Meet the site
Myrmidon Reef lies on the eastern rim of the Great Barrier Reef off Townsville, where the continental shelf falls away into the Coral Sea. It is the outermost reef in the Townsville sector and an AIMS long-term monitoring site, carrying an automated weather station tower. For divers it offers an experience quite unlike the mid-shelf day-trip reefs: clear oceanic water, big walls and a strong pelagic presence. The Marine Life Network describes a reef of caves, crevices and canyons, with multiple flanks cut by gullies, overhangs, bommies, walls and swim-throughs, generally dived at 20 m and more. Visibility of 10–30 m is typical, and the water clarity lets divers see well down the walls. Giant clams sit on the shallower terraces, turtles and stingrays are common, sharks patrol the edges, and pelagic fish move along the drop-offs, while the reef fish community – surgeonfish, damselfish, parrotfish, coral trout, fusiliers – is abundant. The reef took damage in Cyclone Yasi in 2011 and was reported as recovering. Myrmidon's exposure is both its appeal and its problem. It needs calm weather, can have strong currents and is a long way from port, so it is not visited by day boats. In the heyday of Townsville liveaboards it featured on multi-day circuits; today it is reached mainly on occasional liveaboard or long-range charters, sometimes combined with the Yongala. For experienced divers who get the chance, Myrmidon offers the closest thing to Coral Sea-style wall diving within the Townsville region, with the bonus of clear water and larger animals. Documentation of individual named sites is limited, and current operator coverage should be checked 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.
Myrmidon Reef is recorded as Reef in Townsville & Magnetic Island. The listed access is boat (multi-day/liveaboard). 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.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
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 Myrmidon Reef suitable for my certification?
The record lists Deep/Advanced + experience. 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 Myrmidon 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
Grey and white-tip reef sharks, pelagic fish (trevally, mackerel, tuna), turtles, stingrays, giant clams, surgeonfish, damselfish, parrotfish, coral trout, fusiliers, gorgonians and soft corals
Location
Ribbon-type reef on the eastern edge of the Great Barrier Reef, roughly 120 km north-east of Townsville, facing the Coral Sea.
Facilities nearby
Liveaboard/charter departures from Breakwater Marina, Townsville.
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.aupacificmarinegroup.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
