Meet the site
Simpson Artificial Reef is one of two modern purpose-built fish-habitat reefs in Hervey Bay. It consists of around 15 reinforced concrete modules, each weighing up to 24 tonnes, placed in five clusters of three across about 80 ha, roughly 7 nm from Urangan Harbour in 10-16 m of water. It is named after John Simpson, the first head lighthouse keeper on Woody Island.
The reef was designed primarily for recreational fishing, and marinelife.org.au notes that purpose. Each cluster is a compact structure on sand – a set of hollow concrete shapes with openings and overhangs that attract baitfish, reef fish and predators. Growth has steadily colonised the concrete since deployment, and Hervey Bay Dive Centre includes Simpson among the sites on its local dive trips, usually when conditions suit.
As a dive, it is small-scale: one cluster per dive, circling the modules and looking into the openings for cod, sweetlips and wobbegongs, with schools of baitfish and trevally overhead. The bay's usual limits apply – visibility is often 5 m or less, tidal current runs across the site, and fishing boats are frequently anchored on the marks, so discarded line is common and divers should check the surface before ascending.
Simpson suits Open Water divers who want a different structure from the historic hulls of Roy Rufus, and is a reasonable option when the strait is running too hard for the older reef. The modules are hollow, so shine a torch into the openings – the biggest fish tend to sit deep inside – but do not put your head or body into them.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Simpson Artificial Reef is recorded as Artificial Reef in Hervey Bay & K'gari. The listed access is boat. 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.
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 Simpson 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 Simpson 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
Baitfish, trevally, cod, sweetlips, wobbegongs, snapper, reef fish, encrusting growth
Location
Fish-habitat reef of about 15 concrete modules (up to 24 t each) in clusters of three over about 80 ha, roughly 7 nm from Urangan Harbour in 10-16 m.
Facilities nearby
Departure: Urangan Boat Harbour
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
fishingboatingexploring.com.aumarinelife.org.audiveherveybay.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.