Meet the site
The Stokes Hill Wharf artificial reef was placed by NT Fisheries beneath the fishing platform on the approach to the wharf, to hold fish for the large number of anglers who fish there. It consists of three small vessels and several concrete pipes in about 10 m. NT Fisheries lists black jewfish, queenfish, cod, snapper and mackerel on the reef. Close by lie pieces of the wartime wreck Neptuna, the munitions ship that blew up at the old wharf on 19 February 1942 and was later almost completely removed by the Fujita salvors.
Stokes Hill Wharf itself has a long history. The original wharf was the scene of the worst single loss of life in the 1942 raids, when bombs hit the wharf and the Neptuna's depth charges exploded. The current wharf is now the centre of the Darwin Waterfront tourist precinct, with restaurants and a cruise terminal, and its pylons carry sponges, ascidians and soft corals.
As a dive the reef is a compact, shallow structure that attracts fish in numbers, and it can be combined with a look at the Neptuna debris for historical interest. Its drawbacks are equally clear: visibility beside the wharf is often poor, tidal flow along the wharf face is strong except at slack, and the constant fishing means line, hooks and lures litter the structure. It is therefore a site for experienced local divers on a good neap rather than a visitor's dive. Night-time fishing under the wharf lights is popular, so a night dive here is not practical.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Stokes Hill Wharf Artificial Reef is recorded as Artificial Reef in Darwin Harbour. 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
- Overhead environments
- Ask whether the plan stays entirely in open water. A wreck or cave listing is not permission or training to enter.
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 Stokes Hill Wharf 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 Stokes Hill Wharf 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
Black jewfish, queenfish, estuary cod, golden snapper, mackerel, batfish, trevally, sponges and ascidians on the pylons
Location
Beneath the public fishing platform on the approach to Stokes Hill Wharf at the Darwin Waterfront.
Facilities nearby
Darwin Waterfront: parking, toilets, cafes and restaurants on the wharf, lighting; dive shops in Darwin for fills.
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
nt.gov.aumarinelife.org.auen.wikipedia.orgRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.