Meet the site
King Reef is the Exmouth Integrated Artificial Reef, deployed in August 2018 by Recfishwest with BHP, National Energy Resources Australia, Subcon and Curtin University, funded in part by recreational fishing licence fees. At the time it was described as the largest artificial reef deployed in Australian waters. It spreads 49 concrete reef modules and six large steel structures — some around 10 m tall — over about two acres of sand at 17 m in Exmouth Gulf.
The design goal was fish habitat, and it has worked: surveys and video since deployment show large numbers of fish, with corals and sponges establishing on the tall steel structures in particular. Expect aggregations of baitfish, trevally, snapper species, cod and emperor around the frames, with the concrete modules providing crevices for smaller reef fish and invertebrates. The sand between structures may hold rays and gulf macro life.
For divers it is an unusual site in the Exmouth area — a deep, structured artificial reef rather than a coral reef or pier. It is not on any operator's regular list, and fishing pressure means lines and lures on the structures are likely. Visibility in the gulf is variable and the site needs calm weather and a slack tide. It suits experienced, self-reliant divers with a private boat who want something different; for most visitors, the Navy Pier (when open) delivers the same big-fish-on-structure experience with a guide.
Information on this site as a dive is limited; treat the descriptions of marine life as indicative and check locally before planning.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
King Reef (Exmouth Artificial Reef) is recorded as Artificial Reef in Ningaloo – Exmouth. 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.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
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 King Reef (Exmouth 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 King Reef (Exmouth 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 schools, trevally, snapper, emperor, cod and groper, coral trout, rays; developing sponge and coral growth on steel structures
Location
Purpose-built artificial reef of 49 concrete modules and six large steel structures on a 17 m sand bottom in Exmouth Gulf, about 6.5 km north-east of Exmouth Marina.
Facilities nearby
Exmouth Marina: boat ramps, trailer parking, fuel, toilets. Air fills in Exmouth.
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
madmackie.com.aurecfishwest.org.aurecfishwest.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.