Meet the site
Harry Atkinson Artificial Reef is one of the oldest artificial reefs in Australia, begun in 1975 when more than 17,000 car tyres were placed on the seabed about 7 km east-south-east of St Helena Island in central Moreton Bay. Two hundred shopping trolleys followed in 1987, and between 2008 and 2014 the reef was enhanced with 450 tonnes of concrete pipes (2010), the 24 m vessel Tiwi Pearl, scuttled in 2010 in about 21 m, and a 26 m barge in 2014. The reef covers 34 hectares according to Queensland Parks (92 hectares according to marinelife.org.au). It is included in this database because it appears in regional dive-site lists and because the Tiwi Pearl is a genuine wreck, but divers need to know that the current Moreton Bay Marine Park artificial reef rules prohibit scuba diving and snorkelling here; the reef is managed as a recreational fishing site, with spearfishing and commercial line fishing also banned. marinelife.org.au describes the dive experience as limited in any case: visibility is often only about 2.5 m in the turbid central bay, the fish life reported by divers has been sparse, rays are the main sighting, and discarded fishing line is a hazard. The structures do attract snapper, sweetlip, cod and baitfish, which is why anglers value it. For divers, the lesson is that the inner-bay artificial reefs are not substitutes for Curtin Artificial Reef, which offers far better visibility, many more wrecks and permitted diving on the western side of Moreton Island. Check the latest QPWS rules before planning any visit.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Harry Atkinson Artificial Reef is recorded as Artificial Reef in Brisbane & Moreton Bay. 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.
- 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 Harry Atkinson Artificial 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 Harry Atkinson 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
Rays, snapper, sweetlip, cod, baitfish (fish life reported as limited by divers)
Location
One of Australia's oldest artificial reefs, 7 km east-south-east of St Helena Island in central Moreton Bay, with the Tiwi Pearl wreck, a barge, pipes and tyres.
Facilities nearby
Manly Boat Harbour and Wynnum/Lota ramps (parking, toilets, cafes).
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
parks.qld.gov.aumarinelife.org.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.