Meet the site
Hardie Artificial Reef is the sister reef to Simpson: around 15 reinforced concrete modules of up to 24 tonnes each, set in five clusters of three, but spread over a larger area of about 160 ha. It lies about 2 nm north-east of Little Woody Island, towards the western shore of K'gari near Bogimbah Creek, in 10-16 m. It is named after Peter Hardie, Big Woody Island's longest-serving lighthouse keeper.
Like Simpson, the reef was designed for recreational fishing, but Hervey Bay Dive Centre lists 'Hardys Artificial Reef' among its local dive sites. Each cluster forms a compact structure on sand with openings and overhangs that shelter cod, sweetlips and wobbegongs, while baitfish and trevally school above. Encrusting growth has built up on the concrete since deployment.
Its position close to K'gari means it is somewhat sheltered from south-easterly chop, but tidal current in this part of the Great Sandy Strait can be strong, so dives are timed for slack water. Visibility is typically low – 5 m or less – and fishing boats frequently sit on the marks.
The Hardie reef is a modest dive best suited to Open Water divers looking for a change from the older Roy Rufus structures. Keep dives to a single cluster, stay close to the modules in the low visibility, and watch for anglers' lines and anchors on the ascent. Being closer to the K'gari shoreline and the seagrass flats of the strait, the reef is also in an area where turtles and dugongs feed, and divers may see them on the run out. Dive it at slack water and plan the trip around the tide: the current in this part of the strait builds quickly once the tide turns.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Hardie Artificial Reef is recorded as Artificial Reef in Hervey Bay & K'gari. The listed access is boat. 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
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 Hardie Artificial 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 Hardie Artificial 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
Baitfish, trevally, cod, sweetlips, wobbegongs, snapper, reef fish, encrusting growth
Location
Fish-habitat reef of about 15 concrete modules in five clusters of three over about 160 ha, 2 nm north-east of Little Woody Island near Bogimbah Creek, in 10-16 m.
Facilities nearby
Departure: Urangan Boat Harbour
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
fishingboatingexploring.com.aumarinelife.org.audiveherveybay.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.