Park).
This dive is excellent. night and day It has got to be one of the best shore dives in Queensland! Ideal for beginners and experienced alike.
There used to be a trail you could follow underwater entering on the Northern end of the point, there is a gap between 2 large rocks where you can get in without too much trouble and find the cable to follow. It then winds its was around the area until it finally comes back in towards the shore on the Southern side of the point. One thing the dive shop did not tell us is the cable runs out well before the shore! When it does run out, there should be a wall on your right and in front of you, follow this and it will guide you back to the shore where you exit onto a rocky beach.
If you want to see variety in Nudibranchs, then dive here! There are plenty of different types to see. There are also plenty of soft spikey corals to photograph and so much else to see. This is a must do dive spot when you come to Queensland.
The caves and ledges under the point of the headland often feature resting turtles, wobbegong sharks and bull rays. The vast array of both soft corals such as gorgonia sea fans and ‘trees’ of ‘pom poms’ and scattered hard corals make this site a wonderland habitat for many smaller species of coral fish. The site is also home to many varieties of brightly coloured nudibranchs, some of which have only ever been recorded at this location and which have drawn the attention of many marine scientists. Other interesting sightings include schools of barracuda and trevally, lionfish and cuttlefish. Olive sea snakes are frequently seen and although highly venomous are extremely docile. However they should be left alone.
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STEPPING STONES
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DEPTH: 22-24 Metres
VIZ: 17 Metres
Boat Dive
The site can be reached by boat and is situated approximately 11 nautical miles East of Burnett Heads.
This is a good site, however it is largely dependent on visits by the larger visiting species and it is suitable for experienced divers.
The bottom consists of flat sandy bottom with occasional patches of scattered sea grass and scattered rock formations which give the site its name. Many reef varieties are resident to the site, however it's the visiting pelagic species that are the main attraction such as the turtles, rays, kingfish, and sharks. This is a good site which is usually dived in conjunction with the 'Barjon' on a double dive trip.
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