Meet the site
Heron Bommie is the dive that made Heron Island famous and it remains the resort's signature site. It consists of six large coral heads that start in about 5 m of water and step down the reef slope to 18-20 m near the entrance to the harbour, and marine life writers routinely describe it as one of the most photographed dive sites in Australia. Each bommie is surrounded by branching coral forests, and together they act as a major cleaning station for the whole area: manta rays and eagle rays come in to be cleaned, clouds of damsels and anthias swarm over the heads, and cleaner wrasse service a constant queue of fish. Batfish, Moorish idols, sweetlips, coral trout, trevally and barracuda are regular, moray eels peer from holes, and wobbegong and grey reef sharks are often seen resting or cruising the sand. The site also has famous residents, such as a large flowery cod known to guides as 'Fatty', and banded pipefish and nudibranchs for macro photographers. The fish density is exceptional because the whole of Heron Reef is a Marine National Park (Green) Zone and has been protected for decades. The layout makes it ideal for all levels. Newer divers can stay on the upper heads at 5-12 m, while experienced divers can drop to the deeper bommies and wait at the cleaning stations for mantas, which are most frequent in winter. Photographers should plan several dives here to cover both wide-angle and macro subjects. Because it is only minutes from the jetty and sheltered from the prevailing south-easterlies, Heron Bommie is on the schedule most weeks, and many divers dive it several times during a stay. It is also a common first dive for guests doing a check dive or refresher, and a good one to repeat on the last day before the no-fly interval.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Heron Bommie 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
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 Heron Bommie 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 Heron Bommie 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
Manta rays and eagle rays (cleaning station), wobbegongs, grey and whitetip reef sharks, batfish, Moorish idols, sweetlips, coral trout, trevally, barracuda, moray eels, flowery cod, banded pipefish, nudibranchs, anthias and damsels
Location
Six large coral heads near the lagoon/harbour entrance on the north-western edge of Heron Reef, a few minutes by boat from the Heron Island jetty; Heron's signature site and a manta cleaning station.
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
heronisland.comdiversiondivetravel.com.aumarinelife.org.audiveplanit.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.