10 Best Snorkelling and Diving Spots near Cairns

Get to know some of the must-see coral reef sites on the Great Barrier Reef.

Although the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef stretches over 2300 kilometres along the Queensland coastline, Cairns is considered to be the official gateway to experience this beauty up close. With 3000 separate reefs and over 900 continental islands and coral cays, it’s the world’s largest coral reef system and has a myriad of unique marine life you won’t find anywhere else.

Now we have the big reef covered, it’s good to keep in mind that each of those 3000 separate reefs has its own dive sites – basically the best spots on the reef where you can enter the water.

Ready to snorkel or dive on one of the seven wonders of the natural world, directly from Cairns? Take your pick from these 10 snorkelling and diving spots.

1. Flynn Reef

What it offers: Fantastic coral gardens
Number of dive sites: Nine

an aerial view of Silverswift at Flynn Reef , Cairns — Flynn Reef is renowned for its stunning coral gardens. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Located around 60 kilometres offshore from Cairns, the popular Flynn Reef is known for its stunning coral gardens and diverse array of marine life.

It’s perfect for snorkelling the shallow waters, as well as scuba diving, as the outer edges of the reef drop away to an average depth of 20 metres. Diving conditions are optimal all year round. Tour operators Silverswift and Passions of Paradise visit Flynn Reef.

2. Milln Reef

What it offers: Beautiful, clear waters
Number of dive sites: 11

diving with Passions of Paradise at Milln Reefthe Milln Reef, Cairns — Spot stunning coral at Milln Reef. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Also situated on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef is Milln Reef, home to some very famous dive sites – particularly Petaj Mooring, where you can often find large schools of bright, colourful fish called sweetlips hanging around, as well as resident turtles and whitetip reef sharks.

The Whale is another fun dive site with a shallow top creating the effect of a whale’s blowhole during low tide. Tour operators Silverswift, Passions of Paradise and the Pro Dive Cairns Three Day Liveaboard Scuba Dive Trip visit Milln Reef.

3. Pellowe Reef

What it offers: Epic wall dives and swim-throughs
Number of dive sites: Two

clownfishes at Pellowe Reef — Find Nemo at Pellowe Reef.

A bit smaller than Flynn and Milln Reef is Pellowe Reef, yet it still packs a punch. One of the dive sites is named Cucumber Alley due to the vast number of sea cucumbers that can be found here. The other dive site, Darth Vader, is named due to long deep valleys and caverns that cover up the light, creating a dark, gloomy (but amazing!) atmosphere.

Due to the smaller size of Pellowe Reef, it’s a lot more exposed to windy weather conditions and can only be accessed in extremely satisfactory weather conditions. Tour operators Silverswift, Passions of Paradise and the Pro Dive Cairns Three Day Liveaboard Scuba Dive Trip visit Pellowe Reef.

4. Moore Reef

What it offers: Operators spend the day here
Number of dive sites: 16

the Sunlover Reef Cruises at Moore Reef, Cairns — Explore Moore Reef with Sunlover Reef Cruises. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

In the shape of a giant horseshoe with three outer reef pontoon operators parked here, Moore Reef is massive. The pontoons offer an easy way to explore the reef in the protected waters, so families especially love it here.

Onboard a Sunlover Reef Cruise, you can even swirl down a 30-metre spiralling waterslide into the tropical ocean. Tour operators Passions of Paradise, Sunlover Cruises , Great Adventures and Reef Magic visit Moore Reef.

5. Thetford Reef

What it offers: Opportunity to see larger marine life
Number of dive sites: 11

a dwarf minke whale at Thetford Reef, Cairns — Swim with dwarf minke whales on Thetford Reef.

The two-kilometre-long Thetford Reef site has a bit of everything – great visibility, many coral heads and lots of swim-through canyons and passages to explore.

Cathedral, TUSA Canyons, and Rosco’s are some of its most famous diving sites, and remarkably, whale sharks and dwarf minke whales have been seen passing near this reef. Tour operators Passions of Paradise, Sunlover Cruises, Great Adventures and Reef Magic visit Thetford Reef.

6. Norman Reef

What it offers: Adventure playground for divers
Number of dive sites: 15

pink and peach anemones at Norman Reef, Cairns — Prepare to be amazed by the marine life at Norman Reef. (Image: Jemma Craig/Tourism and Events Queensland)

Similar to Thetford Reef is Norman Reef, a reasonably large reef and one that’s especially appreciated by scuba divers. Here you can explore the many cliffs, caves, swim-through areas and even a little wreck. The reef’s depth also means that it’s home to a range of larger marine life, such as barracudas, trevally and even the odd reef shark.

The waters near Norman Reef are renowned for having superb visibility. Tour operators Passions of Paradise, Reef Experience, Reef Encounter, Divers Den and Down Under Cruise and Dive visit Norman Reef.

7. Upolu Reef

What it offers: A wide variety of marine life
Number of dive sites: Six

a Hawksbill Turtle at Upolu Reef — Keep your eyes peeled for hawksbill turtles at Upolu Reef.

Upolu is a small, protected lagoon-shaped reef with shallow coral gardens and is an excellent place for first-time introductory diving. You can spot a wide variety of marine life here, such as giant clams, sea cucumbers, nudibranchs, cleaner wrasse, yellowtails, giant trevally and large green mauri wrasse.

Often, hawksbill turtles can be found chewing on the red seagrass found growing between the hard and soft corals of the reef. Tour operators Passions of Paradise, Reef Day Tripper and Ocean Freedom visit Upolu Reef.

8. Saxon Reef

What it offers: Ideal night diving conditions
Number of dive sites: Six

a blacktip shark at Saxon Reef, Cairns — Blacktip sharks come lurking around Saxon Reef.

Large enough to allow up to three boats at a time to moor, liveaboard dive boats often stop at Saxon Reef to give scuba divers a night experience. Reef sharks can be seen at night, and you can expect to see whitetip, blacktip and grey whaler sharks.

During the day, large shallow coral gardens are exposed where many soft and hard corals thrive and can be viewed either snorkelling or diving. Tour operators Passions of Paradise, Reef Experience, Reef Encounter and Divers Den visit Saxon Reef.

9. Hastings Reef

What it offers: A favourite snorkelling spot
Number of dive sites: Nine

colourful coral at Hastings Reef — Explore the coral-laden Hastings Reef. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

One of the shallower spots on the Outer Reef, a real highlight of Hastings Reef, is its dive site, Fish Bowl. Sitting around five meters under the surface of the water, Fish Bowl is home to plenty of healthy, strong coral growth.

You may even spot turtles at Hastings along with a large school of humphead parrotfish. Tour operators Reef Experience, Reef Encounter and Divers Den visit Saxon Reef.

10. Agincourt Reef

What it offers: Incredible coral formations
Number of dive sites: 30

diving into the Agincourt Reef — Off the coast of Port Douglas on the Great Barrier Reef lies the Agincourt Reef. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Hop onboard a boat ride from Port Douglas to reach Agincourt Reef, a series of many smaller reefs with at least 16 different dive sites. As the reefs are located on the edge of the continental shelf of Australia, the water quality is spectacular, which creates a pristine environment for marine life and coral colonies.

The Gardens is a particularly popular dive site as they are renowned for its brightly coloured reef fish, making it a photographer’s paradise. Tour operators Quicksilver Cruises , Poseidon Dive and Snorkel and Calypso Reef Cruises visit Agincourt Reef.

For more information about how to access these Cairns reefs, check out the best Great Barrier Reef tours in Tropical North Queensland.

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.

A guide to the best snorkelling and diving spots in Cairns