Meet the site
Anemone City is a group of five large coral pinnacles in the centre of the Flinders Reefs lagoon. Marinelife.org.au describes the pinnacles as covered in purplish football anemones with clownfish, pink hydroids, and crevices throughout the complex. The name reflects the density of anemones, which cover large areas of the pinnacles and give the site an unusual texture and colour.
Because the pinnacles are inside the lagoon, the site is more sheltered than the outer walls, and currents are generally gentle. The pinnacles rise from the lagoon floor and are close enough together to visit several on one dive. Crevices cut through the complex, sheltering fish and invertebrates, and the tops of the pinnacles are shallow and bright.
The anemones host clownfish (anemonefish) in large numbers, and pink hydroids add colour. Expect the usual lagoon reef fish: damselfish, anthias, butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish and wrasse, with whitetip reef sharks, turtles and groupers likely. Macro subjects include anemone shrimps, porcelain crabs and nudibranchs.
Anemone City suits divers of every level and is a good choice when weather makes the outer walls uncomfortable. It also makes a relaxed contrast to the deep pinnacle at Watanabe Bommie and the sheer walls at China Wall and Cod Wall. Depths and coordinates here are estimates, as they are not published. The site has not been confirmed on current operator itinerary pages, so it may be dived only occasionally, but its sheltered lagoon position makes it a useful fallback on a Flinders trip when the trades blow.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Anemone City (Flinders Reef) is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Coral Sea. The listed access is boat (multi-day/liveaboard). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
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 Anemone City (Flinders Reef) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced 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 Anemone City (Flinders 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
Purplish (football) anemones, clownfish/anemonefish, anemone shrimps, porcelain crabs, pink hydroids, damselfish, anthias, butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, whitetip reef sharks, turtles, groupers, nudibranchs
Location
Five large coral pinnacles in the centre of the Flinders Reefs lagoon, covered in purplish anemones with clownfish.
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
marinelife.org.auaustralianmarineparks.gov.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
