Meet the site
A-Bay Reef lies off Alexandria Bay, the east-facing beach inside Noosa National Park between the Noosa headland and Sunshine Beach. The Noosa kayak-fishing community lists its mark as 26°23.273'S 153°07.850'E, and nearby 'Doggie Beach Reef' is listed just to the south. There is no published dive guide for the reef.
What is known is geographic. Unlike the Laguna Bay reefs, Alexandria Bay faces the open ocean, so the reef is exposed to the south-east trades and easterly swell and can only be dived on genuinely calm days. In return, it lies away from the Noosa River plume, so visibility is often better than at Jew Shoal. The rocky shoreline of Noosa National Park, which Scuba World lists among the Sunshine Coast's snorkelling headlands, suggests a similar rocky-reef habitat offshore – boulders and ledges with algae, soft corals, sponges and subtropical reef fish.
This is a site for local divers with a boat or dive kayak and knowledge of the Noosa bar. Visitors will get a better experience at Jew Shoal with SubSurface Scuba. Anyone who does dive A-Bay should be aware that the adjacent beach is unpatrolled with strong rips, and that boat access is the only practical option. On the right day – flat seas, a light westerly and a rising tide – it offers a quiet, rarely visited reef within sight of the national park.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
A-Bay Reef is recorded as Reef in Sunshine Coast. The listed access is boat. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is A-Bay Reef suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book A-Bay Reef through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Subtropical reef fish, soft corals, sponges, algae (not documented in detail)
Location
Rocky reef off Alexandria Bay on the eastern side of the Noosa National Park headland.
Facilities nearby
Departure: Noosa River ramps
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
noosayakkers.blogspot.comscubaworld.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.