Meet the site
City Hall is the showpiece certified dive from the Sunlover pontoon on Moore Reef. It is a large coral pinnacle that rises from the reef slope to within a few metres of the surface, riddled with at least ten swim-throughs, and with giant gorgonian fans on its deeper flanks. Diveplanit describes it as home to red cardinalfish, glassfish, coral trout, yellowtail fusiliers and damsels, and notes a remarkable resident turtle population: guides have counted 18 turtles, two hawksbills and sixteen greens, living on or around the pinnacle. That is the main reason people remember the site. Turtles are seen on most dives, often resting in the swim-throughs or wedged into crevices, and they are accustomed to divers. The swim-throughs are large and straightforward, but divers should keep good buoyancy and avoid touching the walls. Glassfish and cardinalfish fill the darker passages, coral trout and cod lurk under ledges, and fusiliers swirl around the top. The gorgonians at depth carry feather stars and small crustaceans. Moore Reef is a large horseshoe reef whose western side is sheltered in the prevailing south-easterly winds, which is why three pontoon operators are based there, and City Hall benefits from that shelter. Depths are limited to the operator's maximum for certified dives, 18 m, which suits Open Water divers, and the site is close enough to the pontoon that no long swim is needed. It is a good dive for anyone doing a pontoon trip who wants more than the coral garden alongside the platform. Photographers should bring a wide-angle lens for the turtles and the fans.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
City Hall (Moore Reef) is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Cairns. 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- 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 City Hall (Moore 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 City Hall (Moore 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
Resident green and hawksbill turtles (18 counted), red cardinalfish, glassfish, coral trout, yellowtail fusiliers, damselfish, cod, giant gorgonian fans, feather stars
Location
Large coral pinnacle near the Sunlover pontoon on Moore Reef, about 47 km east of Cairns, with at least ten swim-throughs and giant gorgonian fans at depth.
Facilities nearby
Sunlover pontoon: shaded decks, change rooms, toilets, buffet lunch, semi-submarine, underwater observatory, dive platform; departs Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns
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
diveplanit.comsunlover.com.aucairnsdiveadventures.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.