Meet the site
Harry's Bommie is a Heron Reef site that begins at one large bommie, which marks the start of the dive, and then leads divers along a line of further bommies set among forests of hard coral. The dive's appeal is its unpredictability: each bommie has its own residents, and the guides like to say that you never know what will appear around the next one. The hard coral forests between the bommies are thick with damselfish and fusiliers, and the bommies themselves shelter a range of reef fish, crustaceans and invertebrates. Encounters listed by the dive team include a giant starry puffer, tawny nurse sharks resting on the sand, and brightly coloured nudibranchs on the coral heads. Turtles and reef sharks can turn up here as at any Heron site. The layout is easy to follow: a string of coral heads at moderate depth, so divers can choose how deep to go and how long to spend at each. That makes it a good site for mixed groups and for divers on their first few dives at Heron who want variety without complexity. Photographers will find plenty of subjects for both wide-angle images of the coral forests and macro shots on the bommies. Because the dive covers a fair distance, it is often done with a slight current, and the boat can collect divers at the far end if needed. The name should not be confused with 'Harry's House', a nickname for Turtle Gully linked to a great hammerhead seen there. Harry's Bommie was grouped with several other sites in the earlier database pass and is now listed on its own.
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's Bommie (Heron Island) is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Heron Island & Capricorn Group. 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.
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's Bommie (Heron Island) 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 Harry's Bommie (Heron Island) 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
Damselfish, fusiliers, giant starry puffer, tawny nurse sharks, nudibranchs, turtles, reef sharks, hard coral forests
Location
A Heron Reef dive that starts at one large bommie and continues past bommie after bommie through forests of hard coral full of damsels and fusiliers.
Facilities nearby
Heron Island Resort dive centre beside the harbour: gear hire, rinse tanks, lockers; resort restaurant and bar. 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.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
