Meet the site
Centipede Reef lies about 6 nm north of Wheeler Reef on the mid-shelf off Townsville, in the same cluster as Wheeler and Davies. The Marine Life Network records coral bommies, schools of trevally, reef sharks and turtles, but also notes that Cyclone Yasi in 2011 left the sheltered side relatively bare. The better diving is on the exposed sides, where coral survived or has regrown, but those sides are only diveable in calm weather. That trade-off defines the reef. On a glassy spring or early-summer day, a charter can position on the exposed face and drop divers among bommies rising from the slope, with trevally schools patrolling and reef sharks cruising past. When the south-east trades blow, the sheltered side is the only option, and it currently offers little coral interest. The reef is part of a group that is otherwise healthy: Wheeler, 6 nm south, is a green-zone reef noted for good coral cover and fish life. Centipede may follow the same recovery path, and it is worth checking with local divers on its current state. No day-trip operator lists Centipede, so it is reached by private boat, club charter or as an add-on to a Wheeler Reef day. It is a site for divers who already know the more popular Townsville reefs and want something less visited. Depths and layout are drawn from general descriptions of the reef and its neighbours, and exact positions of good bommies are local knowledge.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Centipede Reef is recorded as Reef in Townsville & Magnetic Island. The listed access is boat (day trip). 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 Centipede 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 Centipede 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
Trevally schools, reef sharks, turtles, coral bommies, reef fish
Location
Mid-shelf reef about 6 nm north of Wheeler Reef, north-east of Townsville, with coral bommies on its exposed sides.
Facilities nearby
Departures from Breakwater Marina, Townsville (fuel wharf, cafes, paid parking) and Nelly Bay ferry terminal, Magnetic Island. Air fills and hire at Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive (South Townsville) and Pleasure Divers (Arcadia, Magnetic Island).
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.aunquec.org.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
