Meet the site
Soft Spot is a Flinders Reefs site that marinelife.org.au describes as pinnacles with hundreds of colourful soft coral trees. The name is a play on words: this is the spot for soft corals, and a soft spot for those who love them.
Soft coral trees (Dendronephthya and related genera) grow best where current carries plankton past them, inflating their translucent stems and branches to feed. On pinnacles in open water, the up-current faces can be covered in them, in reds, pinks, oranges, purples and whites. Hundreds of trees on one set of pinnacles, as marinelife.org.au describes, make for spectacular wide-angle photography, particularly when the current is running and the corals are fully extended.
The pinnacles also attract fish. Anthias swarm around the soft corals, and schooling fusiliers, trevally and snapper circle the structures. Reef sharks patrol, and Cruising the Edge notes tiger sharks, tawny nurse sharks and tuna in the Flinders area. Look among the soft coral branches for commensal crabs, shrimps and cowries.
Cruising the Edge describes Mid Reef, where bommies rise 45 m from the lagoon floor with a multicoloured gully of feather stars, fans, whips and soft corals in a strong westward current; that may be the same area or a similar one nearby.
Soft Spot suits intermediate divers. The soft corals look best in current, so expect some water movement and stay close to the pinnacles.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Soft Spot (Flinders Reef) is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Coral Sea. 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.
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 Soft Spot (Flinders Reef) 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 Soft Spot (Flinders 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
Soft coral trees (hundreds), anthias, fusiliers, trevally, snapper, reef sharks, commensal crabs, shrimps and cowries; possible tiger sharks and tuna
Location
Pinnacles in the Flinders Reefs covered in hundreds of colourful soft coral trees.
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.aucruisingtheedge.comaustralianmarineparks.gov.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
