Meet the site
The South Stradbroke Artificial Reef was established on 17 August 2011 east of South Stradbroke Island, about 3 km north of the Gold Coast Seaway. It covers 208 hectares and consists of 20 concrete fish boxes, each about 4 cubic metres and 17 tonnes, arranged in four clusters at an average depth of about 22 m. It is one of the Moreton Bay Marine Park artificial reefs built to improve recreational fishing close to the Gold Coast, and the concrete boxes are designed to provide holes and ledges that attract baitfish and the reef and pelagic species that feed on them. The reef is included here so divers know it exists and what its status is: under the Queensland Parks rules, anchoring, spearfishing and snorkelling are allowed, but scuba diving is prohibited. That limits it to freedivers and spearfishers, and at 22 m the modules themselves are a deep breath-hold dive. Pelagic fish such as mackerel, cobia, trevally and kingfish are the main targets, along with snapper and sweetlip around the structures; wobbegongs and rays are also likely on the sand. Conditions are those of the open coast north of the Seaway: exposed to swell and south-easterly winds, with visibility usually better than inside the Broadwater. Scuba divers wanting a similar-depth structure dive should head instead to Wonder Reef or the Dragin II wreck, both permitted and dived by operators. Check the latest rules with Queensland Parks before visiting, as artificial reef regulations can change. Fly a dive flag and keep clear of anglers working the clusters.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
South Stradbroke Artificial Reef is recorded as Artificial Reef in Gold Coast. 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- 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 South Stradbroke Artificial Reef suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. 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 South Stradbroke 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
Mackerel, cobia, trevally, kingfish, snapper, sweetlip, baitfish, wobbegongs, rays
Location
Four clusters of concrete fish boxes in about 22 m, east of South Stradbroke Island about 3 km north of the Gold Coast Seaway, established 2011.
Facilities nearby
Broadwater ramps (Runaway Bay, Southport) with parking and toilets.
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
parks.qld.gov.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.