Meet the site
Rick Mills Reef is one of three artificial reefs placed off Lee Point by the NT Government to create fish habitat close to Darwin's northern suburbs. According to the NT Government reef list it is built from assorted plant equipment, about 1,500 tonnes of concrete culverts and five shipping containers, deployed in around 15 m of water. Local fishermen later added the 15 m steel yacht Van Bruggen close by in 2008, which is now a dive in its own right.
The reef is a broad, low field of heavy material rather than a single tall structure. Box culverts are stacked and scattered in piles, creating tunnels and ledges, while the containers and old machinery form larger blocks that fish use as shelter. After years on the bottom the concrete and steel carry encrusting sponges, hydroids, oysters, small soft corals and algae.
Fish life is the attraction. Golden snapper and fingermark hang around the culverts, black jewfish and estuary cod occupy the bigger voids, and schools of baitfish attract trevally, queenfish and the occasional Spanish mackerel. Along the sand and mud edges look for rays, flathead and shovelnose rays. In poor visibility the fish often appear suddenly at arm's length.
Visibility is the main limitation: this is a shallow site near a muddy coastline, and even on a good neap it rarely exceeds 8 m. The shallow depth, however, gives long bottom times, and the reef is close enough to the Buffalo Creek ramp for a short, low-cost boat trip. It suits Darwin-based divers with a boat who want a quick local dive, and it is a good training ground for low-visibility navigation. Pair it with the Van Bruggen or with the Truck Tipper reef to the east.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Rick Mills Artificial Reef is recorded as Artificial Reef in Darwin Offshore & Artificial Reefs. 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.
- 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- 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 Rick Mills Artificial Reef 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 Rick Mills Artificial 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
Golden snapper, fingermark, black jewfish, estuary cod, trevally, queenfish, Spanish mackerel, baitfish, rays, flathead, sponges, hydroids
Location
The westernmost of the Lee Point artificial reefs, off Casuarina/Lee Point north of Darwin (12°18.451'S 130°48.872'E), close to the Van Bruggen yacht wreck.
Facilities nearby
Buffalo Creek boat ramp (trailer parking, no fuel); nearest air fills and fuel in Darwin.
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
nt.gov.audsac.com.aumarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
