Meet the site
Henry's Bommie is the easy dive of Fairey Reef, one of the outer reefs near Bait and Hardy. 100 Magic Miles describes a relatively flat, sandy bottom studded with small coral outcrops, with the bommie rising from 12–15 m to near the surface, and a cave holding a giant clam about a metre across. Current is minimal, visibility 10–20 m. The bommie is well covered in coral and surrounded by abundant tropical fish, and the guide rates its snorkelling as excellent – the top reaches close to the surface, so snorkellers can enjoy the coral without diving. A resident turtle is spotted at night, making it a good night dive for vessels anchored nearby. Because it is sheltered and shallow, Henry's Bommie is a comfortable site for beginners, snorkellers and relaxed second or night dives. The sand around the bommie adds macro interest – gobies, shrimps and rays – and the giant clam is the showpiece. Fairey Reef is not visited by scheduled day trips; access is by liveaboards and private charters from Airlie Beach working the outer reefs. The reef's other sites – Little Fairey Inlet, The Shoals and Tina's Arm – offer walls, lagoons and current-fed diving, so Henry's Bommie complements them as the easy option. Coordinates here are approximate, and current coral condition has not been documented. For liveaboard groups it works well as the last dive of the day followed by a night dive on the same bommie, when the turtle and nocturnal invertebrates appear and the sheltered water makes navigation straightforward.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Henry's Bommie (Fairey Reef) is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Whitsundays & Bowen. 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 Henry's Bommie (Fairey 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 Henry's Bommie (Fairey 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
Giant clam (~1 m, in cave), abundant tropical reef fish, resident turtle (night), gobies, shrimps, rays, hard corals
Location
Bommie on Fairey Reef rising from a flat sandy bottom studded with small coral outcrops, with a cave holding a metre-wide giant clam.
Facilities nearby
Departures from Coral Sea Marina and Port of Airlie (Airlie Beach) and Hamilton Island marina; air fills, hire and courses at Airlie Beach dive centres. No facilities at the bays.
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
100magicmiles.com100magicmiles.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.