Meet the site
MacGillivray's Reef – also known as Banks Bank – is a coral sand cay reef about 20 minutes from Lizard Island. The resort describes a large reef system with anemonefish, schooling reef fish, moray eels, reef sharks, nudibranchs, flatworms and blue-spotted lagoon rays, as well as birdlife on the cay: noddy terns, brown boobies and bridled terns. The reef surrounds a small sand cay that is used by seabirds for roosting and nesting. Underwater, the reef slope drops from about 7 m to 25 m, offering a range of depths for divers of different levels. Schooling reef fish swarm over the reef, reef sharks patrol the edges, and moray eels peer from holes. The smaller life is rich: nudibranchs and flatworms on the reef surfaces, anemones with anemonefish, and blue-spotted lagoon rays on the sand. The site is close enough to the island for a half-day trip, making it a popular choice for resort guests. Divers can explore the reef slope, while snorkellers can enjoy the shallower sections near the cay, depending on conditions. MacGillivray Reef is named after the naturalist John MacGillivray, who visited the area aboard HMS Rattlesnake in the 1840s. Visitors should not land on the cay during bird-nesting periods, and should keep noise down near roosting birds. The combination of reef and birdlife makes this a varied outing. It suits divers of all levels, and the macro life will appeal to photographers. Lizard Island is remote: the nearest recompression chamber is in Townsville, several hours away by aeromedical evacuation, so divers should dive conservatively, stay well within no-decompression limits and hold dive insurance that covers evacuation.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
MacGillivray Reef is recorded as Reef in Ribbon Reefs & Lizard Island. 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.
- 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 MacGillivray 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 MacGillivray 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
Anemonefish, schooling reef fish, moray eels, reef sharks, nudibranchs, flatworms, blue-spotted lagoon rays; seabirds on the cay (noddy terns, brown boobies, bridled terns)
Location
A coral sand cay reef about 20 minutes by boat from Lizard Island, with a large reef system and a seabird-nesting cay.
Facilities nearby
Lizard Island Resort (guests only) – dive centre, gear hire, air fills; Queensland Parks camping ground at Watsons Bay with toilets, picnic tables and a hand-pumped freshwater supply; no shop or fuel for visitors.
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
lizardisland.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.