Meet the site
The North Moreton Artificial Reef is one of the Queensland Government's Moreton Bay artificial reefs, established on 15 August 2015. It covers 200 hectares north of Moreton Island and consists of 25 concrete fish boxes, each about 4 cubic metres and weighing 17 tonnes, placed in three clusters at an average depth of about 14 m. The reef was designed as a fishing and spearfishing site targeting pelagic species, and marinelife.org.au notes it is used by spearfishers chasing mackerel, cobia and other pelagics as they move through the northern bay entrance. Under the reef rules published by Queensland Parks, anchoring, spearfishing and snorkelling are allowed, but scuba diving is prohibited, so this is a freediving site only. It is included here because it is listed among the region's reef sites and because freedivers and spearfishers use it; scuba divers should not plan to dive it. The concrete modules attract baitfish, which in turn draw mackerel, trevally, cobia and kingfish, while reef fish, sweetlip and wobbegongs settle around the blocks themselves. Growth on the concrete will increase as the reef matures. Depth of 14 m makes it a moderately deep freedive, and currents at the northern entrance to the bay can be significant, so slack-water timing and a surface float are important. For scuba divers, nearby alternatives include Flinders Reef and the Cementco wreck to the east, both within the same boat trip. Check the current rules and marine park zoning before visiting, as artificial reef regulations can change. Anyone freediving here should also be aware of the shipping using the North West Channel nearby and fly a dive flag.
What you might see
Mackerel, cobia, trevally, kingfish, baitfish, sweetlip, reef fish, wobbegongs
Location
200-hectare artificial reef of concrete fish boxes north of Moreton Island in about 14 m, established in 2015 for fishing and spearfishing.
Facilities nearby
Scarborough Boat Harbour or Bribie Island ramps (parking, toilets, fuel).
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
parks.qld.gov.aumarinelife.org.auparks.des.qld.gov.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.