Meet the site
The Stepping Stones are the signature dive of Bait Reef and among the best-known dive sites in the Whitsundays. 100 Magic Miles describes '18 or more flat-topped coral pinnacles lined up in a row', each 15–50 m in diameter, with absolutely vertical sides rising from the sand to within a few metres of the surface. From the air they look like a line of stepping stones leading across the reef, hence the name. The North Queensland Underwater Explorers Club calls them 'The Steps', a descending series of giant flat-topped bommies to about 25 m. Each pinnacle is a small world. Tourism Queensland notes channels and caves cut into them, and their walls are hung with gorgonians, sea whips and soft corals, while the flat tops are covered in hard-coral gardens that make superb snorkelling. Named stones among them include The Maze, Hawaii, Cluster of Four and The Lost Stone. Fish life is excellent: wrasse including giant Maori wrasse, sweetlips, cod, coral trout, trevally, batfish, groper, turtles, reef sharks and moray eels, with manta rays and other rays passing between May and September. The gaps between stones allow divers to move along the line in a single dive, and with depths from 3 to 30 m, the site suits all levels: Open Water divers can explore the upper walls and tops, while experienced divers visit the deeper bases and caves. Current is fairly consistent, so plan to travel with it. Bait Reef is a Marine National Park green zone. Because it lies on the outer reef, visibility is usually 10–25 m. Explore Group's Bait Reef scuba trips from Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island regularly include the Stepping Stones when weather allows.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Stepping Stones (Bait Reef) is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Whitsundays & Bowen. 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.
- 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 Stepping Stones (Bait 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 Stepping Stones (Bait 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
Giant Maori wrasse, sweetlips, cod, coral trout, trevally, batfish, groper, turtles, reef sharks, moray eels, manta rays (May–Sep), gorgonians, sea whips, soft corals, plate corals
Location
A line of 18 or more flat-topped coral pinnacles rising from sand on Bait Reef, on the outer reef about 32 km north-east of Hayman Island.
Facilities nearby
Departures from Coral Sea Marina and Port of Airlie (Airlie Beach) and Hamilton Island marina; air fills, hire and courses at Airlie Beach dive centres. No facilities at the bays.
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
100magicmiles.comqueensland.comnquec.org.augreatbarrierreeftours.comtourismbowen.com.ausailing-whitsundays.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.