Meet the site
Broadhurst Reef, together with its smaller neighbour Little Broadhurst, lies in the band of reefs east of Townsville that were a staple of liveaboard trips in the heyday of Townsville diving. The Marine Life Network describes it as a reef of pinnacles, cracks and crevices, 'teeming with fish life and covered with hard and soft corals', with sea whips and gorgonians adding colour. Pinnacle diving shapes the experience here. Rather than a continuous wall, the reef throws up individual towers of coral from deeper water, each ringed by cracks and crevices that shelter fish and invertebrates. Divers typically descend beside one pinnacle, spiral up around it and, in light current, hop to a neighbour. Pinnacles focus current, so fish gather on the up-current sides: fusiliers, snappers and trevally, with coral trout and cod lurking in the cracks. Soft corals and gorgonians grow best on those current-swept faces. Visibility on these outer mid-shelf reefs is typically better than inshore, commonly 15–25 m, and the reef is little affected by coastal flood plumes. The trade-off is distance and exposure: the reef is beyond day-trip range and requires calm conditions. No operator currently lists Broadhurst as a scheduled destination, and published information is limited to general descriptions. Its inclusion reflects its presence in regional site guides. Divers on private or liveaboard charters out of Townsville may find it a rewarding stop, particularly paired with a night dive at Barra Bommie on Little Broadhurst.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Broadhurst 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 Broadhurst 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 Broadhurst 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
Hard and soft corals, sea whips, gorgonians, fusiliers, snappers, trevally, coral trout, cod, reef fish
Location
Mid-to-outer shelf reef east of Townsville with pinnacles, cracks and crevices covered in hard and soft corals.
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.
