Meet the site
The House Mooring is a boat dive off the south-western tip of Pelorus Island, where a beautiful sandy beach meets a shallow reef wall. The North Queensland Underwater Explorers Club records a private mooring in about 10 m of water; boats should check its condition before use and remember it is not a public mooring. The highlight is a giant clam colony on the reef, together with a good selection of reef invertebrates: Christmas tree worms in the coral heads, feather stars, nudibranchs, painted crayfish and cleaner shrimps. Pelagic fish pass along the reef from the channel, adding occasional excitement to what is otherwise a gentle, shallow dive. The club notes that coral is sparse near the mangrove shore, so divers should head along the reef wall away from the mangroves for the best growth. Lost fishing tackle is common, reflecting the Habitat Protection zoning and the popularity of the Palms with anglers. The mooring's position on the south-western corner puts it at the edge of the Orpheus–Pelorus channel, so it complements the channel dives (Western Edge and Ray's Lump) and gives a sheltered option in south-easterly weather. Depths are modest, current is usually mild and the site suits Open Water divers and snorkellers. As with all Palm Island sites, there are no facilities and no regular operator: this is a dive for private boats and club trips, and occasionally for Orpheus Island Lodge charters. Visibility of 6–12 m is typical. It is not a headline site, but the clams and invertebrates make it a pleasant second dive after a channel drift.
What you might see
Giant clams, Christmas tree worms, feather stars, nudibranchs, painted crayfish, cleaner shrimps, pelagic fish
Location
Private mooring in about 10 m off the sandy beach at Pelorus Island's south-western tip, with a shallow reef wall and giant clam colony.
Facilities nearby
No facilities on Pelorus (self-sufficient bush camping). Orpheus Island has three QPWS campgrounds (composting toilets, tables, gas BBQs), the luxury Orpheus Island Lodge (guests only) and the James Cook University research station (not open to the public). Nearest air fills in Townsville (Adrenalin, Pleasure Divers) or at the lodge for guests.
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
nquec.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.