Meet the site
Golf Clubs is a Passions of Paradise site on Hastings Reef, and its particular value is shelter from strong westerly winds, which are unusual on the Cairns reefs but do occur, particularly in winter when a front passes or the trade winds break down. The operator describes it as a wrap-around reef with predominantly hard corals, with the reef close to where the boat moors, and suitable for snorkellers and divers. The name may come from the shape of coral formations or the reef outline; the operator does not say. A reef that wraps around the mooring means there is coral on several sides of the boat, which keeps swims short for snorkellers and gives divers a continuous edge to follow in either direction. The hard-coral cover is the main feature, with branching, plate and massive colonies forming a solid, healthy reef. Expect the usual Hastings fish: damselfish and chromis over the branching coral, parrotfish grazing the reef edge, butterflyfish and angelfish in pairs, wrasse, coral trout and cod under ledges, and turtles. Giant clams and anemonefish are common across Hastings Reef. Depths are modest and the site is easy, suiting newly certified divers and anyone doing a relaxed second dive. Because it is used only in particular winds, it is dived less often than the main Hastings moorings, which keeps it quiet. Published detail is limited to the operator's short description, so depths here are estimates. Visibility is usually 12-20 m, and on the rare days when a westerly blows the site gives calm water when the rest of the reef is choppy.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Golf Clubs (Hastings Reef) is recorded as Reef 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 Golf Clubs (Hastings 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 Golf Clubs (Hastings 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 corals (branching, plate, massive), damselfish, chromis, parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, wrasse, coral trout, cod, turtles, giant clams, anemonefish
Location
Passions of Paradise mooring on Hastings Reef, about 50 km north-east of Cairns, where a wrap-around reef of mostly hard coral comes close to the boat.
Facilities nearby
Departs Reef Fleet Terminal / Marlin Marina, Cairns: toilets, cafes, paid parking; dive gear, tanks and lunch supplied on board
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
passions.com.aucairnsdiveadventures.com.audiversden.com.aureeftrip.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.