Meet the site
Anzac Reef lies about 110 km east of Townsville, towards the outer part of the continental shelf, and is recorded by the Marine Life Network as a varied reef of drop-offs, coral gardens and pinnacles with visibility of 10–30 m. It is noted in particular as a productive night-dive location, where lobsters, flatworms and a wide range of small invertebrates emerge from the reef after dark. The combination of habitats makes it a flexible site for a charter. Drop-offs provide wall-style diving with fish concentrating along the edge; pinnacles give a focal point for current-fed fish life; and coral gardens in the shallows are easy diving for a second or night dive. Being further offshore, the reef benefits from clearer oceanic water than the inshore and mid-shelf reefs, and it is little affected by wet-season river plumes. The Marine Life Network cautions that the reef can be current-affected, which is typical for reefs this far out: tidal flow across the shelf accelerates around reef edges and pinnacles, and dives are best timed around slack water, with a surface marker buoy and boat cover. Exposure to the south-east trade winds means calm weather is needed. Anzac Reef is not visited by day boats and does not appear on current operator schedules; it is a liveaboard and long-range charter site. For those on a multi-day Townsville expedition, it offers a mix of wall, pinnacle and night diving with the clear water of the outer shelf.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Anzac Reef is recorded as Reef in Townsville & Magnetic Island. 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.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
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 Anzac 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 Anzac 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
Lobsters, flatworms, nudibranchs and small invertebrates (night), reef fish, pelagics along drop-offs, hard and soft corals
Location
Reef about 110 km east of Townsville with drop-offs, coral gardens and pinnacles.
Facilities nearby
Charter departures from Breakwater Marina, Townsville.
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.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
