Meet the site
Gorgonia Hole is a shallow, relaxed dive on the northern side of Heron Reef and a favourite afternoon site. Its structure is a maze of cracks, crevices, small caves and short walls, many of them draped with gorgonian fans, which is where the site gets its name. Depths are mostly 7-16 m and the site is best dived at high water. The holes and crevices are the point of the dive, as they hide a remarkable variety of creatures. Painted crayfish are common, lionfish hover in the overhangs, moray eels and angelfish patrol the walls, and nudibranchs graze the sponges. Green and loggerhead turtles, and occasionally hawksbills, use the site heavily; at low tide it is common to find turtles wedged into the cracks resting. Because it is shallow and sheltered, divers can take their time and look closely, and a torch is useful for peering into the holes and bringing out the colours of the fans and sponges. It is an easy dive to navigate if you stay with the guide and follow the line of the reef. Gorgonia Hole suits all levels, including new divers and those doing training dives, and it is especially rewarding for macro photographers and turtle enthusiasts. It features in the resort's top ten sites and is a good choice when the tide is high in the afternoon. It contrasts nicely with the bigger-animal cleaning station dives such as Heron Bommie and North Bommie, and gives a good sense of how much life hides in a Heron Reef crevice.
What you might see
Green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles, painted crayfish, lionfish, moray eels, angelfish, nudibranchs, gorgonian fans, sponges
Location
A shallow site on the northern side of Heron Reef (7-16 m) of cracks, crevices, small caves and walls draped with gorgonians; best at high water and a favourite afternoon dive.
Facilities nearby
Heron Island Resort dive centre beside the harbour: gear hire, nitrox availability should be checked, rinse tanks, lockers; resort restaurant and bar. No public facilities – access is for resort guests only.
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
diversiondivetravel.com.auheronisland.commarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.