Meet the site
The Southern Ledges are described by marine life writers as among the most exciting dive sites at Lady Musgrave. They lie on the drop-off along the south side of the reef, where the wall is undercut by ledges and caves at 12-26 m, and they offer a more rugged, exposed experience than the lagoon and western bommies. The ledges and undercuts shelter wobbegong sharks, crayfish and lionfish, stingrays rest on the sand at their base, and turtles move along the wall. The wall itself carries black coral trees, gorgonian fans, sea whips and spiky soft corals, and reef sharks, eagle rays and manta rays pass in the blue. Because the south side faces the prevailing south-easterly trade winds, the site is dived only in calm conditions, which means it is less often visited than the sheltered sites. When conditions allow, the combination of wall, ledges and invertebrate growth makes it a standout. The depth and exposure make it most suitable for divers with Advanced certification and good buoyancy. A torch helps in the undercuts, where the colours of soft corals and sponges are otherwise lost. Current operator listings use a different set of names for their outer-reef drifts (for example The Caves and Jeff's Edge, both walls with overhangs), and the Southern Ledges may overlap with one of these; divers should ask the operator which site is scheduled. Private boat owners anchored in the lagoon sometimes dive the south side from a tender on calm mornings, but should carry an SMB and have a surface cover because of the swell and current.
What you might see
Wobbegongs, crayfish, stingrays, lionfish, turtles, black coral trees, gorgonians, sea whips, spiky soft corals, reef sharks, eagle rays, manta rays
Location
The drop-off on the south side of Lady Musgrave Reef, undercut by ledges and caves at 12-26 m, with black coral trees, gorgonians and sea whips.
Facilities nearby
Burnett Heads marina (Lady Musgrave Experience): parking, cafe and toilets; Lady Musgrave HQ pontoon has dive platform, hot showers, storage and overnight glamping/dorm beds. 1770 Marina: free parking, cafe.
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.