Hastings Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, Australia

  • Hastings Reef is located 16° 31.673′ S / 145° 59.672′ E
  • Access boat
  • Depth: 5–30 Metres
  • Visibility: 15–28 metres
  • Size: 1020 hectares

Hastings Reef covers around ten square kilometres and offers a unique example of coral and marine life.  Its coral display supports hundreds of reef fish, and visibility conditions are ideal for snorkelling and diving.  One of the most popular in the northern marine park is 55 km north-east of Cairns.

This outer barrier reef has beautiful coral gardens between Michaelmas Cay and Saxon Reef.

This reef is shaped like a horseshoe with an average bottom depth of 13 metres.

Split Bommie

Split Bommie is also popular with beginners and experienced divers. This large bommie is split into two round shapes and hosts amazing fan corals where small fish and lobsters hide. A wide range of marine life abounds.

The Fish Bowl

When you enter the water, head to the reef wall, which drops to an 8-metre-deep sand floor. Then, turn left to discover a series of coral bommies.

You will see anemones, staghorn coral, and giant clams along this reef. There are also butterflyfish, angelfish, and parrotfish.

Near the surface, visitors will see thousands of reef fish and corals.

Hastings Reef coral growing

At Hastings Reef, we’re committed to ensuring the future of the Great Barrier Reef by actively growing coral in a dedicated coral nursery. This exciting conservation initiative aims to restore damaged areas of the reef and support biodiversity by cultivating healthy coral fragments that will later be replanted on the reef itself. Visitors have the unique opportunity to see this project up close, learning about the coral growth process and the important role these efforts play in preserving the reef’s ecosystem. By growing coral for the future, we’re helping protect and restore the Great Barrier Reef so that generations can experience its beauty and wonder.

Great Barrier Reef Animals

Marine life includes rabbits, drummerfish, clowns, corals, and Green Sea Turtles.  This site also has blacktip reef sharks and chocolate-dipped damselfish.

Dive and Snorkel sites

  • The Fish Bowl
  • Coral Gardens
  • 10:55
  • 10:66
  • Split Bommie
  • The Wildside

Hastings Reef is a green zone within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

For day trips, see Reef Experience; for overnight liveaboard tours, see Reef Encounter.

Giant clams Hastings Reef

Hastings Reef Map

Hastings Reef Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Hastings Reef located?
It is situated in the Coral Sea, about 50 kilometres off the coast of Cairns in Far North Queensland, Australia.  It is part of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders.

How can I visit Hastings Reef?
Accessible through various reef tour operators that depart from Cairns.  These tours offer day trips to the reef for visitors to explore its stunning underwater beauty through snorkelling and diving.

What makes Hastings Reef special?
It is famous for its vibrant coral formations, diverse marine life, and clear blue waters.  It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the rich biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef up close.

What activities can I do at Hastings Reef?
Visitors can enjoy snorkelling and diving to discover the colourful corals and fascinating marine species that inhabit the reef.  Some tours also offer underwater observatories and semi-submersible rides for non-swimmers to experience the reef’s beauty.

Is Hastings Reef suitable for beginners in snorkeling and diving?
This reef site is perfect for beginners in snorkelling and diving.  Tour operators provide guidance and equipment, making it accessible for individuals with varying experience levels.
Red Gorgonian Coral Hastings Reef

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