Meet the site
North Bommie is a single, giant mushroom-shaped coral head on the northern edge of Heron Reef, about 100 m north of Blue Pools. It is relatively shallow and an easy dive, but it packs in a great deal of life, because the bommie is a major cleaning station for this part of the reef. The bommie is surrounded by clouds of glassfish and cardinalfish, which in turn attract predators: coral trout, coral cod, butterfly cod and barramundi cod hunt through the schools throughout the day. Large manta rays and sea turtles come in as regular cleaning clients, often hovering above the bommie while cleaner wrasse work over them. Guides have long pointed out resident leaf scorpionfish living on the bommie, colour morphs that the dive team have named over the years, which reward those who look closely. The overhanging 'mushroom' cap creates shaded undercuts where the glassfish shelter and where torchlight brings out the colours of sponges and soft corals. Because it is a single structure, navigation is simple: circle the bommie, then wait at the cleaning station. The site suits all levels and is particularly good for photographers, who can capture both the swirling baitfish and the mantas when they arrive. North Bommie is in the resort's top ten sites and is often paired with Blue Pools on the same trip. It is worth visiting more than once, since manta and turtle visits vary with season and tide. Give the cleaning station space: mantas and turtles abandon it quickly if divers crowd the top of the bommie, so settle on sand to one side and let the animals come to you.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
North Bommie (Heron Island) is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Heron Island & Capricorn Group. 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 North Bommie (Heron Island) suitable for my certification?
The record lists 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 North Bommie (Heron Island) 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
Glassfish, cardinalfish, coral trout, coral cod, butterfly cod, barramundi cod, leaf scorpionfish, manta rays, turtles, cleaner wrasse, sponges, soft corals
Location
A giant mushroom-shaped coral bommie about 100 m north of Blue Pools on the northern edge of Heron Reef; a major cleaning station for mantas and turtles.
Facilities nearby
Heron Island Resort dive centre beside the harbour: gear hire, nitrox availability should be checked, rinse tanks, lockers; resort restaurant and bar. No public facilities – access is for resort guests only.
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
diversiondivetravel.com.auheronisland.commarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.