Meet the site
Line Reef lies beside Hardy Reef in the complex of outer reefs east of the Whitsundays, with Heart Reef and Sinker Reef nearby. 100 Magic Miles describes it as a coral wall with small gullies and deep ledges, 3–25 m deep with 8–18 m visibility. Fish include cod, sweetlips, wrasse, coral trout and angelfish. What sets Line Reef apart is current. The guide calls it strong and says the site makes a good drift dive, which is how it is best done: drop in up-current, ride along the wall and let the boat follow. The deep ledges give fish shelter from the flow, and as divers pass they look into overhangs where cod and sweetlips rest. The current feeds soft corals and brings pelagic fish along the wall. Snorkelling is prone to current and best done as a drift too, with a boat following – not an option for inexperienced swimmers. For divers, Line Reef suits those with a little drift experience; Open Water divers can manage with a guide on a moderate tide, but it is rated here for Advanced divers or those with drift training. Line Reef is not on any day-trip schedule. It is visited by liveaboards and charters working the Hardy complex, particularly those looking for drift dives. The channels between Hardy, Line and Sinker reefs concentrate tidal flow, so timing matters, and an experienced skipper is essential. Coral condition since Cyclone Debbie is not documented in the sources reviewed. Divers who enjoy drifting should ask liveaboard crews about Line Reef, since it is one of the few documented drift dives in the Whitsunday outer reef.
What you might see
Cod, sweetlips, wrasse, coral trout, angelfish, pelagic fish, soft corals
Location
Outer reef beside Hardy Reef with a coral wall of small gullies and deep ledges, known as a drift dive.
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.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.