Meet the site
The Polmaise Bommies lie on Polmaise Reef, just south-west of Masthead Island in the Capricorn Group. They are one of the few Capricorn sites outside Heron and Lady Musgrave with a published position and description, listed by the Marine Life Network with depths of 16-20 m and visibility of about 20 m. The bommies feature overhangs and swim-throughs that make for an interesting, structured dive, and they shelter a good mix of fish. Lionfish hover under the overhangs, crayfish hide in the cracks, and coral trout and barramundi cod patrol the bommies. As with most Capricorn reefs, turtles and reef sharks are likely visitors. Because there is no operator, the site is visited only by private boats, camping groups at Masthead and the occasional liveaboard. Divers should plan to be self-sufficient and approach the swim-throughs cautiously, checking that each is open and wide before entering. The Polmaise Bommies are a natural pairing with the Tambaroora wreck, which lies in only 8 m on the same reef and makes a good shallow second dive. Together they make Polmaise Reef one of the more interesting destinations for private boats in the Capricorn Group. The site suits divers with Advanced certification or equivalent experience, given its depth, remote setting and the likelihood of current. With few divers ever visiting, the bommies retain large, undisturbed fish, and a slow approach usually lets divers get close to the cod and trout sheltering in the overhangs. Bring a torch to light the recesses of the swim-throughs.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Polmaise Bommies is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Heron Island & Capricorn Group. 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.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
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 Polmaise Bommies 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 Polmaise Bommies 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
Lionfish, crayfish, coral trout, barramundi cod, turtles, reef sharks, reef fish, hard and soft corals
Location
Bommies with overhangs and swim-throughs in 16-20 m on Polmaise Reef near Masthead Island, Capricorn Group; around 20 m visibility.
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.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.