Meet the site
Little Kelso Reef sits alongside Kelso Reef on the mid-shelf north of Townsville, and although it is the smaller of the two, it is the more interesting dive. The Marine Life Network's site listing describes two contrasting sides: a sheltered north-western back where boats can sit out the south-east trade winds, and a north-eastern face that drops vertically to about 15 m and is cut with gullies, caves, overhangs and swim-throughs. The wall is where the diving is. Coralline and turf algae dominate some surfaces – a sign of cyclone damage and recovery in progress rather than a thriving hard-coral reef – but the structure remains, and fish abundance is good. Damselfish, parrotfish, surgeonfish and fusiliers stream along the face, coral trout sit in the caves, and pelagic species and snapper patrol the edge. The overhangs and swim-throughs make it a satisfying dive for photographers and for divers who like topography, even if coral colour is patchy. At a modest depth of about 15 m and with shelter nearby, Little Kelso is a manageable site for Open Water divers with some experience, though current can run along the face on spring tides. Its biggest barrier is access: like Kelso, it is roughly three hours or more from Townsville and is not on any operator's regular schedule. Divers on private charters from Lucinda or Orpheus Island, or on liveaboards working the reefs north of Townsville, are the likeliest visitors. Documentation is limited to citizen-science and club listings; exact position, maximum depth and current reef condition should be confirmed locally before planning a trip.
What you might see
Damselfish, parrotfish, surgeonfish, fusiliers, coral trout, snapper, pelagic species, reef sharks
Location
Small reef beside Kelso Reef, about 47 nautical miles north of Townsville, with a vertical north-eastern drop-off.
Facilities nearby
Departures from Breakwater Marina, Townsville, or Lucinda boat ramp.
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
marinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.